Ben Gedeon
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Benjamin Gedeon (born October 16, 1994) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft. He played for the Vikings for four seasons, with his last season being in 2020.

Key Information

College career

[edit]

Gedeon appeared in 51 games and made 14 starting assignments at linebacker, ultimately recording 176 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 21 tackles-for-loss and two pass breakups. As a senior, he posted a career best 106 tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks and two pass breakups. Following the 2016 season, Gedeon was named to the All-Big Ten Conference defensive second-team by the media.[1]

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

[edit]

Gedeon was ranked as the No. 9 inside linebacker in the 2017 NFL draft by CBSSports.com and was projected to go in the fourth or fifth round according to NFL.com.[2] Gedeon was one of the top performers at the 2017 NFL Combine. Gedeon finished atop all linebackers in the bench press, lifting 225 pounds 27 times. He also tied for the best 20-yard shuttle (4.13 seconds), was third in the 60-yard shuttle (11.58 seconds), had the seventh-best vertical jump (34.5 inches), was ninth in the 3-cone drill (6.98 seconds) and was twelfth with a 119-inch broad jump.[3]

External videos
video icon Gedeon performing at the 2017 NFL Combine
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span Wingspan 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1+3⁄4 in
(1.87 m)		 244 lb
(111 kg)		 32+5⁄8 in
(0.83 m)		 10 in
(0.25 m)		 6 ft 5+1⁄2 in
(1.97 m)		 4.75 s 1.59 s 2.77 s 4.13 s 6.98 s 34.5 in
(0.88 m)		 9 ft 11 in
(3.02 m)		 27 reps
All values from NFL Combine[4][5][6]

2017

[edit]

The Minnesota Vikings selected Gedeon in fourth round (120th overall) of the 2017 NFL draft.[7][8] He was the first of two linebackers drafted by the Vikings in 2017, along with Elijah Lee.[9] On May 26, 2017, the Vikings signed a Gedeon to a four-year, $3.03 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $633,147.[10]

External videos
video icon Gedeon gets drafted by the Vikings

Throughout training camp, Gedeon competed against Emmanuel Lamur, Edmond Robinson, Elijah Lee, and Kentrell Brothers for the job as the starting weakside linebacker after it was left vacant due to the retirement of Chad Greenway.[11] Head coach Mike Zimmer named Gedeon the starting weakside linebacker, along with Anthony Barr and middle linebacker Eric Kendricks.[12]

He made his regular season debut and first career start in the Vikings' season-opener against the New Orleans Saints and recorded a solo tackle during their 29–19 victory. On December 31, 2017, Gedeon collected a season-high six combined tackles in the Vikings' 23–10 win against the Chicago Bears. Gedeon finished his rookie season with 37 combined tackles (23 solo) in 16 games and nine starts.[13]

The Minnesota Vikings finished first in the NFC North with a 13–3 record and received a first round bye. On January 14, 2018, Gedeon played in first career playoff game and assisted on one tackle in a 29–24 victory against the Saints in the NFC Divisional round. They lost to the Philadelphia Eagles who became the eventual Super Bowl LII Champions.[14]

2018

[edit]

Gedeon entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker. Head coach Mike Zimmer named Gedeon and Anthony Barr the starting outside linebackers. They started alongside middle linebacker Kendricks.[15] In Week 14, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 21–7 loss at the Seattle Seahawks. He finished the season with 53 combined tackles (29 solo) and two pass deflections in 15 games and eight starts.[13]

2019

[edit]

Gedeon opened the 2019 season as a starting linebacker for the Vikings. He played in eight games with five starts before suffering a concussion in Week 11. He was placed on injured reserve on December 2, 2019.[16]

2020

[edit]

Gedeon was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list (PUP) at the start of training camp on August 3, 2020.[17] He was moved to the reserve/PUP list to start the regular season on September 5.[18] He was waived with a failed physical designation on November 10, 2020.[19]

Career statistics

[edit]

NFL

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Comb Total Ast Sck PDef Int Yds Avg Lng TDs FF FR
2017 MIN 16 9 37 23 14 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2018 MIN 15 8 53 29 24 0.0 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2019 MIN 8 5 13 8 5 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
Total 39 22 103 60 43 0.0 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0

College

[edit]
Year Team Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
Total Solo Ast Sck Tfl PDef Int Yards Avg Lng TDs FF FR FR Yds TDs
2013 Michigan 19 9 10 1.0 1.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2014 Michigan 17 12 5 1.0 1.5 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2015 Michigan 34 21 13 0.0 3.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2016 Michigan 94 39 55 4.5 15.0 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 164 81 83 6.5 20.5 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Ben Gedeon

