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Riley Reiff
Riley Reiff
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Riley Reiff (born December 1, 1988) is an American former professional football offensive tackle. He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was selected by the Detroit Lions 23rd overall in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. He previously played for the Lions from 2012 to 2016 and the Minnesota Vikings from 2017 to 2020.

Key Information

Early life

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Born in Parkston, South Dakota to Jo and Tom Reiff, Riley attended Parkston High School, where he was a two-time South Dakota Elite 45 team selection under head coach Jon Mitchel. Reiff was a two-way player for the Trojans, receiving first-team All-State honors at defensive end as a sophomore and junior, as well as first-team All-State honors at tight end as a senior. As a senior in 2007–08, Reiff was named South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year. During his high school career, Reiff recorded 261 total tackles, 23 sacks and eight interceptions on defense, and also caught 27 passes for 321 yards and nine touchdowns on offense.

In addition to football, Reiff also lettered in golf, track and was a three-time wrestling champion with a career record of 121–1, claiming three state titles. Reiff also excelled in the throwing events for the Parkston track and field team, owning personal-bests throws of 54 ft 5 in (16.59 m) in the shot put and 147 ft 8 in (45.01 m) in the discus throw.[1]

Reiff was listed as a three-star defensive end prospect by Rivals.com and was ranked 28th nationally among senior strongside defensive ends.[2] When it came to recruiting, one of Reiff's most persistent suitors was Iowa assistant coach Reese Morgan, who also lured former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway to Iowa City back in 2001. Reiff initially committed to the Hawkeyes in April 2007 while still a junior at Parkston. He later had second thoughts and switched his verbal commitment to Nebraska, indicating that he "pulled the trigger a little too early" with Iowa, but when the Cornhuskers started sinking under the direction of Bill Callahan, Reiff found his way back to the Hawkeyes.[3]

College career

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After redshirting his initial year at Iowa, Reiff started 11 of 13 games on the Hawkeyes' offensive line—three at left tackle, seven at left guard and final game at right tackle. He was named third team Freshman All-America by College Football News. In his sophomore year, Reiff replaced Bryan Bulaga at left tackle, starting all 13 games of the season. He was named second team All-Big Ten by league coaches and media.

A preseason All-American, Reiff started all 13 games at left tackle in his junior season as well. He was named All-Big Ten by coaches and media, as well as All-American by Pro Football Weekly, which evaluates players on NFL prospects and draft value rather just college production.[4] On January 4, 2012, only a few days after Iowa's loss in the 2011 Insight Bowl, Reiff announced his decision to forgo his final year of eligibility at Iowa, entering the 2012 NFL draft.[5]

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Already prior to his junior season, Reiff has been projected as a potential first round NFL Draft.[6][7] In October 2011, Sports Illustrated's Tony Pauline ranked him as the No. 14 prospect on his midseason draft board.[8] Prior to the NFL Combine in February 2012, Reiff was still perceived as a top-15 pick.[9] At the combine, Reiff displayed decent athleticism but disappointed with his measureables; his 33+14 in (84.5 cm) arms were deemed short for an NFL left tackle.[10] Reiff dropped out of the first round in some post-combine mock drafts.[11][12] However, Mike Mayock still ranked him the No. 2 offensive tackle, behind Matt Kalil, after the combine,[13] just as he did prior to the combine.[14]

External videos
video icon Reiff's NFL Combine workout
video icon Reiff gets drafted by Detroit
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 5+34 in
(1.97 m)
313 lb
(142 kg)
33+14 in
(0.84 m)
10+18 in
(0.26 m)
5.23 s 1.82 s 3.02 s 4.75 s 7.87 s 29.5 in
(0.75 m)
8 ft 2 in
(2.49 m)
26 reps
All values from NFL Combine, except vertical leap and bench press from Pro Day[15][16]

Detroit Lions

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2012 season

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Reiff with the Lions in 2012

Reiff was selected by the Detroit Lions at 23rd overall in the 2012 NFL draft. He was the second of only two offensive tackles selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft (behind Matt Kalil, who was selected 4th overall by the Vikings).[17] Reiff's duties in his rookie campaign were limited to that of a blocking tight end/H-back. He earned his first career start in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings on September 30. Reiff had one start at the left tackle position coming in the teams Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Houston Texans. In Week 14, he rotated in the offensive line as usual and also returned a short kickoff for 10 yards. Despite his limited role in the 2012 season, Reiff was rated as the Lions top run blocker by Pro Football Focus (PFF). He was voted by his teammates for the Mel Farr Rookie of the Year Award.

