Ted Larsen

Theodore Larsen was born the middle child of five children to Robert and Karen Larsen. In 1972–1976, Robert Larsen played defensive end at Wichita State in Wichita, Kansas.{{Cite web |title=Program Spotlight: Ted Larsen |url=http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111109aaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203033845/http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111109aaa.html |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |accessdate=September 7, 2016}} As a young kid, Ted played baseball, basketball and soccer. It was not until high school that Larsen played football. Larsen attended Palm Harbor University High School in Palm Harbor, Florida, where he played football as a defensive lineman. He started playing football his freshman year and was immediately put on the varsity team. In his junior year of high school, Larsen had 85 tackles and 15 sacks. He was named All-County second-team.{{Cite web |title=Ted Larsen Bio - NC State University Official Athletic Site |url=http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/larsen_ted00.html |url-status=dead |accessdate=December 1, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203034551/http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/larsen_ted00.html |archivedate=December 3, 2013}} That year, he not only participated and excelled in football but also did shot put and discus on the PHUHS track and field team. As a senior, he recorded 65 tackles and eight sacks, as well as a blocked kick, earning first-team all-county and District Player of the Year honors. That same year, he was named the district Player of the Year by The Florida Athletic Coaches Association.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ted Larsen |url=http://www.buccaneers.com/team/roster/ted-larsen/4be06fc2-7fce-4c86-98f0-5f85d20fefc4/ |accessdate=September 7, 2016}} Not only was he a powerhouse on the field but also graduated Palm Harbor University High School with 3.8 GPA and a member of the National Honor Society.

In 2005, following his high school career, Larsen attended North Carolina State University.{{Cite web |last=Bradham |first=Matthew |date=2018-12-10 |title=Former NC State OL Ted Larsen Lands Key Block in the Miami Miracle |url=https://packinsider.com/2018/12/10/former-nc-state-ol-ted-larsen-lands-key-block-in-the-miami-miracle/ |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Pack Insider |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Matt |date=2021-02-11 |title=A history of Wolfpack football in the Super Bowl |url=https://ncstate.rivals.com/news/a-history-of-nc-state-wolfpack-football-in-the-super-bowl |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=TheWolfpackCentral}} He redshirted his freshman season in 2005, working on the scout team as a defensive tackle. In 2006, Larsen played in 11 games at defensive tackle, starting two games and recording nine tackles and three sacks. In 2007, he played in 14 games as a reserve defensive tackle, recording 12 tackles and two sacks.

In 2008, prior to his junior season, Larsen moved to the center position and was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list. After playing in 730 snaps, he was given the team's Outstanding Offensive Lineman award. In his 2009 senior season, Larsen was again named to the Rimington Trophy watch list. He started 12 games at center and allowed only one sack on the season. In two seasons as a defensive tackle, Larsen tallied 23 tackles, 4 sacks, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble, one pass defense, and 185 knockdowns/key blocks with 19 touchdowns which resulted in eight downfield blocks. He started 30 out of 43 games in his time at NC State, five as a defensive tackle and 25 as a center. In May 2009, Larsen graduated North Carolina State University with a degree in history.

{{nfl predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 2+5/8

| weight = 304

| dash = 5.27

| ten split = 1.85

| twenty split = 3.06

| shuttle = 4.66

| cone drill = 7.81

| vertical = 24

| broad ft = 8

| broad in = 0

| bench = 26

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 32

| hand span = 9+3/4

| note = All values from NFL Scouting Combine.{{Cite web |title=Ted Larsen Combine Profile |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/ted-larsen?id=497026 |website=NFL.com |accessdate=April 28, 2010}}.

}}

Larsen was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (205th 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}} On May 18, he signed a four-year contract with the Patriots.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=May 18, 2010 |title=Four-year deal for Ted Larsen |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4678615/four-year-deal-for-ted-larsen |website=ESPNBoston.com |access-date=May 18, 2010}} He was described in his pick analysis as follows:

:"Larsen was a three-year defensive lineman who moved to center for his final two years at State. He is a good athlete for the position with initial quickness and above-average lateral range in pass pro. He needs work on leveraging his blocks in spite of having natural leverage angles due to his size and still needs to improve his instincts when it comes to picking up stunts and twists up front. A lot of his issues can be improved with time at the position, and he should provide a team with a good backup for a year or two as he develops his instincts and techniques."

{{Cite web |title=Ted Larsen |website=NFL.com |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/tedlarsen/497026/profile |accessdate=September 7, 2016}}

Upon being drafted he became the first student in Palm Harbor University High School's history to be drafted.{{Cite web |title=Ted Larsen drafted by Patriots {{pipe}} Palm Harbor University High School |url=http://palmharbor.powermediallc.org/2010/06/04/ted-larsen-drafted-by-patriots/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203060448/http://palmharbor.powermediallc.org/2010/06/04/ted-larsen-drafted-by-patriots/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=December 1, 2013}} In the preseason with the Patriots he played guard. However, in September 2010, he was waived by the Patriots and was claimed by his hometown team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=2010-09-05 |title=Larsen claimed on waivers by Bucs |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4682752/larsen-claimed-on-waivers-by-bucs |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

On September 5, 2010, Larsen was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2010 |title=Bucs Claim Larsen, Lumpkin |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-claim-larsen-lumpkin-2751031 |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Buccaneers.com |language=en-US}} He started at left guard beginning in the sixth game, replacing the soon-to-be released Keydrick Vincent. During the 2011 season, Larsen appeared in all 16 games, of which he started three, for the Buccaneers while rotating between guard and center.