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Benjamin Gedeon (born October 16, 1994) is an American former professional football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL).[1][2] Gedeon attended Hudson High School in Ohio, where he excelled as a standout linebacker and earned recognition as one of the top recruits in the state.[3] He committed to the University of Michigan in 2012 over offers from programs including Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Stanford.[4] At Michigan, Gedeon was a four-year letterman for the Wolverines from 2013 to 2016, appearing in 51 games with 14 starts primarily at inside linebacker while also contributing on special teams throughout his career.[5] During his senior year, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the media and honorable mention from coaches after recording 104 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks.[5] Selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, Gedeon signed a four-year rookie contract worth $3,033,147, including a $633,147 signing bonus.[6][7] As a rookie, he transitioned to weakside linebacker and quickly earned a starting role, playing in all 16 games with 9 starts and contributing to the Vikings' third-ranked rushing defense (in yards allowed per game).[8][9] Over his three NFL seasons from 2017 to 2019, Gedeon appeared in 39 games (19 starts), accumulating 103 tackles (61 solo), 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.[1] His career was cut short by multiple concussions; after missing the 2020 season, he was waived by the Vikings with a failed physical designation and subsequently retired from professional football.[10][11]

Early life

Upbringing

Benjamin James Gedeon was born on October 16, 1994, in Hudson, Ohio, a suburban community in Summit County just outside Akron.[1] Raised in a close-knit, athletic family, Gedeon grew up alongside three siblings: older brothers Alex and Sam, and younger sister Gabrielle. His father, Mike Gedeon, worked as an internist, while his mother, Pam, was employed part-time as a veterinary technician, fostering a supportive environment that emphasized family and physical activity.[12] The Gedeon household on Regan Court in Hudson was immersed in sports from an early age, with the siblings engaging in constant competition amid a neighborhood filled with active children— their street alone had 16 boys. Gedeon's brothers exemplified athletic dedication: Alex captained the Harvard University football team and led them to an Ivy League championship in 2011, while Sam played sprint football and rugby at the United States Naval Academy, contributing to an undefeated 7-0 football record in 2011. Gabrielle pursued track, cheerleading, and dance, creating a family dynamic where each sibling served as a role model for the others, with Alex setting the initial standard for excellence. This environment naturally exposed Gedeon to competitive play, including organized backyard games that evolved into a 100-game baseball league among the siblings.[12][13] Gedeon's initial interest in sports manifested prominently in football and basketball during his childhood. He began playing organized football in third grade, earning the nickname "The Franchise" for his standout performances on youth teams, while also developing his basketball skills to the point of dunking by seventh grade. These pursuits were reinforced through rough-and-tumble family activities, such as backyard 7-on-7 football, Wiffle ball, and even basement boxing matches to settle disputes, which his brothers later credited with building his toughness and preparing him for higher-level competition. This family-oriented athletic foundation in Hudson laid the groundwork for Gedeon's transition to organized high school sports.[12][13]

High school career

Gedeon attended Hudson High School in Hudson, Ohio, where he emerged as a standout two-way player on the football team, contributing significantly on both defense as a linebacker and offense as a running back.[1][14] During his junior season in 2011, Gedeon recorded 138 tackles defensively while excelling offensively with 1,418 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns, along with 23 receptions for 168 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns.[12] As a senior in 2012, he amassed 126 tackles, rushed for 1,091 yards and 11 touchdowns, and added 10 receptions for 189 yards and 3 touchdowns, helping lead the Hudson Explorers to a 9-3 overall record and an appearance in the regional semifinals of the OHSAA Division I playoffs.[15][16][17] In addition to football, Gedeon participated in basketball, showcasing his multi-sport versatility during high school.[18] His performances earned him recognition as the No. 255 national recruit and the No. 14 prospect in Ohio according to 247Sports, culminating in his commitment to play college football at the University of Michigan on April 10, 2012.[3][19]

College career

University of Michigan

Ben Gedeon enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2013 as a true freshman linebacker, where he immediately contributed on special teams during his debut season under head coach Brady Hoke.[20] Appearing in games as a reserve, he focused on developing his skills while adapting to the college level, playing in 6 games without a start that year.[5] Over the next two seasons, Gedeon continued to build his role within the Wolverines' defense, remaining a key special teams player while seeing increased snaps at linebacker in reserve capacity. In 2014, he recorded tackles in multiple games, including against Appalachian State, as Michigan transitioned through a rebuilding phase.[21] By 2015, with the arrival of Jim Harbaugh as head coach, Gedeon benefited from the program's renewed emphasis on physicality and discipline, participating in 12 games and contributing to a defense that emphasized tough, fundamentals-driven play.[5] His tenure under Harbaugh highlighted the coach's culture of accountability and team-first mentality, where veterans like Gedeon helped instill a work ethic focused on preparation and resilience.[22] As a senior in 2016, Gedeon transitioned to a full-time starting role at middle linebacker, starting all 13 games and emerging as a vocal leader for the defense. He demonstrated his growth by leading the team with 106 tackles, including standout performances like 14 against Colorado and nine in the home finale against Indiana, where his efforts helped maintain Michigan's undefeated record at home.[23] Under Harbaugh's guidance, Gedeon's leadership extended beyond the field, as he spoke up to guide younger players and embodied the program's blue-collar ethos during a season that saw the Wolverines finish 10-3 and reach the Orange Bowl.[22]

