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Brandon Scherff
Brandon Scherff
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Brandon Scherff (born December 26, 1991) is an American former professional football guard who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons. He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, earning unanimous All-American honors. He was selected by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft, where he played for seven seasons and earned five Pro Bowls and one All-Pro selection. He also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Key Information

Early life

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A native of Denison, Iowa, Scherff attended Denison High School, where he was a two-way lineman, earning first-team all-state honors on offense as a senior after earning second-team all-state on defense as a junior. As a sophomore, he played quarterback, passing for 1,200 yards on the season. Scherff's high school coach was Dave Wiebers.[1] He also played basketball, where he led the state in rebounds as a senior, and baseball, where he helped his team qualify for the state tournament as a junior.

Scherff was also on the school's track & field team, where he was a standout shot putter and discus thrower, earning All-State recognition. He won two state titles in the shot put as a sophomore and a senior, placed third as a freshman and second as a junior. He won the shot put event at the 2010 Drake Relays, recording a career-best throw of 18.77 meters, setting a school record.[2] At the 2010 Iowa State T&F Championships, he placed third in the discus throw, with a personal-best throw of 48.95 meters.[3]

Regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Scherff was ranked as the No. 44 offensive tackle prospect in 2010.[4] He committed to Iowa over offers from Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, and Nebraska.[5]

College career

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Scherff playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2013

After redshirting his initial year at Iowa, Scherff saw action at left guard in eleven games on the season, starting three. In his sophomore year, he replaced Riley Reiff as the starting left tackle. He started first seven games of season at left tackle before suffering a broken fibula and a dislocated ankle in game seven,[6] and missed the remainder of the season due to injury.

Despite being regarded one of the best offensive lineman prospects for the NFL draft after his junior year at Iowa, Scherff decided to return for his senior year.[7] He received his B.A. degree in Leisure studies in December 2014. After the 2014 season, Scherff was awarded the Outland Trophy as the country's best interior lineman.

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Coming out of Iowa, Scherff was projected by the majority of analysts and scouts to be selected in the first round.[8][9][10] He was ranked as the best offensive tackle in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com, the top interior lineman by Mike Mayock, the best offensive lineman and guard by Lance Zierlein, and top offensive tackle by Sports Illustrated.[11][12][13] Scherff received an invitation to the NFL Combine and completed the bench press and 40, 20, and 10-yard dash. Due to a hamstring injury, he was not able to finish the entire combine. On March 23, 2015, he participated at Iowa's Pro Day and completed the drills he was unable to perform at the combine. Along with the bench, he did the vertical jump, broad jump, short shuttle, and 3-cone drill. By the time the draft was approaching, he was considered a top 10 overall pick.[14] Many scouts and analysts were conflicted over his future position in the NFL, split on whether he was better suited to play offensive tackle or guard.[15]

Scherff in a game during his rookie season in 2015
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 4+58 in
(1.95 m)
319 lb
(145 kg)
33+38 in
(0.85 m)
11 in
(0.28 m)
5.05 s 1.80 s 2.98 s 4.57 s 7.18 s 32.5 in
(0.83 m)
8 ft 11 in
(2.72 m)
23 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Iowa's Pro Day[16][14]

Washington Redskins / Football Team

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The Washington Redskins selected Scherff in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2015 NFL draft.[17][18] This made him the first player from Iowa drafted in the top ten since Robert Gallery was selected second overall in 2004. On May 12, 2015, Scherff signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $21.21 million contract with the team.[19][20][21]

He entered training camp competing with Morgan Moses for the starting right tackle position but was moved to right guard prior to the beginning of the regular season. Since he was able to handle bull rushes well, he was thought to better suit the right guard position and be responsible for a smaller area where his power would be more useful.[22] Offensive line coach Bill Callahan named him the Redskins’ starting right guard to begin the season after winning the job over Spencer Long in the preseason.[23]

Scherff made his professional debut in the Redskins' season-opening 17–10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He started all 16 regular season games, played 752 snaps, and helped the Redskins finish first in the NFC East with a 9–7 record. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[24] In January 2016, he started his first career postseason game, as the Redskins were routed by the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wildcard game 35–18.[25] Scherff finished his second season starting in all 16 regular season games, and due to his highly regarded performance that year, he was voted to the 2017 Pro Bowl, his first such vote.[26] He was also voted to the 2018 Pro Bowl the following year.[27]

Scherff (#75) playing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020–21 Wild Card Playoff game.