In 2012, he appeared in all 16 games again and started 13 at the center position while being part of an offensive line that helped rookie running back Doug Martin rush for 1,454 yards and quarterback Josh Freeman throw for 4,065 yards, which were career high and franchise records. And his career highlights include his NFL debut in 2010 against the St. Louis Rams and the 16th game of that year against Seattle, where he helped the offense rush for 439 yards, which was the season-high for 2010, and earned the offensive line Madden Most Valuable Protectors honors for Week 16. He started as a center in 2012 against Oakland, where he helped the offense gain 515 yards from scrimmage, leading to the second-most total yards in the history of the Buccaneers. Larsen became an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

On March 12, 2014, Larsen was signed by the Arizona Cardinals.

{{Cite web |date=2014-03-12 |title=Arizona Cardinals sign Jonathan Dwyer and Ted Larsen |url=https://arizonasports.com/story/7685/arizona-cardinals-sign-jonathan-dwyer-and-ted-larsen/ |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Arizona Sports |language=en}} He started all 16 games for Arizona in the 2014 season.{{Cite web |title=2014 Arizona Cardinals Roster & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2014_roster.htm |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}

On March 30, 2016, Larsen signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears.{{Cite web |last=Dickerson |first=Jeff |date=March 31, 2016 |title=Bears sign former Cardinals guard Ted Larsen |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4702341/bears-strengthen-offensive-line-sign-former-arizona-guard-ted-larsen |website=ESPN.com |access-date=April 3, 2016}}

On March 9, 2017, Larsen signed a three-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.{{Cite web |date=March 10, 2017 |title=PRESS RELEASE: Dolphins Sign C/G Ted Larsen |url=http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/press-releases/article-1/-PRESS-RELEASE-Dolphins-Sign-CG-Ted-Larsen/caab791a-6c44-4ff7-bfca-858c93a1425a |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807232749/http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/press-releases/article-1/-PRESS-RELEASE-Dolphins-Sign-CG-Ted-Larsen/caab791a-6c44-4ff7-bfca-858c93a1425a |archive-date=August 7, 2017 |website=MiamiDolphins.com}} On September 4, 2017, he was placed on injured reserve with the expectation to return in 2017.{{Cite web |date=September 4, 2017 |title=Dolphins Make Roster Moves |url=http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/press-releases/article-1/Dolphins-Make-Roster-Moves/c214ec8e-b3af-4a5d-ac57-2617bca87cd1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615130827/http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/press-releases/article-1/Dolphins-Make-Roster-Moves/c214ec8e-b3af-4a5d-ac57-2617bca87cd1 |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |website=MiamiDolphins.com}} He was activated off injured reserve on November 4, 2017.{{Cite web |date=November 4, 2017 |title=Miami Dolphins Activate Larsen |url=http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/press-releases/article-1/Miami-Dolphins-Activate-Larsen/1a545e13-8f8c-42ff-8ffb-e8bf376658a8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208075555/http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/press-releases/article-1/Miami-Dolphins-Activate-Larsen/1a545e13-8f8c-42ff-8ffb-e8bf376658a8 |archive-date=February 8, 2018 |website=MiamiDolphins.com}} He then started the final eight games of the season at left guard.

On December 9, 2018, Larsen made a crucial block in the Miracle In Miami nearly 40 yards past the line of scrimmage.{{Cite web |last=Staley |first=Antwan |date=2018-12-10 |title=Dolphins guard Ted Larsen was a hero in 'Miami miracle' touchdown |url=https://dolphinswire.usatoday.com/2018/12/10/dolphins-guard-ted-larsen-was-a-hero-in-miami-miracle-touchdown/ |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Dolphins Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}

On March 7, 2019, Larsen was released by the Dolphins.{{Cite web |date=2019-03-07 |title=Dolphins release DE Andre Branch, G Ted Larsen |url=https://apnews.com/article/f2f166178ebe47a1bf4cd70951d82541 |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=AP News |language=en}}

On March 13, 2019, Larsen signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears.{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=March 13, 2019 |title=Bears ink offensive lineman Larsen |url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-move-bears-ink-offensive-lineman-larsen |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=ChicagoBears.com}}

