Joseph David Berger ( ; born May 25, 1982) is a former
American football
American football (referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada), also known as gridiron, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The offense, the team wi ...
guard
Guard or guards may refer to:
Professional occupations
* Bodyguard, who protects an individual from personal assault
* Crossing guard, who stops traffic so pedestrians can cross the street
* Lifeguard, who rescues people from drowning
* Prison ...
in the
National Football League
The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the ...
(NFL) for the
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member team of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The team p ...
,
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East divi ...
and
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. Founded in 1960 as an expansi ...
. He was drafted by the
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers compete in the National Football League (NFL), as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. ...
in the sixth round of the
2005 NFL Draft
The 2005 NFL draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24, 2005. The league also he ...
. He played
college football at
Michigan Tech
Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech, MTU, or simply Tech) is a public research university in Houghton, Michigan, founded in 1885 as the Michigan Mining School, the first post-secondary institution in the Upper Peninsula of Michiga ...
.
Early years
Berger attended
Newaygo High School in
Newaygo, Michigan. During his two-year varsity
football career, he played as an
offensive lineman, and
linebacker
Linebacker (LB) is a playing position in gridiron football. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage and the defensive linemen. They are the "middle ground" of defenders, ...
. He finished with 238
tackles
Tackle may refer to:
* In football:
** Tackle (football move), a play in various forms of football
** Tackle (gridiron football position), a position in American football and Canadian football
** Dump tackle, a forceful move in rugby of picking u ...
and one
interception
In ball-playing competitive team sports, an interception or pick is a move by a player involving a pass of the ball—whether by foot or hand, depending on the rules of the sport—in which the ball is intended for a player of the same team ...
.
As a senior, he was the team captain, an All-Western Waterways Activities Conference selection, and an Academic All-State honorable-mention.
College career
Berger was a
walk-on at
Michigan Technological University, where he was converted from a
linebacker
Linebacker (LB) is a playing position in gridiron football. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage and the defensive linemen. They are the "middle ground" of defenders, ...
into an
offensive tackle. He started three games at
left tackle
Tackle is a playing position in gridiron football. Historically, in the one-platoon system prevalent in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a tackle played on both offense and defense. In the modern system of specialized units, o ...
as a
redshirt
Redshirt, Red Shirt, or Redshirts may refer to:
Entertainment
* ''Red Shirts'' (film), a 1952 film about Anita Garibaldi by Franco Rossi
* Redshirt (stock character), originally derived from ''Star Trek'', a stock character who dies soon after ...
freshman.
As a junior in 2003, the football program was terminated due to budgets cuts made by the school, but through alumni funding, it was brought back in 10 days. He was lost for the season after suffering a knee injury in a game against
Grand Valley State University. As a senior, he contributed to the team win the
GLIAC
The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) is a competitive college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level.
The GLIAC was founded in June 1972. Its ele ...
championship.
He finished his college career with 28 games started at
right tackle
Tackle is a playing position in gridiron football. Historically, in the one-platoon system prevalent in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a tackle played on both offense and defense. In the modern system of specialized units, ...
and three at
left tackle
Tackle is a playing position in gridiron football. Historically, in the one-platoon system prevalent in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a tackle played on both offense and defense. In the modern system of specialized units, o ...
. 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
Tackle is a playing position in gridiron football. Historically, in the one-platoon system prevalent in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a tackle played on both offense and defense. In the modern system of specialized units, ...
. He also played in the
Cactus Bowl
The Guaranteed Rate Bowl is an annual college football bowl game that has been played in the state of Arizona since 1989.
Played as the Copper Bowl from inception through 1996, it was known as the Insight.com Bowl from 1997 through 2001, then ...
and the
NCAA Division II
NCAA Division II (D-II) is an intermediate-level division of competition in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). It offers an alternative to both the larger and better-funded Division I and to the scholarship-free environmen ...
All-Star game.
Professional career
Carolina Panthers
Berger was selected by the
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers compete in the National Football League (NFL), as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. ...
with their second of two sixth-round draft choices in the sixth round (207th overall) of the
2005 NFL Draft
The 2005 NFL draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24, 2005. The league also he ...
, becoming one of only three football players to be drafted from Michigan Tech and the first since
1987
File:1987 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: The MS Herald of Free Enterprise capsizes after leaving the Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium, killing 193; Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crashes after takeoff from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, ...
when the Giants selected quarterback
Dave Walter
David Lee Russell Walter (born December 9, 1964) is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football for the Michigan Tech Huskies
Michigan Techn ...
in the 11th round (307th overall). The other Michigan Tech draftee, running back Jim Van Wagner, was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round (183rd overall) of the
1977 NFL Draft.
He was waived on September 3 and was signed to the
practice squad one day later. He would never play in a regular-season game with the franchise.
