Two-Sport World Champion: Stephen Neal’s Hall of Fame Journey

 

Most athletes never become the best in the world at their sport, but Stephen Neal accomplished the feat in both Wrestling and Football.

October 17, 2025

Few athletes in the history of Cal State Bakersfield – or anywhere, for that matter – have achieved what Stephen Neal did. A two-time NCAA Division I Wrestling Champion, four-time All-American, and winner of the 1999 Dan Hodge Trophy, Neal dominated collegiate wrestling before going on to win the World Wrestling Championships.

Stephen Neal has his hand raised by the referee at the NCAA Championships.

Yet, what makes his story even more extraordinary is what came next: a decade-long NFL career and three Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots, all without ever having played college football.

On Oct. 25, Neal will take his rightful place among the inaugural inductees into the CSUB Athletics Hall of Fame, a recognition of a career – and a life – defined by belief, resilience, and relentless work.

“My time as an athlete at Cal State Bakersfield meant a lot to me. I was able to get an education and be embraced by the community of Bakersfield. I have a lot of really good memories from that time. It wasn’t easy. We had a lot of hard classes. I learned that if I put my mind to something, I can accomplish anything and that helped later on in my life. Everything I attacked, I thought I could achieve because of my time at CSUB.”

- Stephen Neal

Stephen Neal's headshot from his time at Cal State Bakersfield.

Neal’s record at CSUB remains legendary. His 156 career victories and 71 pins are still school records. In 1999, after capturing his second consecutive national championship, Neal earned wrestling’s highest individual honor – the Dan Hodge Trophy, the sport’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. He capped that same year with a gold medal at the Pan American Games and a world title at the World Wrestling Championships. In less than a year, Neal had conquered every level of wrestling. 

Stephen Neal faces down a foe on the mat, ready to go in his wrestling stance.

But true to his nature, he wasn’t finished. Despite not playing football since high school, Neal decided to pursue an NFL dream that most would have dismissed as impossible. In 2001, he signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent. By 2002, he was on the 53-man roster. Over the next 10 seasons, Neal would become a mainstay on the Patriots’ offensive line, protecting Tom Brady and helping the team capture three Super Bowl titles (2001, 2004, 2005).

Stephen Neal (#61, center) protects Tom Brady (#12, left) during a game with the New England Patriots.

“I learned that if you want something, you have to fight for it. It was always a fight at Cal State Bakersfield. We didn’t have the biggest budget or the shiny toys, but we fought. It doesn’t matter if people believe in you; if you believe in yourself and you’re willing to fight for it, you can get it.”

- Stephen Neal

That fighter’s mentality was evident from his first days in Bakersfield. CSUB alumnus and wrestling coach Darryl Pope recalled that when Neal was at his best, he was easygoing and lighthearted.

“If Stephen wasn’t joking, if he wasn’t laughing, he wasn’t talking, and he wasn’t relaxed, he wasn’t ready. That’s what made him tick,” Pope said. “He never made the Pro Bowl, but my response to that is this: Stephen Neal, having played no college football, walks on and makes the New England Patriots, arguably the greatest franchise in NFL history…When Coach Belichick says ‘Steve, I want you to play right here at Right Guard and protect Tom Brady for the next 10 years,’ I don’t care what anybody says—that’s All-Pro.”

Stephen Neal (left center) poses with CSUB coaches Darryl Pope (left) and T.J. Kerr (right) while wearing New England Patriots hats.

Neal’s influence extended beyond statistics and accolades. His teammate and friend Coby Wright remembers him as both a fierce competitor and a humble man of faith. “Off the mat, Steve wasn’t anything like he was on the mat…He was great at his sport, but I feel like the legacy he leaves is his character and the relationships he has with his wife, his family, his kids. That’s what’s most important to him. His main objective in life is to show people about Christ and how he feels that affected him.”

For Wright, Neal’s combination of fearlessness and humility set him apart. “Steve had no fear, and he didn’t have that fear of being tired that a lot of wrestlers have. His heart was in it, and you can’t do that well without believing in your coach’s philosophy.”

Stephen Neal (left) competes against future WWE star Brock Lesnar (right) in the finals of the 1999 NCAA Championships. Neal would win his second-straight national title.

Neal’s faith in his coaches – T.J. Kerr, Darryl Pope, and Rich Bailey – and in the CSUB program became a defining part of his journey: “These guys shaped me and molded me into who I became. Without my teammates, I’m still that wrestler that took fourth at State.” 