2013 season

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After veteran Lions tackle Jeff Backus retired before the start of the 2013 season, Reiff took over his position at left tackle. He prepared for his expanded duties by adding over 12 pounds of muscle.[18] He started at left tackle in the season opener game against Minnesota on September 8 and helped the Lions gain 481 yards of total offense. Reiff ended up starting all 16 games at left tackle and helped pave the way for 15 rushing touchdowns and an average of 392.1 net yards per game, the sixth-best mark in the league. Regarding to pass blocking, the Lions ranked second in the NFL in sacks allowed with 23.

2014 season

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In 2014, Reiff started his mainstay at left tackle in Week 1 against the New York Giants on September 8 and provided protection that led to 20 first downs for the Lions offense. He missed the first game of his NFL career due to injury on Thanksgiving Day, but rebounded to start all 15 games he played in.

2015 season

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On April 24, 2015, the Lions announced that they would pick up the fifth-year option of Reiff's contract.[19]

Minnesota Vikings

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On March 9, 2017, Reiff signed a five-year, $58.75 million contract with the Vikings.[20][21] Per a source, Reiff received an $11 million signing bonus, a fully guaranteed base salary of $6.2 million in 2017, and a fully guaranteed base salary of $9.1 million in 2018 with a full guarantee at signing of $26.3 million. After 2018, the deal becomes a year-to-year proposition, with compensation of $9.5 million, $11 million, and $11.75 million in 2019, 2020, and 2021.[22] Reiff entered his first season as a Vikings as their starting left tackle, where he started 15 games.

Reiff entered 2018 as the Vikings starting left tackle and a team captain, starting 13 games and missing three with a foot injury.

Reiff was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on December 30, 2020.[23] He was released after the season on March 10, 2021.[24]

Cincinnati Bengals

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On March 19, 2021, Reiff signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and was named their starting right tackle for the 2021 season, starting 12 games before being placed on injured reserve on December 16, 2021.[25][26]

Chicago Bears

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On July 26, 2022, Reiff signed with the Chicago Bears.[27]

New England Patriots

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On March 20, 2023, Reiff signed with the New England Patriots.[28] He was placed on injured reserve on September 4.[29] Reiff was activated on October 7.[30] He was placed back on injured reserve on October 21, with a knee injury.[31]

Personal life

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Before his time in the NFL, Reiff was a fan of the Oakland Raiders.[32]

Reiff has a younger brother, Brady Reiff, who was a three-star recruit coming out of high school and played defensive end at Iowa from 2015 to 2019.[33]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Riley Reiff (born December 1, 1988) is a former offensive tackle who played in the (NFL). He played for the , where he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2010 and first-team All-Big Ten and All-American recognition in 2011, and was selected by the in the first round (23rd overall) of the . Over his 12-season career, Reiff appeared in 164 games with 149 starts across five teams, showcasing versatility at both left and right tackle positions. After spending his first five seasons with the Lions (2012–2016), he signed with the Minnesota Vikings (2017–2020), where he contributed to two playoff appearances, starting all three postseason games during that span. Reiff then joined the for the 2021 season, followed by a stint with the in 2022, before signing with the Patriots in 2023. Born in Parkston, , Reiff was a standout high school wrestler, winning three state championships with a 121–1 record, before focusing on football at the . His professional tenure highlights his reliability in protecting quarterbacks and supporting run games, though he has not earned individual accolades like selections.

Early years

High school career

Riley Reiff attended Parkston High School in Parkston, , where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, , , and wrestling. He lettered four years in basketball and three years in , demonstrating his versatility as an during his high school tenure. In wrestling, Reiff compiled a 121–1 record and won three state championships. In football, Reiff played both and , contributing significantly on both sides of the ball. Over his career, he amassed 261 total tackles, 23 sacks, and eight interceptions on defense, while also recording 27 receptions for 321 yards and nine touchdowns on offense. As a senior in the 2007–2008 season, he earned recognition as South Dakota's Player of the Year for football, highlighting his dominance as a 6-foot-6, 255-pound . He was also a three-time all-state selection, receiving first-team honors at during his sophomore and junior years and at as a senior. Reiff's standout high school performance led him to commit to the , where he signed to play . Additionally, he was a two-time selection to the South Dakota Elite 45 team, underscoring his status as one of the state's top athletes.