On April 16, 2018, the Redskins picked up the fifth-year option on Scherff's contract.[28] On November 5, he was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn pectoral in Week 9.[29] For the 2019 season, Scherff was voted to his third Pro Bowl.[30] The same day, the Redskins placed Scherff on injured reserve due to elbow and shoulder injuries.[31][32]

An impending free agent in 2020, the team placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Scherff prior to the start of the new league year, with him agreeing to it on April 8, 2020.[33][34] He was placed on injured reserve on September 22 following a MCL sprain he suffered during a Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals before being reactivated on October 16, 2020.[35][36] He was named to the 2021 Pro Bowl, his fourth in his career,[37] as well becoming the first Washington player to be named first-team All-Pro since punter Matt Turk in 1996.[38] He was also ranked 98th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021 list.[39]

In March 2021, Washington placed another non-exclusive franchise tag on Scherff, worth $18 million, which he signed days later.[40][41] He was placed on the team's COVID-19 reserve list on July 31, 2021,[42] and was activated on August 5.[43] In the Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons, Scherff left the game in the second quarter due to a MCL sprain.[44] He missed the Week 15 and 16 games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys after being placed on the COVID-19 reserve list for a second time on December 20, 2021.[45] A week later, Scherff was placed back on the active roster.[46]

Jacksonville Jaguars

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Scherff with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022

Scherff signed a three-year, $49.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 16, 2022.[47] He played and started at right guard for all 17 regular season games in the 2022 season. In his second career playoff run, Scherff played through an abdomen injury in the Jaguars' 2022–23 Wild Card round win against the Los Angeles Chargers and the team's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional round.[48][49] He played as the Jaguars' starting right guard for all 17 regular season games for both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Retirement

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On August 14, 2025, Scherff revealed in an interview that he had retired from the NFL.[50][51]

Personal life

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Scherff is a life-long Lutheran who regularly contributes autographed memorabilia for fundraisers for his Lutheran grade school.[52]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Brandon Scherff (born December 26, 1991) is a former offensive guard who played ten seasons in the (NFL), retiring in August 2025 after a career marked by durability, run-blocking excellence, and multiple accolades. Drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins in the out of the , Scherff transitioned from college tackle to guard and became a of the offensive line for the franchise (later renamed the ) from 2015 to 2021, earning five selections and a first-team honor in 2020 during that span. He then signed with the in March 2022 on a three-year, $49.5 million contract, starting all 51 regular-season games over three seasons (2022–2024) despite recurring injuries, including a torn pectoral in 2018 and various elbow and shoulder issues. Born and raised in , Scherff was a multisport in high school, excelling in football, , , and even in the before focusing on gridiron pursuits. At , he redshirted in 2009 and played both offense and defense early on, but emerged as a dominant left tackle by his junior year, earning 36 career starts and consensus All-American honors in 2014 as a senior. That year, he won the as the nation's top interior lineman and was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, helping the Hawkeyes to a 34–30 record during his tenure from 2010 to 2014. In August 2025, shortly after his retirement, Scherff was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing his impact as one of the program's most decorated linemen. Throughout his professional career, Scherff appeared in 140 games with 140 starts, ranking among the league's elite in run-blocking efficiency according to metrics. His 2020 All-Pro season highlighted a peak performance with Washington, where he anchored an offensive line that supported a playoff run, and his move to Jacksonville solidified his status as one of the highest-paid guards in history at the time. Despite playing through pain in his final years, Scherff's nasty disposition, athleticism for his 6-foot-5, 320-pound frame, and leadership as a team captain defined a legacy of toughness that earned him widespread respect across the league.

Early years

Early life and family

Brandon Scherff was born on December 26, 1991, in . He is the son of Bob Scherff, the transportation director for the Denison Community School District, and Cindy Scherff, a fifth-grade teacher whose family background contributed to his large stature. Scherff grew up in a close-knit family as the third of four children, with an older brother named Justin, an older sister named Kristin, and a younger sister named Megan; his siblings were also active in athletics, with Justin excelling in tennis and the sisters participating in soccer, volleyball, and track. The rural environment of Denison, a small town of about 8,000 in western , shaped his upbringing, fostering a strong through activities like and , as well as early jobs such as hauling trees at the local Evergreen Acres Christmas tree farm starting in . From a young age, Scherff showed interest in multiple sports, initially trying to emulate his brother before discovering a passion for football in fourth grade, alongside , , and track events like . As a high school freshman, he also played in the school .