Even after his retirement from professional football, Neal’s connection to wrestling and to Bakersfield remains strong. He continues to credit the sport for shaping him, not only physically but as a person as well. “The sport of wrestling gave me cuts, cauliflower ear. It shaped me. But the biggest thing is our camaraderie and how we went to battle every single day. We fought so hard, but at the end of the day, we are best friends still.” 

https://x.com/CSUBAthletics/status/1940949935261614370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1940949935261614370%7Ctwgr%5E89101d2d2fccaffb6dbba2fc3fd54f5f6218d0d0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fgorunners.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F10%2F17%2Fgeneral-two-sport-world-champion-stephen-neals-hall-of-fame-journey.aspx

When Neal learned of his Hall of Fame selection, he saw it not just as personal validation, but as recognition for everyone who helped him along the way: “Being inducted into the [CSUB Athletics] Hall of Fame is a very special thing for me. I worked really hard, and to get the recognition that people see how hard I worked – and the people that helped me get there, getting them honored as well – is very special.” 

From the wrestling mats of Bakersfield to the Super Bowl sidelines of New England, Stephen Neal’s story is a testament to perseverance, humility, and the belief that no dream is too far-fetched when you’re willing to fight for it. His journey embodies the spirit of the Roadrunners – gritty, hard-working, and forever faithful to the lessons learned on that Blue and Gold mat.

Those interested in celebrating the career and legacy of Neal on Oct. 25 can purchase tickets for the Induction Ceremony at the link below.

Purchase Tickets

https://events.csub.edu/e/2025-cal-state-bakersfield-athletics-hall-of-fame/

Iowa Hawkeyes: only FBS team that’s committed fewer than 19 penalties in 2025

 

https://x.com/BenScottStevens/status/1978861531937775991

Vikings say the quiet part out loud about T.J. Hockenson’s rare skillset

 

Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson | David Berding/GettyImages

By Anthony Miller | Sep 24, 2025

For the modern-day tight end, it has almost become more important to be a great pass catcher than a blocker. Some players, like Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, have the whole package.

Hockenson has been great this season when it comes to being a receiving tight end, recording nine receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown. Pro Football Focus has graded him as the second-best tight end in the NFL out of 28, with an overall grade of 77.3. His receiving grade is 72.7, which is good for fifth.

Everyone knows the kind of impact he can make in the passing game, especially with a first-time starting quarterback in J.J. McCarthy and first-year Viking, Carson Wentz, playing the position. Tight ends can be seen as security blankets, but there's another aspect to his game that is just as good, if not better.

Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson has been elite as a blocker this season

During the Vikings' media availability on Tuesday, Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips was asked about his thoughts on Hockenson as a blocker. Phillips could not stop gushing over the tight end for his selfishness as a teammate.

"T.J.'s been phenomenal in the run game. It's one of those things where you're trying to get your best players the football, and it was nice to see him get some catches in that game.

You kind of talk to guys like 'This will be a good play for you. We're working on this.' His attitude about the whole thing is, 'Hey, I just want to win and I'll do anything it takes for us to win football games.' That's the kind of player he is."

This was evident with Hockenson's impact in the running game in last week's 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, as Phillips praised Hockenson for what he does on outside zone runs. The Vikings' offensive coordinator pointed out Hockenson's ability to go block cornerbacks and stick on them to break out big runs.

Minnesota had success on the ground against Cincinnati as they rushed 31 times for 169 yards and two touchdowns. The team averaged 5.5 yards per carry, with a lot of those runs coming on the outside off the edge of the tackle.

It's rare in today's game to find a tight end that can do it all, and after all the offseason chatter and his invisible act through the first two games with Hockenson, he's more than proven his worth on the team. He could start getting back to a Pro Bowl-caliber season that Vikings fans expected from him.

 

https://thevikingage.com/minnesota-vikings-say-quiet-part-out-loud-tj-hockenson-skillset

‘That was a huge loss’ – Todd Bowles knows Bucs’ devastating injury is going to hurt more than people realize

 

By Evan Winter

NFL Managing Editor

Sep 24, 2025 2:07 PM EDT

David Reginek-Imagn Images

 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been dealing with injuries to key players before the 2025 season began and that hasn’t changed three weeks into the season.