Family background

Riley Reiff was born on December 1, 1988, in Parkston, . He is the second of four children born to Jo Reiff and Tom Reiff, who have long resided and worked in the small rural community of Parkston in Hutchinson County. Reiff has an older sister, Nikki, and two younger brothers, including Brady Reiff. The Reiff family hails from a large extended lineage rooted in rural , with their grandmother having 19 children and 55 grandchildren, fostering frequent large family gatherings that emphasized close-knit bonds. Tom Reiff, a former wrestling coach at Parkston High School, played a key role in the household's early exposure to athletics, introducing Riley to wrestling at age five and nurturing his physical development in a setting where he was always noted as a big kid. The family's rural lifestyle included living on property with agricultural features, such as a recently built pole barn that replaced a century-old structure, reflecting the modest, hardworking socioeconomic context of small-town life. This environment of familial support and informal physical activities with siblings and relatives helped spark Reiff's interest in sports beyond structured programs, setting the stage for his high school athletic pursuits.

College career

University of Iowa recruitment

Riley Reiff, a standout from Parkston High School in , attracted attention from several programs during his senior year in 2007 due to his athleticism and versatility, having also played . He received scholarship offers from , , and , with recruiting services ranking him as a three-star prospect and the No. 84 nationally. Initially committing to in 2007, Reiff switched his pledge to following an official visit in , but he de-committed from the Cornhuskers later that month and reaffirmed his commitment to the Hawkeyes, citing the program's emphasis on player development and his familiarity with the Midwest recruiting landscape. Upon arriving at the in 2008, Reiff redshirted his freshman season, preserving a year of eligibility while focusing on physical development and adapting to college-level demands. During this time, he bulked up significantly, gaining approximately 30 pounds to reach around 280 pounds, which facilitated his transition from to the offensive line under the guidance of Iowa's coaching staff. This shift aligned with the Hawkeyes' needs on the offensive front and allowed Reiff to integrate into the team's culture, drawing on his small-town background to build relationships with teammates from similar rural Midwestern roots. As a redshirt in , Reiff saw limited action early in the season before stepping into a more prominent role, starting three games at left tackle after an injury to starter . This opportunity marked the beginning of his emergence as a key contributor on the offensive line, where he continued to adapt positionally, rotating between tackle and guard while honing his technique in Iowa's pro-style blocking scheme. His early experience emphasized steady integration, balancing on-field adjustments with off-field acclimation to Big Ten competition.

On-field performance and honors

Reiff redshirted his freshman year in 2008 before emerging as a key contributor on Iowa's offensive line during the 2009 season. He started 11 of the Hawkeyes' 13 games, splitting time across multiple positions with three starts at left tackle, seven at left guard, and one at right tackle in the regular-season finale. His versatility helped anchor an offense that supported a 11-2 record, culminating in a 24-14 victory over in the , where Iowa's line contributed to a balanced attack that limited the Yellow Jackets to just one sack. In 2010, as a , Reiff solidified his role by starting all 13 games exclusively at left tackle, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors from both the coaches and media. His consistent performance was instrumental in protecting Ricky and opening lanes for the running game, as finished 8-5 and secured a 27-24 win over in the Insight Bowl. Reiff's pass protection stood out in several contests. Reiff's junior year in 2011 marked his most decorated season, as he started all 13 games at left tackle and received first-team All-Big Ten recognition from both the coaches and media, along with All-American honors from outlets including Pro Football Weekly. He played a pivotal role in bolstering Iowa's rushing attack, which averaged 137.7 yards per game, while providing solid pass protection for the Hawkeyes' offense during a 7-6 campaign that ended in a 31-14 loss to Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl. Over his three active seasons from 2009 to 2011, Reiff amassed 37 starts in 39 games, primarily at left tackle, demonstrating reliability and growth as a cornerstone of the offensive line.