High school career

Brandon Scherff attended Denison-Schleswig High School in Denison, Iowa, from 2007 to 2010, where he emerged as a standout multi-sport athlete. In football, he transitioned from quarterback during his sophomore year—where he threw for 1,200 yards—to a two-way lineman in his junior and senior seasons. As a senior in 2009, Scherff earned first-team all-state honors as an offensive lineman while recording 31 solo tackles, 51 assists, and 16 tackles for loss on defense; his junior year brought second-team all-state recognition on defense. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 280 pounds as a senior, he helped lead the Monarchs to playoff appearances, including a come-from-behind victory in a crucial late-season game to secure a postseason berth. Scherff's versatility extended beyond football, as he participated in basketball, baseball, and track and field. In basketball, he was a varsity starter who led Iowa in rebounds during his senior season and set a school record with 613 career rebounds, including games with up to 20 boards while averaging a double-double. He lettered in baseball, contributing to the team's efforts as an outfielder and pitcher. In track and field, Scherff specialized in throwing events, winning two Iowa Class 3A state championships in the shot put: first as a sophomore in 2008 with a throw of 59 feet 5.5 inches, and again as a senior in 2010 with 58 feet 5.25 inches; he also claimed the 2010 Drake Relays high school shot put title. During his , Scherff, a three-star prospect, received interest from several Big Ten programs but committed to the in early 2010, signing his on February 3. 's pursuit began after observing him at the state track meet during his sophomore year, where assistant coach Reese Morgan approached him despite his initial projection as a . He chose the Hawkeyes over other offers, including from Iowa State and Northern Iowa, drawn by the opportunity to play closer to home and the program's emphasis on linemen development.

College career

Early seasons at Iowa (2010–2012)

Brandon Scherff redshirted his year in 2010 at the , allowing him to develop physically and adjust to without immediate game action. During this time, he transitioned to the offensive line, drawing on his high school versatility across positions like , , and to prepare for a role at guard or tackle. As a redshirt in 2011, Scherff saw his first collegiate action in the season opener against Tennessee Tech, appearing in 11 games primarily at left guard and earning three starts. His performance earned him a spot on the Big Ten All- team as selected by BTN.com, highlighting his quick adaptation to college-level blocking schemes that emphasized zone and power concepts. By this point, Scherff had grown to 6 feet 5 inches and approximately 305 pounds, providing the size needed to compete against Big Ten defenses. In 2012, Scherff moved to left tackle, starting the first seven games of the season before suffering a broken and dislocated ankle, which sidelined him for the final five contests. He received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from league media, recognizing his contributions to an offensive line that supported a balanced attack despite the team's 4-8 record. Scherff continued to refine his technique in pass protection and run blocking, demonstrating resilience in adapting to the tackle position's demands for greater range and agility. Academically, he made steady progress toward a degree in , maintaining eligibility while balancing rigorous training.

Senior year and accolades (2013–2014)

In his junior year of 2013, Scherff solidified his role as a cornerstone of Iowa's offensive line by starting all 13 games at left tackle, contributing to the Hawkeyes' 8-5 overall record and 5-3 mark in Big Ten play. His performance earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media, recognizing his reliability in pass protection and run blocking during a season where Iowa's offense averaged 179.9 rushing yards per game. Building on three prior seasons of increasing experience that included 23 total starts primarily at left tackle, Scherff entered his senior campaign in 2014 as one of the conference's premier linemen. He started all 13 games again at left tackle, anchoring an offensive line that helped achieve a 7-6 record, including a 4-4 Big Ten finish and a berth in the TaxSlayer Bowl. Named a team captain and the Hawkeyes' , Scherff's leadership was evident in his consistent play, as he was selected as the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and earned first-team All-Big Ten recognition for the second straight . Scherff's dominant 2014 season culminated in national acclaim, as he became a consensus All-American with first-team honors from all five major selectors: the , , , , and Football Foundation. He also won the , awarded to the nation's top interior lineman, becoming just the fourth Hawkeye to claim the honor and the first since Calvin Jones in 1957. In the Chicago Tribune Silver Football voting for Big Ten most valuable player, Scherff finished second with three points from coaches, behind winner but ahead of other finalists. Over his Iowa career, Scherff amassed 36 starts, all but three at left tackle, establishing himself as one of the program's most decorated offensive linemen. His senior-year excellence generated significant pre-draft buzz, positioning him as the top offensive line prospect for the according to multiple evaluators who praised his versatility, strength, and technique.