The latest and most devastating injury comes in the form of tight end Ko Kieft’s broken leg. The injury occurred during the Bucs’ Week 3 win over the New York Jets and is of the season-ending variety. This is the final year of Kieft’s rookie contract, as well, so his future with the Bucs is definitely in question.

Regardless, on the surface, losing your TE3 may not seem like the biggest deal in the world, but Todd Bowles and even Baker Mayfield both know how much work Kieft did behind the scenes and how important he was to the Bucs offense.

 

Kieft helped set the tone for the Bucs offense and special teams

 

“He was probably our toughest player, one of our toughest three players on the team because he was our tone-setter offensively,” Bowles told reporters after Wednesday’s practice. “He did a lot of things in the room from a blocking standpoint, so that we have to try and run the ball different ways without them. So that was a huge loss for us.”

Cody Mauch was another tone-setter for the Bucs offense and he’s also out for the year. So, now, Tampa Bay is without its two biggest “firestarters”, which can certainly have an effect on the rest of the group’s mindset in certain situations. Plus, the Bucs no longer have those guys who get under the skin of opponents and someone will have to fill that void.

But Kieft’s main value was on special teams. The unit is already struggling enough after allowing a punt and field goal to be blocked in back-to-back weeks and it’s easy to see why his absence could lead to even more underwhelming protection.

“[He’s] a guy that does a ton for us on special teams [and] a guy that doesn’t get a lot of credit in that regard, and then offensively, [he’s a] tone-setter,” Baker Mayfield told reporters. “He’s always the asshole touching you until the whistle is blown [and] somebody’s pulling you off…

“… We have to have guys step up and do that, because, you know, our identity is being smart and a tough team, but also (playing) physical, physical ball. And we lost two guys for the year that have done that for us. So we have to have guys step up and set that tone for us.”

It’s been “next man up” all year long for the Bucs, so they’re used to it, by now. It’ll be interesting to see how they make up for Kieft’s absence and who steps up along the way.

 

https://atozsports.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers-news/ko-kieft-season-ending-injury-bucs/

Bob Stoops and Montee Ball to Be Inducted into Rose Bowl Hall of Fame

 

Two college football legends will be honored during next year’s Rose Bowl celebrations in Pasadena

Published on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 4:28 am

(Left) Former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops during the Big Ten Championship on December 4, 2021. [Zoey Holmstrom] (Right) Montee Ball ties the NCAA career TD mark.2012 [Bflbarlow]

The Tournament of Roses announced that former Wisconsin running back Montee Ball and former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops will join the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame as the Class of 2025 in Pasadena. Their induction celebrates their remarkable achievements and deep contributions to college football’s legacy and the famed Rose Bowl Game.

 

“The Rose Bowl Hall of Fame was established in 1989 to pay tribute to individuals who have contributed to the history and excitement of the Rose Bowl Game, and those who embody the highest level of passion, strength, tradition, and honor associated with The Granddaddy of Them All,” officials said in a statement.

 

Ball graduated from Wisconsin as the NCAA’s all-time leader in touchdowns scored and stands out as the only player to rush for 100 yards in three different Rose Bowl Games. He led the Badgers to consecutive appearances in 2011, 2012 and 2013—132 yards against TCU, 164 against Oregon and 100 against Stanford. Ball was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft and played two NFL seasons. He was inducted both into the Wisconsin Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2025.

 

Stoops retired in 2017 as Oklahoma’s all-time winningest coach and is the first head coach to claim a national championship and all four BCS bowl victories, including the Sooners’ 2003 Rose Bowl win over Washington State. He was a defensive back and team captain for Iowa during the 1982 Rose Bowl, which saw Iowa lose to Washington. As a coach, Stoops was twice named national coach of the year and six times Big 12 coach of the year, leading Oklahoma to 10 Big 12 titles and 18 consecutive bowl appearances; his College Football Hall of Fame induction came in 2021.

 

The new inductees will be celebrated at the 137th Rose Parade presented by Honda, honored during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential on January 1, and recognized with an official plaque at the Court of Champions at Rose Bowl Stadium. A private ceremony for inductees will take place on December 30. Since its 1989 founding, the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame has inducted 148 members.

 

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization hosting America’s New Year Celebration, with 935 members contributing over 80,000 annual volunteer hours.

 

Visit www.tournamentofroses.com

 

Kirk Ferentz one win away from passing Woody Hayes as Big Ten's winningest coach

 

by: Brett McMurphy

September 3, 2025

Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images.

