Josh Kline

Kline was born in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, to Rick and Julie Kline. Josh and his family lived in Hartville, Ohio (near Akron), until they moved to Mason, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati, when Josh was in second grade.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4754262|title=Football journey: OL Josh Kline|date=November 30, 2013|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}}

Kline grew up in Mason, Ohio and graduated from William Mason High School in 2008.{{cite web|url=https://n.rivals.com/|title=Rivals|website=N.rivals.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}} He was an offensive lineman in football, playing tackle and center, earning second-team All-Greater Miami Conference honors as the Comets' center his senior year.

As a wrestler, in his senior year, Kline was the Ohio Division I (big-school) champion in the 285-pound weight class. His record for the year was 45–1 with 32 pins.{{cite web|url=http://gmcsports.com/statspage.aspx?satc=149&year=2007&div=1|title=Greater Miami Conference|website=Gmcsports.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/wr/boys/2008/bd1rslt08.htm|title=Wrestling: 2008 DIVISION I RESULTS|website=Ohsaa.org|access-date=April 2, 2019}} In the state meet, he pinned his first two opponents and in the semifinal he was taken to overtime, prevailing 6–4. He then won the championship match by pin.{{cite web|url=http://gmcsports.com/statspage.aspx?satc=113&year=2007&div=1|title=Greater Miami Conference|website=Gmcsports.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}}

Although he grew up just outside Cincinnati, Kline was a Cleveland Browns fan due to his father Rick's roots in northeast Ohio.

Kline was recruited by Mid-American Conference schools and chose to attend Kent State in Kent, Ohio. "My grandparents still live there. I was familiar with Kent and knew the area well.{{nbsp}}... it was a combination of having a chance to play and an opportunity to help change the culture a little bit. We did my senior year. It was a good experience and I’m glad I picked it.” Kline redshirted the 2008 season before playing in all 12 games of his redshirt freshman campaign in 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.kentstatesports.com/sports/fball/2012-13/bios/kline%20josh|title=Josh Kline|website=Kentstatesports.com|access-date=May 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606185056/http://www.kentstatesports.com/sports/fball/2012-13/bios/kline%20josh|archive-date=June 6, 2013}} In 2010, he started in eight of 12 games, then started all 12 games in 2011, making seven starts at right tackle before sliding inside to right guard for the final five games.

As a senior, Kline primarily played left guard as he earned second-team all Mid-American Conference honors as the Golden Flashes had their best season in 40 years, going 11–3 overall, winning the MAC East title and playing in the MAC Championship Game, which they lost in double overtime to Northern Illinois University.{{cite web|url=https://kentstatesports.com/news/2013/4/29/4_29_2013_1518.aspx?path=football|title=Kline Joins New England Patriots|website=Kent State University Athletics|access-date=April 2, 2019}} They earned a berth in the postseason GoDaddy.com Bowl, where they were defeated 17–13 by Arkansas State University.

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| note = All values from Kent State Pro Day{{Citation |url=http://blogs.nfl.com/2013/03/06/josh-kline-emerges-as-possible-draft-pick-at-kent-state-pro-day/|title=Josh Kline emerges as possible draft pick at Kent State Pro Day|work=nfl.com |access-date=May 25, 2013}}

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File: Josh Kline.JPG

Kline was projected by some to be chosen in the late rounds of the 2013 NFL draft on April 25–27, 2013. He had private pre-draft workouts with the New England Patriots as well as the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans and Oakland Raiders.{{cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/2013/04/kent_state_lineman_josh_klein.html|title=Kent State lineman Josh Kline hopes to hear name in NFL Draft|first=Elton|last=Alexander|date=April 22, 2013|website=Cleveland.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}}