College achievements and statistics

During his four-year college career at the University of Michigan, Ben Gedeon established himself as a reliable linebacker, appearing in 51 games and earning four varsity letters as a special teams and defensive contributor.[5] Over these contests, he amassed career totals of 176 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 2 pass breakups.[24] Gedeon's senior season in 2016 marked his most productive year statistically, as he started all 13 games and led the team with 106 tackles, including 15.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 2 pass breakups.[24] His performance earned him All-Big Ten second-team honors from the media and third-team recognition from the coaches.[25] Additionally, he received the Roger Zatkoff Award as Michigan's most outstanding linebacker.[5] The following table summarizes Gedeon's year-by-year defensive statistics at Michigan:
YearClassGamesTacklesTFLSacksPBU
2013FR5191.01.00
2014SO12171.51.00
2015JR12343.00.00
2016SR1310615.54.52
Career-4217621.06.52
Note: Games reflect those with recorded defensive statistics; total appearances were 51.[24][5]

Professional career

2017 NFL draft

Gedeon declared for the 2017 NFL Draft following a senior season at the University of Michigan in which he started all 13 games and tallied 106 tackles.[26][24] He participated in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he measured 6 feet 2 inches tall and 244 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds, recorded a 34.5-inch vertical jump, and completed 27 repetitions on the bench press.[27] His 27 bench press reps tied for the highest among linebackers at the event, highlighting his upper-body strength, while his 4.13-second 20-yard shuttle demonstrated notable agility for his size.[28] Gedeon also performed a 6.98-second three-cone drill and a 9-foot-11-inch broad jump, further showcasing his athletic profile.[29] Pre-draft evaluations praised Gedeon's physical tools and versatility, positioning him as a potential contributor on special teams and in run defense.[30] Scouts noted his ideal length, excellent strength, and quick processing in the run game, though they projected him primarily as a two-down inside linebacker due to limitations in pass coverage.[31] His experience on special teams during college, combined with his athleticism, made him an attractive mid-round prospect for teams seeking depth and core special teams players.[6] The Minnesota Vikings selected Gedeon in the fourth round, 120th overall, of the 2017 NFL Draft on April 29.[1] On May 26, 2017, he signed a four-year rookie contract worth $3.03 million, including a signing bonus of $633,147.[7] The fully guaranteed portion of the deal totaled $633,147, with the contract carrying an average annual value of approximately $758,000.[32]

Minnesota Vikings tenure

Ben Gedeon joined the Minnesota Vikings as a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and spent four seasons with the team as a linebacker, primarily contributing in run defense and special teams before injuries curtailed his role.[6] In his rookie 2017 season, Gedeon appeared in all 16 games, starting nine at weakside linebacker in the team's base 4-3 defense, and recorded 37 total tackles (23 solo). He also provided significant value on special teams, leading the Vikings with 18 tackles in that phase, which helped him secure a rotational role on defense as the team advanced to the NFC Championship Game.[1][33] Gedeon's playing time increased in 2018, where he played 15 games with eight starts, again in the base defense, amassing a career-high 53 tackles (29 solo) and two pass deflections while logging about 30% of defensive snaps. His versatility allowed him to remain a core special teams contributor with 13 tackles, though the Vikings' shift toward nickel packages reduced his overall starts compared to the prior year.[1][34] The 2019 season began promisingly for Gedeon, who started the first five games at linebacker and played in eight total contests, notching 13 tackles (eight solo). However, he suffered multiple concussions, including a second one in late November, leading the Vikings to place him on injured reserve on December 2, effectively ending his year and limiting his defensive snaps to under 20%.[1][35][36] Entering 2020, Gedeon was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list in early September due to lingering effects from his concussions, restricting him to no games or practices. The Vikings waived him on November 10 after he failed a physical, marking the end of his tenure amid roster adjustments and his transition from an early starter to a depth player hampered by injuries.[37][38]