 

LAS VEGAS – The (soon-to-be) winningest coach in Big Ten history starts laughing when reminded of how his Iowa career began. Kirk Ferentz lost 18 of his first 20 games – and admits he was fortunate he didn’t start 0-20.

Now, 27 years and 329 games later, Ferentz is one win shy of passing Woody Hayes as the Big Ten’s winningest coach. That will come either Saturday at rival Iowa State or the following week at home vs. UMass.

“I go back, like, ‘how the hell did this happen?’” Ferentz told On3 this summer.

A funny thing about Ferentz’s success is that he never really wanted to be a head coach. 

A former assistant at Iowa under Hayden Fry, Ferentz served as an offensive line coach for six seasons with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens from 1993 to 1998. During that time, he paid attention to Iowa, Barry Alvarez at Wisconsin and Bill Snyder at Kansas State.

“In college, there was a better opportunity for family stability than in the NFL,” Ferentz said. “I really enjoyed coaching in the NFL, but I told my wife (Mary) early in our time in Cleveland that odds were we would be moving every 3-5 years.”

In 1999, Ferentz left the NFL when he was hired at Iowa. “I wanted to be successful, but if it didn’t work out, it wasn’t going to end my life,” Ferentz said. “I was perfectly happy going back (to the NFL) as a position coach.

“I know some guys have ‘got’ to be a head coach. I never wanted to be one, quite frankly.”

His success drew a lot of suitors. Ferentz had several opportunities to leave Iowa, but never did.

In the early 2000s, Ferentz jokes he “was the sexy guy in the room back then.” His agent, Neil Cornrich, approached him about a substantial NFL offer.

“Neil told me, you have to explain to your oldest son Brian, that this is ‘generational money.’ He’ll never have to work if you take this job,” Ferentz said. “My wife tells Brian (then an Iowa offensive lineman) that, and he looks at her and says, ‘I never asked to be taken care of.’

“That was a great parent moment. Like, you know, the kid’s thinking right.”

Ferentz recalls another NFL job he turned down. 

“I didn’t want to entertain it, and it was with a good owner, too,” he said. “A different college coach took the job, and I think it’s funny because that guy has no idea I was the first choice.”

Ferentz won’t name the many NFL teams and college programs that were “quote-unquote better jobs” that tried to hire him away from Iowa. Those so-called higher-paying jobs where donors would sabotage the athletic director or set up clandestine meetings with a prospective coach.

“I don’t want to swim in those waters,” Ferentz said. “At least I don’t have to worry about that shit. They love you when they love you, but they can cut and run pretty quick too. So I just never want to get involved in that.”

Ferentz has had a remarkable run with the Hawkeyes. He’s had only one losing season in the last 24 years. He’s been named Big Ten Coach of the Year four times, won two Big Ten titles and led the Hawkeyes to two BCS/New Year’s 6 bowls.

He’s 205-124. He’s won games in every way imaginable. There was the 6-4 victory – yes 6-4 – vs. Penn State in 2004 and then the infamous 7-3 victory vs. South Dakota State in 2022.

Iowa’s seven points? The Hawkeyes had two safeties and a field goal. Iowa is not always locked in a defensive tug-of-war. The Hawkeyes have scored half a hundred 14 times under Ferentz, the only Division I head coach to coach three sons (Brian, James, and Steve) at the same college. 

On Aug. 1, Ferentz turned 70. His playing career ended after three seasons as a hard-hitting linebacker at UConn in 1976. He’s been coaching ever since. Remarkably, Ferentz has been coaching longer than 59 current FBS coaches have been alive. 

Ferentz knows he can’t coach forever. He believes when he’s ready to step down, “it’s probably going to be pretty obvious to me. Otherwise, I’m cheating the kids, and I’m not going to do that. Or someone else is going to tell me to sit down.

“There’s no perfect jobs and every job has something you don’t like: speaking publicly or whatever it may be, making those appearances. But you do those things to do what you really love doing and that’s coaching. So if it gets to the point where I just start thinking ‘Hey, this stuff outweighs the good,’ then that’s the time to walk away too.”

When that does happen, Ferentz said he will not be involved in finding his replacement.

“Whenever I step down, I just hope somebody in the (Iowa) family is allowed to elevate,” Ferentz said. “We have a handful of guys in the building that are really good. That’s not going to be my decision about that. They didn’t ask me, and I don’t want them to ask me. It’s not my call to make, other than I can endorse a lot of people that we have. I hope they get that chance.”