He went undrafted, but after the draft ended on April 27, he was signed that day as a rookie free agent by the Patriots.{{cite web|url=http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2013/04/patriots_adding_undrafted_free_agents|title=Patriots adding undrafted free agents|website=Bostonherald.com|access-date=May 25, 2013}} He was released on September 2 but quickly re-signed to the Patriots' practice squad. He was activated for one game against the Buffalo Bills, then returned to the practice squad before again being added to the active roster on November 2. Kline appeared in his first NFL game on November 3 when he entered the game at left guard for the final play, a kneel-down against the Pittsburgh Steelers.{{cite web|url=http://patriots.1stroundmediagroup.com/|title=Patriots Media Info - 2017|website=Patriots.1stroundmediagroup.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}} He played briefly in the Patriots' 34–31 win December 1 over the Houston Texans.{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/12/02/with-stevan-ridley-benched-patriots-turn-james-develin/MSEl6TonlZyuwUsssypo8O/story.html|title=With Stevan Ridley benched, Patriots turn to James Develin - The Boston Globe|first=Michael Whitmer-|last=Reporter|website=BostonGlobe.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.patriots.com/team/transactions.html |title=Patriots.com | Transactions |access-date=November 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111185608/http://www.patriots.com/team/transactions.html |archive-date=November 11, 2013 }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.patriots.com/news/article-1/Patriots-sign-OL-Josh-Kline-to-the-practice-squad-Release-OL-RJ-Dill/add8564e-af76-45bb-b620-c1ef28f5a2fb |title=Patriots sign OL Josh Kline to the practice squad; Release OL R.J. Dill |access-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003144440/http://www.patriots.com/news/article-1/Patriots-sign-OL-Josh-Kline-to-the-practice-squad-Release-OL-RJ-Dill/add8564e-af76-45bb-b620-c1ef28f5a2fb |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

He saw his first significant playing time in a December 15 game against the Miami Dolphins, when Patriots starting offensive lineman Nate Solder went down with an injury. Kline was inserted into the lineup and played most of the game at left guard, with starting left guard Logan Mankins shifting to left tackle.{{cite web|url=http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2013/12/new-england-patriots-at-miami-dolphins-week-15-observations.html|title=New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins: Week 15 Observations|date=December 15, 2013|website=Nepatriotsdraft.com|access-date=April 2, 2019|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402131449/http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2013/12/new-england-patriots-at-miami-dolphins-week-15-observations.html|url-status=dead}}

Kline made his first start and played the entire game at left guard as the Patriots cruised to a 41–7 win over the Baltimore Ravens on December 22, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4755940|title=Kline, Daboll among unsung contributors|date=December 23, 2013|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}}

For the season, Kline played in seven regular season games, including one start.{{cite web|url=http://www.patriots.com/team/roster/Josh-Kline/60974c4b-632f-47cd-aa5f-57624f13d337 |title=New England Patriots: Josh Kline |access-date=January 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114073818/http://www.patriots.com/team/roster/Josh-Kline/60974c4b-632f-47cd-aa5f-57624f13d337 |archive-date=January 14, 2014 }}

By the end of the season, on the Patriots depth chart, he was listed as the second-team left guard behind starter and six-time Pro Bowl selection Mankins as well as second-team right guard behind Dan Connolly.{{cite web|url=http://www.patriots.com/schedule-and-stats/depth-chart.html |title=Official Website of the New England Patriots | Games & Stats - Depth Chart |access-date=November 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111220057/http://www.patriots.com/schedule-and-stats/depth-chart.html |archive-date=November 11, 2013 }}