Miami Dolphins (first stint)
![Joe Berger](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Joe_Berger.jpg)
On September 7, 2005, he was picked up by the
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member team of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The team p ...
from the Panthers practice squad before the start of the season. He was declared inactive in two games and played in each of the final three games as a backup.
In 2006, a sprained right foot suffered in training camp kept him inactive during 11 games. He was waived on November 23.
Dallas Cowboys
On November 24, 2006, Berger was claimed off
waivers by the
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East divi ...
, but was inactive for the rest of the season (five games). In 2007, he was active for three games, but only played in the 4th quarter of the season finale in place of
Leonard Davis at right guard.
In 2008, he played on
special teams
In American football, the specific role that a player takes on the field is referred to as their "position". Under the modern rules of American football, both teams are allowed 11 players on the field at one time and have "unlimited free substitu ...
during the first three games of the season and was declared inactive for the final 11. During his time with the Cowboys, the team had a strong
offensive line
In gridiron football, a lineman is a player who specializes in play at the line of scrimmage. The linemen of the team currently in possession of the ball are the offensive line, while linemen on the opposing team are the defensive line. A numb ...
and Berger had a difficult time competing for playing time.
Miami Dolphins (second stint)
On February 27, 2009, Berger signed as an
unrestricted free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player who is eligible to sign with other clubs or franchises; i.e., not under contract to any specific team. The term is also used in reference to a player who is under contract at present but who is ...
with the
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member team of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The team p ...
, reuniting with former Cowboys head coach
Bill Parcells
Duane Charles "Bill" Parcells (born August 22, 1941) is an American former football coach who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for 19 seasons. He rose to prominence as the head coach of the New York Giants from 1983 ...
, who was the team's Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
Although he was signed as a backup player, due to his ability to play multiple offensive line positions, he beat out
Jake Grove
Charles Jacob Grove (born January 22, 1980) is a former American college and professional football player who was a center in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. He played college football for Virginia Tech, and was recognized ...
for the starting center position, playing in 31 out of 32 games over the next two seasons, starting 20 of them. He was released on September 5, 2011, before the start of the regular season, after the team signed
Ryan Cook.
Minnesota Vikings
On September 12, 2011, Berger signed with the
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. Founded in 1960 as an expansi ...
the day after the regular-season opener. On March 12, 2013, Berger re-signed with the Vikings on a one-year deal.
2011 season
Berger spent training camp and preseason with the
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member team of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The team p ...
and was acquired by the Vikings on September 12, 2011, the day after the regular-season opener at San Diego. In his first season as a Viking, Berger played in 13 games, starting seven at
center
Center or centre may refer to:
Mathematics
*Center (geometry), the middle of an object
* Center (algebra), used in various contexts
** Center (group theory)
** Center (ring theory)
* Graph center, the set of all vertices of minimum eccentrici ...
,
right guard
Right Guard is an American brand of deodorant and shower gel that is manufactured and sold by Thriving Brands LLC. It is the second largest brand in the male deodorant category in the United States. Right Guard was introduced in 1960 by The Gi ...
and
left guard
In gridiron football, a guard (G), otherwise known as an offensive guard (OG), is a player who lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team on the line of scrimmage used primarily for blocking. Right g ...
during the season. He saw extended action at Chicago in week six, replacing injured starter
John Sullivan at center in the 2nd half.
He then started a 4-game span at right guard in place of starter
Anthony Herrera
Anthony John Herrera (January 19, 1944 – June 21, 2011) was an American actor.
Early life and family background
Herrera was born on January 19, 1944, in Wiggins, Mississippi, to Theresa Jewel (née Blackburn) and Rafael Antonio Herrera. His ...
, with the first of the four games coming at Carolina on October 30. He started his first game of the season at center against the
Green Bay Packers in week seven, the first start of rookie quarterback
Christian Ponder
Christian Andrew Ponder (born February 25, 1988) is a former American football quarterback. He played for the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers. He played college football at Florida State, and was drafted by the Minnesot ...
’s career. He started in the final two games of season at left guard in place of starter
Steve Hutchinson.
2012 season
In 2012, Berger played in all 16 games. He was primarily used on special teams, where he was a regular on a
kickoff return
A kickoff is a method of starting a drive in gridiron football. Typically, a kickoff consists of one team – the "kicking team" – kicking the ball to the opposing team – the "receiving team". The receiving team is then entitled to ''return' ...
unit that ranked among the NFL leaders in return average and was tied for 3rd in the NFL with six returns of 40 yards or more on the season. He saw his first career playoff action in the NFC
Wild Card game against the
Green Bay Packers on January 5, 2013.