Professional career

2012 NFL Draft

Following his standout college career at the , where he earned consensus All-American honors as a left tackle, Riley Reiff entered the as one of the top offensive lineman prospects. Reiff participated in the in , where he measured 6 feet 6 inches tall and 313 pounds. His performance included a time of 5.16 seconds, 23 repetitions on the , a 26.5-inch , and a 4.75-second 20-yard shuttle. While his bench press total was considered underwhelming for his position, Reiff impressed with his overall athleticism and movement skills during on-field drills. Scouting reports praised Reiff's versatility and technical proficiency as an offensive tackle. He was noted for his quick feet and ability to mirror speed rushers effectively in pass protection, along with a strong knee bend that allowed him to anchor against bull rushes. Analysts highlighted his quality run blocking, good pad level, and explosive drive in the run game, positioning him as a potential franchise left tackle despite some concerns about his arm length. His combination of size, strength, and agility made him a high-value prospect, often projected as a top-15 pick. The selected Reiff in the first round of the with the 23rd overall pick, acquiring him as a long-term solution at offensive tackle to protect Matthew . Reiff signed a four-year rookie contract with the Lions worth $7,993,700, including a $4,250,000 signing bonus and $6,513,500 in guaranteed money.

Detroit Lions tenure

Reiff was selected by the in the first round of the and transitioned to the professional level as a versatile offensive lineman, initially playing both and tackle during his rookie season. He appeared in all 16 games, starting 8 primarily at right tackle after an early-season shift from left tackle due to team needs, while logging 326 offensive snaps. Despite his rotational role, rated him as the Lions' top run blocker among offensive linemen that year. From 2013 to 2015, Reiff solidified his position as the starting left tackle, appearing in 47 games with 47 starts and accumulating over 3,000 offensive snaps. In , he started all 16 games, contributing to a Lions offense that averaged 408.8 yards per game, ranking third in the . The following year, he started 15 of 15 games despite missing one due to a hyperextended , helping anchor an offensive line that supported an 11-5 record and a playoff berth; Detroit advanced to the Wild Card round, where Reiff started against the . In 2015, Reiff again started all 16 games, logging a career-high 1,075 snaps and earning recognition as one of the team's top performers in pass protection. In , Reiff moved to right tackle to accommodate a returning teammate, starting 14 games and playing 889 snaps before missing the final two due to an illness and a hip injury. His performance earned a overall grade of 67.5, ranking 48th among qualifying tackles. The Lions reached the again that season, with Reiff starting in the Wild Card loss to . Over his five seasons with the Lions, Reiff appeared in 77 games, making 69 starts and logging 4,335 offensive snaps, establishing himself as a reliable bookend protector for Matthew Stafford against NFC North pass rushers like Julius Peppers and Jared Allen. His consistency contributed to the development of a more physical offensive line unit, transitioning from a pass-heavy scheme to one emphasizing balance, though the team released him in March 2017 as a .

Minnesota Vikings tenure

Reiff signed a five-year, $58.75 million contract with the Minnesota as a on March 16, 2017, transitioning from right tackle with the Lions to left tackle to protect quarterback and bolster the team's struggling offensive line. His prior experience at both tackle positions from facilitated a smooth adjustment, allowing him to anchor the left side immediately. In the 2017 season, Reiff started all 15 regular-season games he played, contributing to the ' improved rushing attack that ranked 15th in the with 1,957 yards. He also started both playoff games during the team's NFC Championship run, including protections for quarterback in the "" Divisional Round victory over the , where the Vikings allowed just one sack in that contest. The offensive line, with Reiff's run blocking, supported a 13-3 regular-season record and the title. Reiff started all 13 games he appeared in during the 2018 season but missed three due to a foot injury, serving as a team captain while helping quarterback achieve a franchise-record 4,166 passing yards. In 2019, he started all 15 games despite dealing with a late in the season, aiding the ' playoff appearance after a Wild Card loss to the Saints. The 2020 season saw Reiff start 15 games, missing only the finale due to the reserve/ list, as he contributed to a balanced offense that featured a 3,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher, and 1,000-yard receiver for the first time since 2009. Over his four seasons with the , Reiff made 58 starts in 58 regular-season games played, plus three playoff starts, providing consistent protection that limited sacks to an average of 1.7 per game team-wide in 2017 and supported key runs like Dalvin Cook's 1,141 yards that year. The released Reiff on March 10, 2021, to save $13.7 million in cap space.

