Jared Veldheer
{{Short description|American football player (born 1987)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Jared Veldheer
| image = Jared Veldheer 2015.JPG
| caption = Veldheer with the Arizona Cardinals in 2015
| current_team =
| number = 65, 68
| position = Offensive tackle
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|6|14}}
| birth_place = Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 8
| weight_lbs = 321
| high_school = Forest Hills Northern
(Grand Rapids, Michigan)
| college = Hillsdale (2005–2009)
| draftyear = 2010
| draftround = 3
| draftpick = 69
| pastteams = * Oakland Raiders ({{NFL Year|2010}}–{{NFL Year|2013}})
- Arizona Cardinals ({{NFL Year|2014}}–{{NFL Year|2017}})
- Denver Broncos ({{NFL Year|2018}})
- New England Patriots ({{NFL Year|2019}})*
- Green Bay Packers ({{NFL Year|2019}})
- Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2020}})
- Green Bay Packers ({{NFL Year|2020}})
- Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2023}})
| status =
| highlights = * First-team All-American (2009)
- AFCA first-team All-Region (2009)
- First-team All-GLIAC (2008)
- Second-team All-GLIAC (2007)
- Offensive Freshman of the Year (2006)
| statweek =
| statseason =
| statlabel1 = Games played
| statvalue1 = 121
| statlabel2 = Games started
| statvalue2 = 114
| pfr = V/VeldJa20
}}
Jared Veldheer (born June 14, 1987) is an American former professional football offensive tackle. He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2010 NFL draft. He played college football at Hillsdale.
Early life and college
Veldheer was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Jim and Mary Veldheer. He has two siblings, one older brother (Aaron Veldheer) and a younger sister (Meghan Veldheer). Jared graduated from Forest Hills Northern High School in 2005. In high school, Veldheer was named Most Valuable Lineman and played two years of varsity basketball, and his high school football coach Brent Myers graduated from Hillsdale College, the NCAA Division II college that Veldheer would attend. In 2008, Veldheer was co-captain of the Hillsdale Chargers football team. After the 2009 season, the American Football Coaches Association named him First-team All-American. Veldheer is an alumnus of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.{{cite web|title=#66 Jared Veldheer|url=http://www.hillsdale.edu/admissions/news/news_story.asp?iNewsID=1139&strBack=/admissions/news/news_archive.asp|publisher=Hillsdale College|access-date=December 28, 2010}}
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 8 1/8
| weight = 312
| dash = 5.09
| ten split = 1.73
| twenty split = 2.94
| shuttle = 4.51
| cone drill = 7.40
| vertical = 33.5
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 1
| bench = 32
| arm span = 33
| hand span = 10
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |title=Jared Veldheer Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jared-veldheer/32005645-4c11-6302-6665-c63598a1ecdf |access-date=September 12, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Draft Scout Jared Veldheer College Football Profile |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=86432&DraftYear=2010 |access-date=September 12, 2023 |website=DraftScout.com}}
}}
=Oakland Raiders=
Veldheer was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the third round (69th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/draft.htm |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} At the conclusion of the 2010 preseason, he was named Oakland's starting center, beating out veteran Samson Satele.{{cite news |author=Corkran, Steve |title=Jared Veldheer gets call as Raiders' starting center |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15996498 |work=Mercury News |date=September 4, 2010 |access-date=September 23, 2010}} However, after the first game, Veldheer was moved back to offensive tackle, replaced at center by Satele for the rest of the season, and began sharing time with veteran Mario Henderson.{{cite news |author=Corkran, Steve |title=Raiders notebook: Coach Tom Cable will continue to rotate Mario Henderson, rookie Jared Veldheer at left tackle |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders-headlines/ci_16148765 |work=Mercury News |date=September 22, 2010 |access-date=September 23, 2010}} By midseason, Veldheer had supplanted Henderson to become the Raiders' full-time starting left tackle.{{cite news|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders-headlines/ci_16452429?nclick_check=1|author=Corkran, Steve|date = October 22, 2010|access-date = November 2, 2010|title = Raiders notebook: Injured quarterback Bruce Gradkowski misses seventh straight practice|work=Mercury News}} On opening day of the 2011 NFL season, he started at left tackle next to rookie Stefen Wisniewski and the offensive line cleared the way for 190 rushing yards and a victory over the Denver Broncos.