Despite Ferentz’s slow start to his career, he also got that chance. What a magical run it’s been.

https://www.on3.com/news/kirk-ferentz-one-win-away-from-passing-woody-hayes-as-big-tens-winningest-coach/

 

Williamsburg football begins new era under former Raider and Iowa Hawkeye Austin Blythe

 

Williamsburg opens the high school football season at Keokuk

K.J. Pilcher

Aug. 26, 2025 6:16 pm

Williamsburg Raiders head coach Austin Blythe gives instructions during football practice at Williamsburg High School in Williamsburg, Iowa, on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

 

WILLIAMSBURG – Austin Blythe has played football at every level.

He has had successful coaches at each stage of his career, playing for hall of fame high school coach Curt Ritchie at Williamsburg, Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz and National Football League skippers Andy Reid, Sean McVay, Pete Carroll and Chuck Pagano.

What is the biggest eye-opener as a new head coach, replacing Ritchie at his alma mater?

“It doesn’t necessarily have to do with anything really on the field,” said Blythe, who played seven NFL seasons with Indianapolis, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City and Seattle. “Quite a few more administrative responsibilities. But there's still plenty of time for football. So far, it hasn't bogged me down too much to where I'm not enjoying myself.”

The hometown standout takes over a program that has won 150 games and qualified for the playoffs for 17 straight seasons. The Raiders were 7-3 last season and begin the Blythe era unranked by The Gazette. They open the season Friday at Keokuk.

“The pressure that I feel isn't necessarily in measured in the wins and losses column, at least, in my mind,” Blythe said. “It's about upholding the legacy and the standard that Curt has set. Obviously, he was very good and he's won a lot of games at (English Valleys) and Williamsburg.

“He's always doing things the right way and really that's what translated to wins. That's the highest on my priority list as far as my first year goes.”

Blythe, a 2011 graduate, will be tasked to build on the foundation set by Ritchie, while advancing the program and affixing his own stamp on it. He has a clear vision of Raiders football.

“I want our team to be described as tough, hard-nosed dudes that go out and play every Friday, and it doesn't matter what the situation is, we dictate to how we respond to everything,” Blythe said. “Just a bunch of guys that fly around and then they have fun.

“At the end of the day, everybody’s playing a game. I want the kids to have fun and to have that show through.”

The Raiders are familiar with Blythe, who had been an assistant the previous two seasons. The transition has been smooth since Blythe was named head coach in the spring.

“I find it pretty similar because he's been there the past few years,” Williamsburg senior lineman Carson Grier said. “We have like a lot new conditioning, so we got ourselves in shape a lot better this year. We’d run our conditioning and then football.”

Blythe was an all-state lineman and honorable mention Parade All-American as a prep. He was an all-Big Ten Conference center for the Hawkeyes and named third-team All-American by the Associated Press. That’s a lot of street cred for a coach and commands the respect of players, who are from the same town and grew up watching him.

“Since he's a prior athlete, he knows the mindset of others on the team,” Raiders senior Grady Wetjen said. “He's able to relate to everybody and tell them how he would get through it and he really makes us understand how things work and how we can make ourselves better.”

Williamsburg Raiders senior linebacker Dylan Weisskopf calls out coverage before the snap during football practice at Williamsburg High School in Williamsburg, Iowa, on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

 

The preseason scrimmage against Benton Community helped answer some questions about the Raiders potential. A strong showing boosted confidence for a group, aspiring to return to the UNI-Dome.

“I feel like we have a lot of energy coming on the field and we are really at a good spot,” Wetjen said. “I think we can make it long ways in the playoffs this year.”

Blythe inherits an offense that averaged 40.9 points per game, allowing 15.8. The Raiders have a promising passing attack with playmaking receivers like Wetjen and Dylan Weisskopf.

Wetjen, the younger brother of Iowa All-American return specialist Kaden Wetjen, stands 6-foot-3 with a 205-pound frame. He will also start at nose tackle on defense. An unusual combination for a unique athlete with size, speed and athleticism.

“We have a really good wide receiver corps, led by Grady Wetjen,” Blythe said. “I think he’s poised to have a big year. Big kid, big frame but also super athletic. He moves well in space. He’s extremely fast for his size.”

Williamsburg Raiders senior defensive lineman Grady Wetjen (left) closes on quarterback Rogan Ackerman during football practice at Williamsburg High School in Williamsburg, Iowa, on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

 

Rogan Ackerman and Cash Brown are the frontrunners to replace all-state QB Grant Hocker, who is at University of South Dakota.