Just days before the Patriots' final preseason game, on August 26 the perennial All-Pro Mankins was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/11412354|title=Pats trade OG Mankins to Bucs for TE Wright|date=August 26, 2014|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}} a move expected to provide an opportunity for increased playing time for Kline, who started the final preseason game.{{cite web|url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2014/08/29/roche-josh-kline-did-fine-in-place-of-mankins/|title=Roche: Josh Kline Did Fine In Place Of Mankins|date=August 29, 2014|website=Boston.cbslocal.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}} However, after a subpar performance in that game, Kline was on the inactive roster for the regular season opener against the Miami Dolphins.{{Cite web |url=http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/newengland/football/patriots/2014/09/07/aaron-dobson-josh-kline-inactive-as-rob-gronkowski-active-ready-to-play/ |title=It is What It is » Aaron Dobson, Josh Kline inactive as Rob Gronkowski active, ready to play |access-date=September 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908015849/http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/newengland/football/patriots/2014/09/07/aaron-dobson-josh-kline-inactive-as-rob-gronkowski-active-ready-to-play/ |archive-date=September 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://prod.static.patriots.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/gamebooks/2014/20140907_MIA_Gamebook.pdf|title=National Football League Game Summary|website=Prod.static.patriots.clubs.nfl.com|access-date=September 7, 2014|archive-date=September 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908021400/http://prod.static.patriots.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/gamebooks/2014/20140907_MIA_Gamebook.pdf|url-status=dead}} Prior to the Patriots' second game, against the Minnesota Vikings, he was again added to the active roster.{{cite tweet|user=GethinCoolbaugh|author=Gethin Coolbaugh|number=511184459530792960|date=September 14, 2014|title=Here are the inactives for the @Patriots and @Vikings today (via @theScore). #NEvsMIN}}/photo/1 and saw action on eight plays in the fourth quarter.{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extra_points/2014/09/patriots_week_2_game_notes_chandler_jones_kicks_ou.html|title=Patriots Game Notes: Chandler Jones Goes Outside, Kicks Into High Gear|date=September 14, 2014|website=Boston.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}} He was returned to the inactive list for their next three games{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/09/21/raiders-not-afraid-patriots-darrelle-revis/Ej8wk8afE6Fqu0YnuOX0hI/story.html|title=Raiders seemed to target Darrelle Revis - The Boston Globe|first=Michael Whitmer-|last=Reporter|website=BostonGlobe.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}}

Kline was reactivated for the October 12 Patriots win vs. the Buffalo Bills and started at right guard, his first start of the season and second of his career, playing 71 snaps.{{cite web|url=http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/patriots/content/20141012-josh-kline-gets-the-start-at-right-guard-for-the-patriots.ece |title=Josh Kline gets the start at right guard for the Patriots | Sports - Patriots | providencejournal.com | the Providence Journal |access-date=October 12, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017055905/http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/patriots/content/20141012-josh-kline-gets-the-start-at-right-guard-for-the-patriots.ece |archive-date=October 17, 2014 }} Four days later on October 16 he started again at right guard, playing 57 snaps in a Thursday night Patriots win over the New York Jets.{{Cite web |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2014/10/live_jordan_devey_josh_kline_starting_at_guard_positions |title=Live: Jordan Devey, Josh Kline starting at guard positions | the Blitz | with Jeff Howe & Karen Guregian | Boston Herald |access-date=October 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017021221/http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2014/10/live_jordan_devey_josh_kline_starting_at_guard_positions |archive-date=October 17, 2014 |url-status=dead }} He stayed on the active roster and played 23 snaps in a 51–23 win over the Chicago Bears. He remained on the active roster through the regular season finale against the Buffalo Bills, starting one of those games (his third start of the year), and finishing with 12 regular season games played in 2014.{{cite web|url=http://media.patriots.com/mediafiles/2014/16/2014_16_Game%20Summary_20141221_171949.pdf|title=National Football League Game Summary|website=Media.patriots.com}}{{cite web|url=http://media.patriots.com/mediafiles/2014/15/2014_15_Game%20Summary_20141214_182823.pdf|title=National Football League Game Summary|website=Media.patriots.com}}{{cite tweet|user=Patriots|author=New England Patriots|number=541743824460976129|date=December 7, 2014|title=#Patriots & Chargers Inactives. #NEvsSD}}/photo/1{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2014/11/04/patriots-replay-key-plays-from-patriots-win-over-denver/t6rUIr8YFAwjlLzqShgpcI/story.html|title=Patriots replay: Key plays from the Patriots' win over Denver - The Boston Globe|first=Ben Volin-|last=Reporter|website=BostonGlobe.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}}

