Joe Berger
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Berger with the Vikings in 2013. | |
| No. 61 Minnesota Vikings | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Guard / Center |
Personal information | |
| Date of birth: | May 25, 1982 |
| Place of birth: | Fremont, Michigan |
| Height: | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight: | 305 lb (138 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Newaygo (MI) |
| College: | Michigan Tech |
| NFL draft: | 2005 / Round: 6 / Pick: 207 |
Career history | |
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| Roster status: | Active |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Career NFL statistics | |
| Games played: | 99 |
| Games started: | 38 |
| Fumble recoveries: | 0 |
|
Stats at NFL.com | |
Joseph David Berger (/ˈbɜrdʒər/ BUR-jər; born May 25, 1982) is an American football center for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan Tech.
Berger has also played for the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys.
Early years
Berger attended Newaygo High School in Newaygo, Michigan. As a senior, he was the team captain of his team, an All-Western Waterways Activities Conference selection, and an Academic All-State honorable mention. During his two-year varsity football career, he played offensive lineman, and as a defensive linebacker, he posted 238 tackles and one interception.
College career
Berger was a walk-on college football player at Michigan Tech. He was a four-time Academic All-GLIAC selection, a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District pick, and a two-time All-American pick as a right tackle. He also played in the Cactus Bowl and the NCAA Division II All-Star game.
Professional career
Carolina Panthers
Berger was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round (207th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. However, he was signed to the practice squad and never played in a game for them.
First stint with Dolphins
He was picked up by the Dolphins before the start of the 2005 NFL season, and played in three games. A sprained right foot suffered in training camp kept him inactive during the 2006 season, and he was eventually waived.
Dallas Cowboys
Shortly after his release from the Dolphins in 2006, Berger was claimed on waivers by the Cowboys, but was inactive for the entire 2006 season. He was active for only 3 games in 2007, playing only in the 4th quarter of the season finale, and was inactive for the final 11 games of the 2008 season.
Second stint with Dolphins
After becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2009, Berger re-signed with the Miami Dolphins.[1] Although he was signed as a backup player, due to his ability to play multiple offensive line positions, he beat out Jake Grove for the starting center position,[2] and played in 31 out of 32 games over the next two seasons, starting 20 of them.[3] He was released on September 5, 2011 after the preseason.
Minnesota Vikings
Berger signed with the Minnesota Vikings on September 12, 2011.[4] On March 12, 2013, Berger re-signed with the Vikings on a one-year deal.[5]
On March 12, 2014, the Vikings re-signed Berger.[6]
On October 19, 2014, Berger came into a game against the Buffalo Bills after starting center John Sullivan suffered a concussion. He allowed no sacks and recorded a tackle.
Personal
Berger graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech in 2005. He married his wife, Abby, in 2004.[7]
References
- ↑ Cowboys made offer to Kevin Burnett, Joe Berger signs with Miami
- ↑ Brian Biggane (2010-09-09). "Dolphins’ coach Tony Sparano: Joe Berger was just better". Retrieved 2011-09-05.
- ↑ Joe Berger/Miami Dolphins, archived from the original on 2011-09-05, retrieved 2013-05-30
- ↑ Vikings waive backup center Cooper, sign veteran Berger
- ↑ Free Agency: Vikings Re-Sign Backup Lineman Joe Berger To 1-Year Deal
- ↑ Wilkening, Mike (March 12, 2014). "Vikings bring back Joe Berger". NBCSports.com. Retrieved 2014-06-14.
- ↑ "Tech Grad Berger Now Making the Grade in the NFL". Michigan Tech Magazine. December 2005. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
External links
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