2013 season
![Joe berger vikings](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Joe_berger_vikings.jpg)
In 2013, Berger appeared in all 16 games, starting two, contributing on special teams and providing depth along the offensive line. He started at
left guard
In gridiron football, a guard (G), otherwise known as an offensive guard (OG), is a player who lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team on the line of scrimmage used primarily for blocking. Right g ...
and
right guard
Right Guard is an American brand of deodorant and shower gel that is manufactured and sold by Thriving Brands LLC. It is the second largest brand in the male deodorant category in the United States. Right Guard was introduced in 1960 by The Gi ...
in place of injured starters
Charlie Johnson and
Brandon Fusco
Brandon Fusco (born July 26, 1988) is a former American football guard. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 172nd overall pick in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Slippery Rock University of Pe ...
against Washington and Philadelphia. He played a vital role on a kickoff return unit that helped rookie wide receiver
Cordarrelle Patterson
Cordarrelle Patterson ( ; born March 17, 1991), nicknamed "Flash", is an American football player for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). A versatile utility player, he plays running back, wide receiver, return specialist ...
set team records for return yards (1,393), return average (32.4) and return touchdowns (2).
2014 season
On March 12, 2014, the Vikings re-signed Berger to a one-year contract. Berger appeared in all 16 games and started the final nine games at
right guard
Right Guard is an American brand of deodorant and shower gel that is manufactured and sold by Thriving Brands LLC. It is the second largest brand in the male deodorant category in the United States. Right Guard was introduced in 1960 by The Gi ...
after starter
Brandon Fusco
Brandon Fusco (born July 26, 1988) is a former American football guard. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 172nd overall pick in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Slippery Rock University of Pe ...
was placed on IR, with the team going 5-4 in his starts and with Berger playing a key role in protecting
Teddy Bridgewater
Theodore Edmond Bridgewater Jr. (born November 10, 1992) is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL).
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, he graduated from Miami Northwestern high school ...
on his way to the most productive season by a rookie quarterback in team history.
On October 19, 2014, Berger came into a game against the
Buffalo Bills after starting center
John Sullivan suffered a concussion; he blocked for rookie running back
Jerick McKinnon
Jerick Deshun McKinnon (born May 3, 1992), nicknamed Jet, is an American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Georgia Southern and was drafted by the Minnesota Vik ...
’s 103-rushing yard effort against one of the NFL’s best run defenses and allowed no sacks and recorded a tackle. Berger finished the season having played in 61 consecutive games.
2015 season
In August 2015, starting center
John Sullivan suffered a season-ending back injury and was placed on injured reserve. Berger was named as the Vikings starting center and started every game for the
2015 season, helping
Adrian Peterson
Adrian Lewis Peterson (born March 21, 1985) is an American football running back who is a free agent. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest running backs in football history. He played college football at Oklahoma, where he set the ...
run for a league-leading 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns. For his performance, Berger was named the league’s best run blocker by
Pro Football Focus
Pro Football Focus (also written as ProFootballFocus, and often referred to by its initials, PFF) is a sports analytics company that focuses on thorough analysis of the National Football League (NFL) and NCAA Division-I football in the United Sta ...
(PFF).
After 11 years in the league, this was Berger's first NFL season starting all 16 games. On January 6, 2016, Berger was rated 26.8 by Pro Football Focus (PFF), the highest among all centers in the
NFL for the season. Over the final half of the regular season, Berger earned an above-average grade of +1.0 or higher in every game, including a peak of +5.3 against a stout
Oakland Raiders defensive line in week 10. He was also the most consistent center as he had the lowest percentage of negatively-graded run blocks at the position.
2016 season
During training camp, Berger won the battle against veteran
John Sullivan to be the Vikings’ starting center. On September 9, the team announced that Berger signed a one-year contract extension. He started 14 games. He missed two contests with a concussion he suffered in the eleventh game against the
Detroit Lions.
2017 season
After the Vikings drafted center
Pat Elflein in the third round, Berger was moved to right guard, where he started all 16 games. He led the offense with 1,116 snaps played, which were at right guard and one game at center, in place for an injured
Pat Elflein against the
Chicago Bears.
Retirement
On March 23, 2018, Berger announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons.
Personal life
Berger graduated ''
magna cum laude'' with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech in 2005. He married his wife, Abigail, in 2004.
[ They have four children.
]
References
External links
Michigan Tech alumni bio
{{DEFAULTSORT:Berger, Joe
1982 births
Living people
People from Newaygo, Michigan
Players of American football from Michigan
American football offensive tackles
American football offensive guards
American football centers
Michigan Tech Huskies football players
Carolina Panthers players
Miami Dolphins players
Dallas Cowboys players
Minnesota Vikings players