Kline made his first postseason start January 18, 2015 in the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts following an injury to rookie center Bryan Stork, which resulted in guard Ryan Wendell moving to center and Kline at right guard. Kline earned praise for his performance as the Patriots dominated the Colts 45–7 to advance to Super Bowl XLIX.{{cite web|url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2015/1/18/7812911/patriots-player-of-the-game-josh-kline|title=Patriots Player of the Game: Josh Kline|first=Rich|last=Hill|date=January 18, 2015|website=Pats Pulpit|access-date=April 2, 2019}} Kline then earned a Super Bowl ring as the Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28–24 in Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, 2015.{{Cite web |url=http://www.fox19.com/clip/11091924/josh-klines-journey-from-mason-to-super-bowl-champ |title=Josh Kline's journey from Mason to Super Bowl champ - Cincinnati News, FOX19-WXIX TV |access-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205081455/http://www.fox19.com/clip/11091924/josh-klines-journey-from-mason-to-super-bowl-champ |archive-date=February 5, 2015 |url-status=dead }} Kline was one of two Patriots (the other being backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo) who was active but did not play any snaps.{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56502/SEA_Gamebook.pdf|title=National Football League Game Summary|website=Nfl.com|access-date=2 April 2019}}

In the Patriots' regular-season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 10, Kline started the game at left guard in the 28-21 Patriots win. In the offense's second series, he was switched to right guard, and rotated between the two positions throughout the game.{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2015/09/11/patriots-notebook-early-exit-for-dominique-easley/|title=Patriots notebook: Early exit for Dominique Easley|date=September 11, 2015|website=Bostonherald.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}} He was in the lineup for 54 of 61 offensive plays (89 percent).{{cite web|url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2015/9/13/9321259/patriots-vs-steelers-week-1-snap-counts-offense|title=Patriots vs. Steelers Snap Counts - Offense|first=Greg|last=Knopping|date=September 13, 2015|website=Pats Pulpit|access-date=April 2, 2019}}

Through Week 9, Kline started every game for New England, rotating between left and right guard.

On November 10, 2015, the Patriots announced the signing of Kline to a two-year contract extension through the 2017 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4787358|title=Patriots sign guard Josh Kline to two-year contract extension|date=November 10, 2015|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}}

In the 2015 regular season, Kline played in 14 games, starting 13.{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/players/joshkline/profile?id=KLI510348|title=Josh Kline|website=NFL.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}} He missed two games due to a shoulder injury. Kline played in 816 snaps, or 77.6 percent of the team's offensive plays as the Patriots won their division and the #2 seed in the AFC Playoffs.{{Cite web |url=http://www.sportingcharts.com/nfl/stats/player-offensive-snap-count-stats/2015/ |title=Offensive Player Snap Count Stats: 2015 NFL Season |access-date=January 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225061127/http://www.sportingcharts.com/nfl/stats/player-offensive-snap-count-stats/2015/ |archive-date=December 25, 2015 |url-status=dead }}

Kline underwent shoulder surgery after the completion of the 2015 season. On September 7, 2016, Kline was released by the Patriots.{{cite web|title=Patriots acquire DB Eric Rowe in a trade with Philadelphia; Release OL Josh Kline|url=http://www.patriots.com/news/2016/09/07/patriots-acquire-db-eric-rowe-trade-philadelphia-release-ol-josh-kline|website=Patriots.com}}

On September 8, 2016, Kline was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans.{{cite web|title=Titans Claim Former Patriots OL Josh Kline Off Waivers|url=http://www.titansonline.com/news/article-4/Titans-Claim-Former-Patriots-OL-Josh-Kline-Off-Waivers/4ad96b28-7992-407d-9d56-65edb92f6c04|last=Wyatt|first=Jim|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105213836/http://www.titansonline.com/news/article-4/Titans-Claim-Former-Patriots-OL-Josh-Kline-Off-Waivers/4ad96b28-7992-407d-9d56-65edb92f6c04|archive-date=January 5, 2017|url-status=dead}} After being inactive for the team's first two games, on September 25, Kline started at right guard in the Titans' 17–10 loss to the Oakland Raiders. He went on to start the rest of the season at right guard to help spearhead a ground game that ran for more than 136 yards per game, good for third in the league.{{cite web|title=Titans guard Josh Kline compares Tennessee to Patriots|url=http://titanswire.usatoday.com/2017/07/10/titans-g-josh-kline-compares-titans-to-new-england-patriots/|author=Melo, Justin|website=USAToday.com|date=July 10, 2017|access-date=July 15, 2017}} Pro Football Focus awarded the Titans' the Offensive Line of the Year honor. PFF rated Kline an 80.0, 27th among guards.{{cite web|url=https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2017/1/11/14240382/titans-offensive-line-ranked-1-pro-football-focus|title=Titans offensive line ranked #1 by PFF|first=Jimmy|last=Morris|date=January 11, 2017|website=Music City Miracles|access-date=April 2, 2019}}