Carson Grier and Griffin Becker will lead the Raiders in the trenches. Many of the same offensive names will have defensive roles.

“Athletic attributes and the tangibles, but also the intangibles,” Blythe said. “I need our best guys doing what they do best.”

“We're a little bit undersized by our standards. I think we've got maybe a handful of dudes that are over 200 pounds. We may not be able to go punch for punch but if we can outlast you, we might be all right.”

Grier noted the team’s camaraderie can be game-changing asset. The Raiders work together for the same goal. They push and support each other.

“We have a lot of potential right now with how well we've been playing and practicing,” Grier said. “We don't really have many downfalls because we just pick each other up nonstop.”

Emphasizing all facets of the game has been crucial to Williamsburg’s success, reaching the state finals under Ritchie in 2002, 2017, 2022 and winning the Class 3A title in 2023. Blythe said special teams is a priority and has liked what he’s seen this fall.

“I've played with some really good head coaches, who've always emphasized the importance of special teams,” Blythe said. “There's three phases of football, offense, defensive special teams, and if they aren't all playing together, it can derail a team’s success pretty fast. It's super important to have that phase clicking, just like offense and defense.

“It's really about buying in because some of those special teams guys don't necessarily start on offense or defense, but they play a very important role.”

Blythe said players have responded well to his demands, changes and additions. They were committed to strength and conditioning during the summer and have shown up with a purpose. The Raiders have embraced the new leader.

“They have laid a good foundation,” Blythe said. “Now, we're just trying to get our schemes, assignments and technique down. The kids are really buying in.”

WILLIAMSBURG RAIDERS

Coach: Austin Blythe (1st year, 0-0)

2024: 7-3, lost in first round of Class 3A playoffs

Top returners: WR/NT Grady Wetjen, sr.; OL/DL Carson Grier, sr.; TE/LB Dylan Weisskopf, sr.; OL Griffin Becker, sr.; RB/DB Owen Scott, sr.; FB/LB Sawyer Kirby, jr.; WR/DB Bowen Stratton, sr.; WR/DB Kale Bailey, jr.; OL/DL Malachai Williams, jr.; WR/DB Albert Bamrick, jr.

Keys to success: The Raiders have a strong group of receivers and playmakers. They will need to find someone to get them the ball, solidify the offensive line and play their signature aggressive brand of defense.

Marquee matchup: Oct. 3 – vs. No. 9 Nevada. Williamsburg’s homecoming game could determine the 3A District 5 title.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com

Pro Bowler Brandon Scherff quietly retires from NFL at 33 after $111 million in career earnings

 

By Christian Arnold

Published Aug. 14, 2025, 5:41 p.m. ET

A five-time Pro Bowl guard quietly retired earlier this year and it only came out after it was reported on in a spotlight feature done by his alma mater. 

Brandon Scherff retired from the NFL this summer after 10 years in the NFL, a 2025 Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame spotlight feature reported. 

Scherff had played seven seasons with the Washington Commanders organization, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Brandon Scherff (68) started every NFL game he played across 10 seasons, including his final three, which were play with the Jacksonville Jaguars.Getty Images

The NFL All-Pro — who earned the nod in 2020 — spent his last three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

All told, he made over $111 million over the life of four contract per Spotrac, three with Washington and his final deal with Jacksonville, a three-year, $49.5 million pact in 2022.D

“It’s been something I could never dream of,” he said in the feature. “Sometimes I would tell my wife that she has to pinch me, because I’m playing a kid’s game, and being able to do it as a job is pretty amazing. Now, having kids and being able to see them after games is absolutely wonderful. So I would say it’s a dream come true. And I will be forever grateful to have had that chance.”

In a post on X, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that teams had been told in the spring that he was retiring. 

Scherff was the No. 5 overall pick in 2015 by Washington and during the course of his decade in the league, he played in — and started — 140 games. 

Brandon Scherff retires from the NFL as a one-time NFL All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowl honoree due to his performance on the offensive line.Getty Images

Scherff, a native of Iowa, was essential to Jacksonville’s surprising run to the AFC Divisional Round in the 2022 playoffs.

He will turn 34 years old this coming December.

https://nypost.com/2025/08/14/sports/pro-bowler-brandon-scherff-quietly-retires-after-111-million-career-earnings/