On December 8, 2020, Larsen signed with the practice squad of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=David |date=2020-12-08 |title=Ted Larsen returns to Buccaneers via practice squad signing |url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2020/12/8/22163451/ted-larsen-returns-to-tampa-bay-buccaneers-via-practice-squad-signing-nfl-week-13 |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Bucs Nation |language=en}} He was elevated to the active roster on December 18 for the team's week 15 game against the Atlanta Falcons, and reverted to the practice squad after the game.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=December 18, 2020 |title=Bucs Elevate Two from Practice Squad, Sign Punter and Long-Snapper |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-elevate-joseph-larsen-sign-colquitt-sanborn-roster-moves |access-date=February 3, 2021 |website=Buccaneers.com}} He was elevated to the active roster again on January 8, January 16, January 23, and February 6 for the team's wild card playoff game, divisional playoff game, NFC Championship Game, and Super Bowl LV against the Washington Football Team, New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs, and reverted to the practice squad again following each game.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=January 8, 2021 |title=Bucs Waive Chapelle Russell, Elevate Four for Wild Card Game |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-waive-russell-practice-squad-elevations-playoffs-at-washington-wild-card |access-date=February 16, 2021 |website=Buccaneers.com}}{{Cite web |last=Easterling |first=Luke |date=2021-01-16 |title=Bucs make roster moves ahead of divisional playoff game vs. Saints |url=https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2021/01/16/nfl-playoffs-bucs-saints-roster-moves/ |access-date=2021-01-18 |website=Bucs Wire |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=January 23, 2021 |title=Javon Hagan, Ted Larsen Elevated for NFC Championship Game |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/javon-hagan-ted-larsen-elevated-nfc-championship-game |access-date=2021-01-25 |website=Buccaneers.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Myles |date=2021-02-06 |title=Buccaneers elevate Drew Stanton, Ted Larsen for Super Bowl LV |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/02/06/buccaneers-elevate-drew-stanton-ted-larsen-for-super-bowl-lv/ |access-date=2021-02-08 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}} His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on February 16, 2021.{{Cite web |date=February 16, 2021 |title=Five Bucs reserves hit free agency |url=https://www.fantasyguru.com/buccaneers-five-bucs-reserves-hit-free-agency/ |access-date=February 23, 2021 |website=FantasyGuru.com}}

On August 13, 2021, Larsen signed with the New York Giants.{{Cite web |last=Salomone |first=Dan |date=August 13, 2021 |title=Giants sign veteran OL Ted Larsen; RB Mike Weber, DB Jordyn Peters waived |url=https://www.giants.com/news/giants-sign-veteran-ol-ted-larsen-rb-mike-weber-db-jordyn-peters-waived |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Giants.com}} He was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Michael |date=September 1, 2021 |title=New York Giants announce 53-man roster |url=https://www.giants.com/news/new-york-giants-final-53-man-roster-2021-nfl-season-joe-judge |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Giants.com}} He was released on September 9.{{Cite web |last=Bouda |first=Nate |date=2021-09-09 |title=Giants Release OL Ted Larsen From IR With Settlement |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/giants-release-ol-ted-larsen-from-ir-with-settlement/ |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |language=en-US}}

Larsen is described as having a calm and monotone demeanor yet can be aggressive, and he is sometimes considered mean on the field. He describes his early life as being the middle of five children, with an older sister, Kristin, and older brother, Brian, and a younger brother, Chris, and sister, Melissa, with a 15-year age difference between his closest siblings.

Off the field, he enjoys fishing and skiing and has said that after football he would like to be a competitive fisherman. It was fishing that led him, on April 27, 2011, to rescue three young kayakers off Honeymoon Island. Larsen was with his girlfriend on his 24-foot boat; fishing in the choppy gulf waters right off the island. It was around 3 PM when he heard the Coast Guard signal that the three kayakers were in need of some help. Upon hearing this, he realized he was close to the area and plucked the two kayaks and three kayakers onto his boat and took them to shore. The young men did not know who had saved them but were grateful. Larsen said later "It was good to help them. It just felt like it was a good thing to do."{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Robbyn |date=April 27, 2011 |title=Bucs lineman plucks kayakers from water off Honeymoon Island |url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/bucs-lineman-plucks-kayakers-from-water-off-honeymoon-island/1166512 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915040714/http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/bucs-lineman-plucks-kayakers-from-water-off-honeymoon-island/1166512 |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=September 7, 2016 |website=TampaBay.com}}

While with the Buccaneers, he has helped with the Metropolitan Ministries preparing food and spending time with children, volunteered his time with the Buccaneers' annual Halloween Celebrations, distributed food for Thanksgiving, sang for hospital patients during the holidays, and surprised single mothers with gifts during the Christmas holiday.

After his NFL career, Theodore enrolled in Duke's Fuqua business school to get his MBA.

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{footballstats|pfr=L/LarsTe20}}

• {{commons category-inline}}

{{Patriots2010DraftPicks}}

{{Super Bowl LV}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Larsen, Ted}}

Category:1987 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football centers

Category:American football offensive guards

Category:Arizona Cardinals players

Category:Chicago Bears players

Category:Miami Dolphins players

Category:NC State Wolfpack football players

Category:New England Patriots players

Category:New York Giants players

Category:Sportspeople from Palm Harbor, Florida

Category:Players of American football from Miami

Category:Players of American football from Pinellas County, Florida

Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players