=Arizona Cardinals=
On March 11, 2014, Veldheer signed a five-year, $35 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals.{{cite web|last=Gantt|first=Darin|title=Cardinals land their left tackle in Jared Veldheer|date=March 11, 2014 |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/11/cardinals-land-their-left-tackle-in-jared-veldheer/|publisher=Pro Football Talk|access-date=March 11, 2014}} On October 31, 2016, Veldheer was placed on injured reserve after tearing his right triceps in Week 8.{{cite web|title=Jared Veldheer To IR; Tyrann Mathieu Also Hurt|url=http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Jared-Veldheer-To-IR-Tyrann-Mathieu-Also-Hurt/a365f0fd-4d76-4d51-bd05-dec56427898d|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212140652/http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Jared-Veldheer-To-IR-Tyrann-Mathieu-Also-Hurt/a365f0fd-4d76-4d51-bd05-dec56427898d|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 12, 2017|author=Urban, Darren|website=AZCardinals.com|date=October 31, 2016}}
In 2017, Veldheer started the first 13 games at right tackle before being placed on injured reserve on December 11, 2017 with an ankle injury.{{cite web|title=Jared Veldheer Headed To Injured Reserve|url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/jared-veldheer-headed-to-injured-reserve-19960349|author=Urban, Darren|website=AZCardinals.com|date=December 11, 2017}}
=Denver Broncos=
On March 23, 2018, Veldheer was traded to the Broncos for a 2018 sixth round pick.{{cite web|title=Broncos acquire T Jared Veldheer in trade with Cardinals|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-acquire-t-jared-veldheer-in-trade-with-cardinals-20484034|author=Swanson, Ben|website=DenverBroncos.com|date=March 23, 2018}} He started 12 games at right tackle, missing four games with a knee injury.
=New England Patriots=
On May 13, 2019, Veldheer signed with the New England Patriots on a one-year deal.{{cite web|title=Patriots Sign WR Dontrelle Inman and OL Jared Veldheer|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-sign-wr-dontrelle-inman-and-ol-jared-veldheer|website=Patriots.com|date=May 13, 2019}} On May 21, 2019, just a week after signing with the Patriots, Veldheer announced his retirement from the NFL;{{cite web|title=OT Veldheer tells Patriots that he's retiring|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26794785/source-ot-veldheer-tells-pats-retiring|author=Reiss, Mike|publisher=ESPN|date=May 21, 2019}} the Patriots used his roster spot to sign Gunner Olszewski.{{Cite web|last=Andrew Callahan {{!}} acallahan@masslive. com|date=2019-09-05|title=The inside story of how Patriots rookie Gunner Olszewski became the NFL's unlikeliest underdog|url=https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2019/09/the-inside-story-of-how-patriots-rookie-gunner-olszewski-rose-from-undrafted-d-ii-corner-to-nfl-wide-receiver.html|access-date=2021-08-01|website=masslive|language=en}} He was subsequently placed on the reserve/retired list by the team, but was waived from the list on November 26, 2019, after expressing interest in playing again.
=Green Bay Packers (first stint)=
On November 27, 2019, Veldheer was claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers.{{cite web|title=Packers claim Jared Veldheer off waivers|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/11/27/packers-claim-jared-veldheer-off-waivers/|author=Alper, Josh|work=Pro Football Talk|publisher=NBC Sports|date=November 27, 2019}} He was reinstated from the reserve/retired list on November 29, and the team received a roster exemption for him.{{cite news |title=Packers claim T Jared Veldheer off of waivers |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-claim-t-jared-veldheer-off-of-waivers |website=Packers.com |date=November 29, 2019 |access-date=November 29, 2019}} He was activated on December 9, 2019.{{cite web|title=Packers activate T Jared Veldheer|url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-activate-t-jared-veldheer|website=Packers.com|date=December 9, 2019|access-date=December 10, 2019|archive-date=December 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210014529/https://www.packers.com/news/packers-activate-t-jared-veldheer|url-status=dead}} He saw his first action as a Packer on December 23 during a Week 16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. On December 29, during a Week 17 victory over the Detroit Lions, Veldheer stepped in at right tackle when starter Bryan Bulaga left the game with a concussion and did not return.{{cite web |title=Packers' Bryan Bulaga: Dealing with head injury |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/packers-bryan-bulaga-dealing-with-head-injury/ |website=Rotowire |publisher=CBSSports.com |access-date=December 29, 2019 |date=December 29, 2019}}