Professional career

Pre-draft process and 2015 NFL Draft

Following his senior season at , where he won the as the nation's top interior lineman, Brandon Scherff entered the pre-draft process as one of the most highly regarded offensive line prospects. He accepted an invitation to the 2015 , where he impressed scouts during practices with his run-blocking power and ability to handle edge rushers, solidifying his status as a first-round lock despite limited game action due to the all-star format. Scherff then participated in the in , measuring 6 feet 5 inches tall and 319 pounds, with 33⅜-inch arms. His performance included 23 repetitions on the , tying for 24th among offensive linemen, and a 5.05-second , which ranked in the 87th for his position and highlighted his above-average athleticism for his size. A strain prevented him from completing additional drills like the shuttle and three-cone, but his overall showing, combined with strong tape from college, kept him atop most draft boards. Throughout the pre-draft period, Scherff was projected as a consensus top-five pick, frequently mocked to teams needing offensive line help, including the Washington Redskins at No. 5 overall due to their need for a versatile blocker. Analysts viewed him as a potential right tackle but emphasized his fit as a guard in the NFL, citing his explosive power in the run game and shorter arm length relative to elite left tackles. The Redskins selected him fifth overall on April 30, 2015, during the first round of the draft in Chicago. Scherff signed his contract on May 12, 2015, a fully guaranteed four-year deal worth $21.215 million, including a $13.689 million . evaluators expected him to transition inside to guard and make an immediate starting impact, bolstering Washington's line from day one.

Washington/ tenure (2015–2021)

Brandon Scherff was selected fifth overall by the Washington in the and transitioned to right guard, starting all 16 games during his season and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Over the next several seasons with (2015–2019) and subsequent Washington Football Team (2020–2021), Scherff established himself as a cornerstone of the offensive line, earning five selections in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021. He started all 49 games he played from 2016 to 2019, though injuries began to impact his availability, including a injury in 2017 that caused him to miss multiple games due to an MCL sprain and related tendinitis. In 2020, Scherff was named a first-team by the after anchoring the line during Washington's division title win and playoff appearance, despite starting the season on injured reserve with a and returning in Week 6 to start the final 12 games. The team, which temporarily rebranded as the Washington Football Team amid controversy over the previous "Redskins" name, relied on Scherff's protection in pass-blocking scenarios, where he allowed just one sack in his starts that year according to STATS LLC data. Scherff's contract situation highlighted his value to the franchise; after exercising his fifth-year option for 2019 at $12.525 million, Washington applied the non-exclusive to him in March 2020 for $14.781 million and again in for $18.036 million, both fully guaranteed, as long-term negotiations failed to materialize. In , another knee injury—a sprained MCL—limited him to 11 games, though he started all of them before missing time late in the season. Across his seven seasons in Washington, Scherff appeared in 89 games with 89 starts, providing consistent run and pass protection with a career average of approximately 1.57 sacks allowed per season, per metrics. His durability and performance helped stabilize an often-rebuilding offensive line, contributing to the team's postseason success in 2020 despite persistent injury challenges.

Jacksonville Jaguars stint (2022–2024)

After playing the 2021 season on the and becoming a , Scherff signed a three-year, $49.5 million contract with the on March 14, 2022, marking his move to the and a reunion with , under whose offense he had previously faced as an opponent. In his debut season with Jacksonville, Scherff started all 17 games at right guard, providing stability to an offensive line that supported quarterback through a 9-8 regular season and the team's first playoff appearance since 2017, culminating in a wild-card victory over the . Building on his four prior selections from Washington, Scherff anchored the right side of the line in Pederson's zone-blocking scheme, which emphasized quick passes and perimeter runs, allowing six sacks in pass protection while contributing to the Jaguars' improved rushing attack that ranked 14th in the . Scherff's tenure continued in 2023, where he started all 17 games, maintaining strong pass-blocking efficiency in Pederson's system, surrendering only two sacks over 959 snaps. The following year, 2024, saw Scherff return to full health, starting all 17 games amid the Jaguars' struggles with a 4-13 record and last-place finish in the , during which his pass-blocking grade of 74.5 ranked 12th among guards league-wide according to . Over these two seasons, Scherff adapted further to the nuances of Pederson's play-action heavy offense, focusing on combo blocks to support Travis Etienne's efforts despite the team's overall line inconsistencies. Across his three seasons in Jacksonville, Scherff amassed 51 starts, solidifying his role as a veteran leader on the offensive line without earning additional honors during this period. As his contract expired following the 2024 campaign, trade speculation emerged in October 2024 amid the Jaguars' middling performance, though no deal materialized, and the team ultimately opted not to re-sign him heading into free agency.