Professional statistics

Ben Gedeon played in 39 games during his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings from 2017 to 2019, starting 22 of those contests, while accumulating 103 total tackles (60 solo, 43 assisted) and 2 pass deflections.[1] He recorded no sacks or interceptions over his professional tenure.[1] The table below summarizes his key defensive statistics by season:
YearGames PlayedStartsTotal Tackles (Solo/Assisted)
201716937 (23/14)
201815853 (29/24)
20198513 (8/5)
2020000 (0/0)
Career3922103 (60/43)

Post-NFL life

Business career

After retiring from professional football following his waiver from the Minnesota Vikings in November 2020, Ben Gedeon transitioned into business development within the sports technology sector.[39][11] Gedeon joined Candy Digital, a New York-based startup and spin-off of Fanatics Inc., around 2022, serving in a business development role focused on the company's platform for NFTs and digital sports collectibles.[11][40] In this position, he handled strategic accounts and partnerships, including collaborations on digital collectible launches for prominent athletes like Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.[40][41] Following his tenure at Candy Digital, Gedeon pursued graduate education, earning an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business in 2025.[42][43] As of 2025, Gedeon is associated with Pack Holdings, a Minneapolis-based firm.[42]

Personal life

Following his NFL career, Gedeon married Jami Fitz on June 24, 2023, in Minnesota. The couple resides in the Minneapolis area, where Gedeon has pursued further education and professional opportunities while maintaining a low public profile on personal matters. No public information is available regarding children.[44]

References

  1. Ben Gedeon Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
  2. Ben Gedeon Stats, News and Video - OLB - NFL.com
  3. Ben Gedeon, Minnesota, Linebacker - 247 Sports
  4. Michigan football gains commitment from No. 1 Ohio linebacker Ben ...
  5. Ben Gedeon - Football - University of Michigan Athletics
  6. 5 Things to Know About New Vikings LB Ben Gedeon
  7. Ben Gedeon | NFL Contracts & Salaries - Spotrac.com
  8. Rookies Ben Gedeon, Eric Wilson Learning at Linebacker
  9. Ben Gedeon - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports
  10. Alex Gedeon gains temporary bragging rights over NFL brother
  11. 2012 High School Football: Family tree spells success for Hudson's ...
  12. Vikings: Big brothers molded Ben Gedeon into an NFL hopeful
  13. WELCOME TO THE BIG SHOW: LB Ben Gedeon - Vikings Territory
  14. 2013 Recruiting: Ben Gedeon - MGoBlog
  15. Ben Gedeon's High School Football Stats - Max Preps
  16. Drew Pasteur's Ohio Fantastic 50
  17. Michigan Football Recruiting — Ben Gedeon (Linebacker)
  18. Ben Gedeon Timeline Events - 247 Sports
  19. [PDF] 01_Player Bios.indd - University of Michigan Athletics
  20. After strong first half, fatigue too much for Michigan defense
  21. Devins, Two-Headed Running Attack Wipe Out Appalachian State
  22. Ben Gedeon, the man in the middle, is ready to speak up and lead ...
  23. Wolverines Move to 8-0 at Home Behind Strong Senior Effort
  24. Ben Gedeon College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits
  25. Peppers, Lewis Lead All 11 Defenders Honored by B1G - MGoBlue
  26. Ben Gedeon Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com
  27. 2017 NFL Combine Results | Pro-Football-Reference.com
  28. Best of everything at the 2017 NFL combine - ESPN - NFL Nation
  29. 2017 NFL Scouting Combine: Linebackers - WalterFootball
  30. Ben Gedeon NFL Draft 2017: Scouting Report for Minnesota Vikings ...
  31. PFF scouting report: Ben Gedeon, LB, Michigan
  32. Ben Gedeon Contract Details - Over the Cap
  33. 2017 Vikings Position Recap: Special Teams
  34. 2018 Vikings Position Recap: Linebackers
  35. Vikings Place Ben Gedeon on IR, Add Alexander Hollins To Active ...
  36. Vikings Place LB Ben Gedeon On IR - Pro Football Rumors
  37. Vikings Waive Ben Gedeon Due to Failed Physical, Place Holton Hill ...
  38. On the Roster: A Look at the Vikings Initial 53 for 2020
  39. Vikings waive Ben Gedeon, place Holton Hill on injured reserve
  40. Bijan Robinson has new NFTs — how you can get one - KXAN
  41. Candy Digital - Sweet Futures | 4th Hashtag Sports Awards
  42. Ben Gedeon - Pack Holdings | LinkedIn
  43. This Countries Sports Tech Boom Is Defying Europe's Venture ...
  44. High school football/Beacon Journal Player of the Year: Hudson's ...
  45. Supporters of Hudson native Ben Gedeon follow Minnesota Vikings ...
  46. Ben Gedeon's brothers prepped him to run the show for Michigan's ...
  47. Jami Fitz and Ben Gedeon Wedding Registry - The Knot
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