On September 21, 2020, Veldheer announced his retirement again despite receiving a contract offer from the Dallas Cowboys.{{cite web|title=Jared Veldheer retires rather than sign with Cowboys|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/09/21/jared-veldheer-retires-rather-than-sign-with-cowboys/|author=Gantt, Darin|work=Pro Football Talk|publisher=NBC Sports|date=September 21, 2020}}
=Indianapolis Colts (first stint)=
Veldheer had a free agent visit with the Indianapolis Colts on December 28, 2020.{{cite tweet |user=FieldYates |title=With their current issues at OT, the Colts are bringing in veteran Jared Veldheer for a workout. Intriguing name after finishing last season and playing well in spot duty for the Packers. |number=1343691974025555969 |date=December 28, 2020 |access-date=December 28, 2020}} He was signed to their practice squad on December 31.{{cite web|title=Colts Sign T Jared Veldheer to Practice Squad|url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-sign-t-jared-veldheer-to-practice-squad|website=Colts.com|date=December 31, 2020}} He was elevated to the active roster on January 2 and 8, 2021, for the team's week 17 and wild card playoff games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills, and reverted to the practice squad after each game.{{cite news |title=Colts Activate TE Noah Togiai From IR; Waive WR Marcus Johnson; Elevate S Ibraheim Campbell, T Jared Veldheer To Active Roster |url=https://www.colts.com/news/noah-togiai-ibraheim-campbell-jared-veldheer-roter-moves-week-17 |website=Colts.com |date=January 2, 2021 |access-date=February 13, 2021}}{{cite news |title=Colts Elevate RB Darius Anderson, T Jared Veldheer To Active Roster |url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-elevate-rb-darius-anderson-t-jared-veldheer-to-active-roster |website=Colts.com |date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=February 16, 2021}}
=Green Bay Packers (second stint)=
On January 12, 2021, the Packers signed Veldheer off of the Colts' practice squad.{{cite web|title=Packers sign T Jared Veldheer off of the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad|url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-sign-t-jared-veldheer-off-of-the-indianapolis-colts-practice-squad|publisher=packers.com|date=January 12, 2021}} He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list one day later.{{cite web|title=Packers place T Jared Veldheer on reserve/COVID-19 list|url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-placed-t-jared-veldheer-on-the-reserve-covid-19-list|publisher=packers.com|date=January 13, 2021}}
On May 27, 2021, Veldheer was suspended for six games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.{{Cite web|title=Veteran offensive lineman Jared Veldheer retires from NFL following six-game suspension|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/veteran-offensive-lineman-jared-veldheer-retires-from-nfl-following-six-game-suspension/|access-date=May 27, 2021|website=CBSSports.com|date=May 27, 2021 }} After his suspension was announced, he said the positive drug test resulted from taking Clomifene and he would subsequently retire from the NFL.
=Indianapolis Colts (second stint)=
On December 8, 2023, the Colts hosted Veldheer for a workout.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Tony |date=2023-12-08 |title=Colts Worked Out OL Jared Veldheer & OL Isaac Alarcon |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/colts-work-out-ol-jared-veldheer-ol-isaac-alarcon/ |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}} It was announced that he would sign with the practice squad on December 11.{{cite web |last1=Hickey |first1=Kevin |title=Colts to sign OT Jared Veldheer to practice squad |url=https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/11/indianapolis-colts-roster-moves-news-jared-veldheer-practice-squad/ |website=Colts Wire |date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=11 December 2023}} He was not signed to a reserve/future contract after the season and thus became a free agent upon the expiration of his practice squad contract.{{Cite web|url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-sign-9-to-reserve-future-contracts-4-to-one-year-contract-extensions-waive|website=Colts.com|title=Colts sign 9 to reserve/future contracts, 4 to one-year contract extensions, waive CB Tony Brown |date=January 8, 2024}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.hillsdale.edu/admissions/news/news_story.asp?iNewsID=1139&strBack=/admissions/news/news_archive.asp Hillsdale Chargers bio]
- {{Commons category-inline}}
{{Raiders2010DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Veldheer, Jared}}
Category:Players of American football from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Category:American people of Dutch descent
Category:American football centers
Category:American football offensive tackles
Category:Hillsdale Chargers football players
Category:Oakland Raiders players
Category:Arizona Cardinals players
Category:Denver Broncos players
Category:New England Patriots players