In 2017 Kline started all 16 games at right guard for the Titans as the team went 9-7 and made the AFC Playoffs for the first time since 2008. The team won its first-round game against the Kansas City Chiefs before losing to Kline's former team and eventual AFC Champion New England Patriots.{{cite web|url=https://www.titansonline.com/team/players-roster/?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook|title=The Official Site of the Tennessee Titans|website=Titansonline.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}} The offensive line was rated fifth-best in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, with Kline scoring a 75.8 rating, number 22 among NFL guards.{{cite web|url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/nfl/players/josh-kline/8230|title=Josh Kline - Minnesota Vikings RG - NFL and PFF stats - Pro Football Focus|website=Profootballfocus.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}}

On March 14, 2018, Kline signed a four-year contract extension with the Tennessee Titans.{{cite web|title=Titans Agree to Contract Extension with Guard Josh Kline|url=http://www.titansonline.com/news/article-4/Titans-Agree-to-Contract-Extension-with-Guard-Josh-Kline/7464d597-c22b-450a-84ed-a814d40ee8ec|author=Jim Wyatt|website=Titansonline.com|date=March 14, 2018|access-date=March 14, 2018}} He started all 16 of the Titans' games at right guard for the second consecutive season as the team finished 9–7.{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KlinJo01.htm|title=Josh Kline Stats|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=April 2, 2019}}

On March 15, 2019, Kline was released by the Titans.{{cite web|title=Titans Plan to Release Guard Josh Kline|url=https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-plan-to-release-guard-josh-kline|author=Wyatt, Jim|website=TitansOnline.com|date=March 15, 2019}}

On March 20, 2019, Kline signed a three-year $15.75 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings.{{cite web|title=Josh Kline agrees to three-year deal with Vikings|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/03/20/josh-kline-agrees-to-three-year-deal-with-vikings/|author=Williams, Charean|work=Pro Football Talk|publisher=NBC Sports|date=March 20, 2019}}

played in and started 13 of the Vikings' 16 games, missing games due to a concussion, and a foot injury.

Kline was immediately named a starter for the 2019 season. He started the Vikings' first three games; missed the fourth game due to a concussion; started game 5; then he missed game 6 with a foot injury.{{Cite web|url=https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/11/vikings-g-josh-kline-and-lb-ben-gedeon-out-vs-eagles/|title = Vikings G Josh Kline and LB Ben Gedeon out vs. Eagles|date = October 11, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KlinJo01.htm|title = Josh Kline Stats| website=Pro-Football-Reference.com }}

On March 18, 2020, Kline was released by the Vikings. He did not play during the 2020 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.vikings.com/news/josh-kline-terminate-contract-of-veteran-guard|title= Vikings Terminate Contract of Veteran Guard Josh Kline |work=Vikings.com|first=Eric|last=Smith|date=March 18, 2020}}

On July 28, 2021, Kline announced his retirement from the NFL.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2021/07/transaction/|title = NFL Transactions for July 28, 2021 | Daily Workouts, Roster Cuts, and Signings|date = July 28, 2021}}

Kline married his wife, Natalie, on April 9, 2016, in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.{{cite web|title=Patriots Notebook: Josh Kline feeling good after solid offseason|url=http://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/20160803/SPORTS/160809812|website=SouthCoastToday.com|date=August 3, 2016}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.kentstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5193 Kent State Golden Flashes bio]
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{{Super Bowl XLIX}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kline, Josh}}

Category:1989 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football offensive linemen

Category:Kent State Golden Flashes football players

Category:Minnesota Vikings players

Category:New England Patriots players

Category:People from Hartville, Ohio

Category:Players of American football from Stark County, Ohio

Category:People from Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Category:Sportspeople from Mason, Ohio

Category:Players of American football from Cook County, Illinois

Category:Players of American football from Kane County, Illinois

Category:Tennessee Titans players