Later career moves

Following his release from the Minnesota Vikings in March 2021, Reiff signed a one-year contract worth $7.5 million, with $5.5 million guaranteed, with the to bolster their offensive line. He started all 12 games he played at right tackle during the 2021 regular season, providing veteran protection for amid a resurgent Bengals offense that advanced to the . However, Reiff suffered an ankle injury in Week 14, leading to his placement on injured reserve on and missing the final four regular-season games as well as the . Reiff became a after the 2021 season and signed a one-year deal with the on July 26, 2022, worth up to $12.5 million, with $10 million likely to be earned, to add stability to a young and injury-plagued offensive line. In 2022, he appeared in 16 games, starting 10 at right tackle, though his participation was limited by a injury sustained in Week 12 against the and broader team health issues. Despite these challenges, Reiff contributed key pass protections in several starts, including against divisional rivals, helping to mentor younger linemen like and with his decade of experience. His tenure with both teams highlighted his adaptability as a swing tackle on rebuilding units, even as injuries curtailed his overall snap counts.

New England Patriots era

Reiff signed a one-year contract worth $5 million with the on March 15, 2023, adding veteran depth to the offensive line following his release from the . During the 2023 season, Reiff appeared in only one game before suffering a that sidelined him for the remainder of the year; he was placed on injured reserve prior to Week 1 and later designated to return but ultimately not activated. Reiff became an unrestricted free agent in March 2024 and did not sign with any team that year. He announced his retirement from the in March 2024, citing ongoing knee injuries, concluding his 12-season career. Overall, Reiff's tenure with the Patriots emphasized his versatility from prior teams as a swing tackle, providing stability in a unit plagued by injuries, though his career was ultimately limited by health concerns.

Personal life

Family and residence

Reiff hails from a close-knit family in Parkston, , where his parents Jo and Tom raised him alongside siblings including an older sister, Nikki, and younger brothers Eric and Brady. His family provided strong support during key career moments, such as the , when Reiff opted to watch the event from home in Parkston rather than traveling, surrounded by loved ones. Reiff has reflected on the challenges of frequent relocations in the , noting the difficulty of uprooting and moving his family amid team changes and roster instability. Throughout his professional tenure, Reiff's residences aligned with his teams, including time in the Detroit area during his stint with the Lions from 2012 to 2016, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region with the Vikings from 2017 to 2020, and briefly near Foxborough, Massachusetts, while with the Patriots in 2023. Following his retirement after the 2023 season, Reiff returned to the Midwest, settling near Pickstown, South Dakota, close to his roots, where as of 2025 he enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time with his wife and young son. Reiff's family shares a passion for , with his younger brother Brady following in his footsteps by playing defensive line for the Hawkeyes from 2015 to 2019. Eric Reiff also competed in football, , and wrestling at Parkston High School, where he set a school record for most pins in wrestling history despite being deaf.

Community involvement

Throughout his NFL career, Riley Reiff has actively engaged in community service, particularly supporting youth programs and conservation efforts tied to his South Dakota roots. As a native of Parkston, South Dakota, Reiff has been a frequent participant in events for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire, including autograph signings at local retailers like Scheels in Sioux Falls to raise awareness and funds for youth development programs. He has also headlined multiple iterations of the organization's Celebrity Golf & Walleye Classic, a two-day fundraiser combining golf and fishing tournaments at venues such as Lake Poinsett and Lake Albert, with proceeds benefiting after-school activities for children in the region; Reiff has taken part in these events annually since at least 2015, emphasizing his commitment to providing opportunities for kids in underserved areas. Reiff's philanthropy extends to environmental causes through his support of , a conservation organization focused on habitat preservation for upland birds. In 2019, during the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats initiative with the , he wore custom cleats featuring the group's logo to highlight its work in pheasant country, reflecting his personal connection to South Dakota's outdoor heritage where he grew up hunting and fishing. Additionally, Reiff has backed veteran entrepreneurship via Warrior Rising, an organization that provides business training and resources to military veterans; he promoted the cause during the 2022 My Cause, My Cleats campaign while with the , using the platform to draw attention to support for transitioning service members. With the Vikings, Reiff contributed to team-wide community efforts, notably leading the offensive line in distributing meals and words of encouragement to families at The Salvation Army's Citadel Worship and Service Center in St. Paul in 2018, an event that served local residents facing food insecurity. The following year, he and his linemates personally funded and handed out 250 turkeys to community members during a similar holiday drive, underscoring his role in fostering team involvement in local . During his stint with the Bears, Reiff joined players in kicking off the team's season of giving by visiting the Community Life Center in , where they engaged with residents through interactive activities to support urban youth and families. These initiatives highlight Reiff's consistent focus on , veteran support, and holiday assistance across his professional tenures.

References

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