Retirement and career reflections (2025)

Brandon Scherff announced his retirement from the on August 14, 2025, at the age of 33, concluding a 10-season professional career that spanned the and franchises. The decision came quietly during the offseason, without a formal or public , as Scherff opted for a low-key exit reflective of his blue-collar playing style. Over his career, he amassed over $111 million in earnings from four contracts, establishing financial security that factored into his choice to step away. The retirement was influenced by a combination of cumulative injuries, particularly to his knees sustained across multiple seasons, alongside a growing emphasis on family priorities. Scherff had dealt with knee issues dating back to his college days at Iowa, including a 2014 meniscus tear, and continued facing them in the NFL, such as in 2017, 2021, and notably during the 2024 season with the Jaguars. In reflections shared during his Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame spotlight, he highlighted the joy of post-game family time with his wife and children, noting that such moments had become increasingly precious amid the physical toll of the sport. Although Scherff entered free agency after the 2024 season and drew interest from several teams for 2025, he informed them of his intent to retire, effectively closing the door on a potential return. Scherff's career statistics underscore his reliability as an interior lineman, with 140 games played and started across his tenure, though he never appeared in a . He earned five selections (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021) and one first-team honor in 2020, cementing his status as a consistent starter and one of the premier guards of the . His legacy is further honored by his induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame on August 29, 2025, where he described his journey from a small-town farm to NFL stardom as "a dream come true" and beyond his wildest expectations. Looking ahead, Scherff expressed a focus on life beyond football, prioritizing family and personal fulfillment after a decade defined by durability and excellence.

Personal life

Family and religious beliefs

Brandon Scherff married Jenni De Ruyter, a native of , in March 2016. The couple welcomed their first child, son Easton, in September 2017. During his career, Scherff and his family maintained an offseason home in , where they spent approximately four months each year reconnecting with roots and prioritizing family time amid the demands of professional football. This routine underscored his commitment to work-life balance, allowing him to balance the rigors of training and games with . His retirement in 2025 was partly shaped by a desire to focus more on family, as he noted the joy of seeing his children after games as a highlight of his career. Scherff hails from a family in Denison, Iowa, with ties to the local Lutheran community, including St. John's Lutheran Church. Throughout his NFL tenure, Scherff received strong support from his extended family, who traveled from Iowa and beyond to attend key games and events, providing emotional backing during team relocations from Washington to Jacksonville. His parents, Bob and Cindy Scherff, played a pivotal role in fostering his grounded perspective, emphasizing family unity amid career transitions.

Philanthropy and post-retirement honors

Scherff has actively supported charitable initiatives throughout his NFL career, with a focus on children's health and community development in . He participated in the league's My Cause, My Cleats campaign multiple times, promoting organizations such as the Aiming for a Cure Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support to families of children battling serious illnesses, and Compete for a Cure, dedicated to funding and awareness. In 2023, he highlighted Compete for a Cure during his time with the , using the platform to raise visibility for the cause. Closer to his roots, Scherff contributed to Iowa youth sports programs by co-hosting annual football camps, including the "A Day with the Pros" event in Center, which offers training and inspiration to young athletes while benefiting local community causes. These efforts extended to fundraisers in his hometown of Denison, where he donated autographed memorabilia to support community school initiatives and youth activities. Following his retirement from the in August 2025, Scherff received significant post-career recognition for his contributions to football. He was inducted into the Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class, honoring his dominant college performance at the —where he earned the 2014 Outland Trophy as the nation's top interior lineman and consensus honors—and his professional achievements, including five selections and a first-team nod in 2020. The induction ceremony underscored his lasting impact on football, from high school stardom at Denison-Schleswig to NFL success.

References

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