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Ted Larsen
Ted Larsen
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Theodore Larsen (born June 13, 1987) is an American former professional football guard. He was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL draft. He played college football at NC State.

Key Information

Early life

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Theodore Larsen was born the middle child of five children to Robert and Karen Larsen. In 1972–1976, Robert Larsen played defensive end at Wichita State in Wichita, Kansas.[1] As a young kid, Ted played baseball, basketball and soccer. It was not until high school that Larsen played football.[1] Larsen attended Palm Harbor University High School in Palm Harbor, Florida, where he played football as a defensive lineman. He started playing football his freshman year and was immediately put on the varsity team.[1] In his junior year of high school, Larsen had 85 tackles and 15 sacks. He was named All-County second-team.[2] That year, he not only participated and excelled in football but also did shot put and discus on the PHUHS track and field team.[2] As a senior, he recorded 65 tackles and eight sacks, as well as a blocked kick, earning first-team all-county and District Player of the Year honors. That same year, he was named the district Player of the Year by The Florida Athletic Coaches Association.[3] Not only was he a powerhouse on the field but also graduated Palm Harbor University High School with 3.8 GPA and a member of the National Honor Society.[2]

College career

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In 2005, following his high school career, Larsen attended North Carolina State University.[4][5] He redshirted his freshman season in 2005, working on the scout team as a defensive tackle. In 2006, Larsen played in 11 games at defensive tackle, starting two games and recording nine tackles and three sacks. In 2007, he played in 14 games as a reserve defensive tackle, recording 12 tackles and two sacks. In 2008, prior to his junior season, Larsen moved to the center position and was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list. After playing in 730 snaps, he was given the team's Outstanding Offensive Lineman award. In his 2009 senior season, Larsen was again named to the Rimington Trophy watch list. He started 12 games at center and allowed only one sack on the season. In two seasons as a defensive tackle, Larsen tallied 23 tackles, 4 sacks, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble, one pass defense, and 185 knockdowns/key blocks with 19 touchdowns which resulted in eight downfield blocks.[3] He started 30 out of 43 games in his time at NC State, five as a defensive tackle and 25 as a center.[3] In May 2009, Larsen graduated North Carolina State University with a degree in history.[3]

Professional career

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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 2+58 in
(1.90 m)
304 lb
(138 kg)
32 in
(0.81 m)
9+34 in
(0.25 m)
5.27 s 1.85 s 3.06 s 4.66 s 7.81 s 24 in
(0.61 m)
8 ft 0 in
(2.44 m)
26 reps
All values from NFL Scouting Combine.[6]

New England Patriots

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Larsen was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (205th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft.[7] On May 18, he signed a four-year contract with the Patriots.[8] He was described in his pick analysis as follows:

"Larsen was a three-year defensive lineman who moved to center for his final two years at State. He is a good athlete for the position with initial quickness and above-average lateral range in pass pro. He needs work on leveraging his blocks in spite of having natural leverage angles due to his size and still needs to improve his instincts when it comes to picking up stunts and twists up front. A lot of his issues can be improved with time at the position, and he should provide a team with a good backup for a year or two as he develops his instincts and techniques."

[9] Upon being drafted he became the first student in Palm Harbor University High School's history to be drafted.[10] In the preseason with the Patriots he played guard.[9] However, in September 2010, he was waived by the Patriots and was claimed by his hometown team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[11]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (first stint)

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On September 5, 2010, Larsen was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[12] He started at left guard beginning in the sixth game, replacing the soon-to-be released Keydrick Vincent. During the 2011 season, Larsen appeared in all 16 games, of which he started three, for the Buccaneers while rotating between guard and center.

In 2012, he appeared in all 16 games again and started 13 at the center position while being part of an offensive line that helped rookie running back Doug Martin rush for 1,454 yards and quarterback Josh Freeman throw for 4,065 yards, which were career high and franchise records.[9] And his career highlights include his NFL debut in 2010 against the St. Louis Rams and the 16th game of that year against Seattle, where he helped the offense rush for 439 yards, which was the season-high for 2010, and earned the offensive line Madden Most Valuable Protectors honors for Week 16.[3] He started as a center in 2012 against Oakland, where he helped the offense gain 515 yards from scrimmage, leading to the second-most total yards in the history of the Buccaneers.[3] Larsen became an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Arizona Cardinals

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On March 12, 2014, Larsen was signed by the Arizona Cardinals. [13] He started all 16 games for Arizona in the 2014 season.[14]

Chicago Bears (first stint)

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On March 30, 2016, Larsen signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears.[15]

Miami Dolphins

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On March 9, 2017, Larsen signed a three-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.[16] On September 4, 2017, he was placed on injured reserve with the expectation to return in 2017.[17] He was activated off injured reserve on November 4, 2017.[18] He then started the final eight games of the season at left guard.

On December 9, 2018, Larsen made a crucial block in the Miracle In Miami nearly 40 yards past the line of scrimmage.[19]

On March 7, 2019, Larsen was released by the Dolphins.[20]

Chicago Bears (second stint)

[edit]

On March 13, 2019, Larsen signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears.[21]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (second stint)

[edit]

On December 8, 2020, Larsen signed with the practice squad of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[22] He was elevated to the active roster on December 18 for the team's week 15 game against the Atlanta Falcons, and reverted to the practice squad after the game.[23] He was elevated to the active roster again on January 8, January 16, January 23, and February 6 for the team's wild card playoff game, divisional playoff game, NFC Championship Game, and Super Bowl LV against the Washington Football Team, New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs, and reverted to the practice squad again following each game.[24][25][26][27] His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on February 16, 2021.[28]

New York Giants

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On August 13, 2021, Larsen signed with the New York Giants.[29] He was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 2021.[30] He was released on September 9.[31]

Personal life

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Larsen is described as having a calm and monotone demeanor yet can be aggressive, and he is sometimes considered mean on the field. He describes his early life as being the middle of five children, with an older sister, Kristin, and older brother, Brian, and a younger brother, Chris, and sister, Melissa, with a 15-year age difference between his closest siblings.[1]

Off the field, he enjoys fishing and skiing and has said that after football he would like to be a competitive fisherman.[1] It was fishing that led him, on April 27, 2011, to rescue three young kayakers off Honeymoon Island. Larsen was with his girlfriend on his 24-foot boat; fishing in the choppy gulf waters right off the island. It was around 3 PM when he heard the Coast Guard signal that the three kayakers were in need of some help. Upon hearing this, he realized he was close to the area and plucked the two kayaks and three kayakers onto his boat and took them to shore. The young men did not know who had saved them but were grateful. Larsen said later "It was good to help them. It just felt like it was a good thing to do."[32]

While with the Buccaneers, he has helped with the Metropolitan Ministries preparing food and spending time with children, volunteered his time with the Buccaneers' annual Halloween Celebrations, distributed food for Thanksgiving, sang for hospital patients during the holidays, and surprised single mothers with gifts during the Christmas holiday.[3]

After his NFL career, Theodore enrolled in Duke's Fuqua business school to get his MBA.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Theodore "Ted" Larsen (born June 13, 1987) is an American former professional football player who primarily played as an offensive guard in the (NFL). Larsen attended , where he began his college career as a before transitioning to the offensive line, earning All-ACC honors as a senior in 2009. He was selected by the in the sixth round (205th overall) of the but was released prior to the regular season without appearing in a game. Larsen was then waived by the Patriots and claimed off waivers by the later that year, marking the start of a 12-year professional career that saw him play for five teams: the Buccaneers (2010–2013, 2020), (2014–2015), (2016, 2019), (2017–2018), and (2021). Over 140 total games (137 regular season and 3 postseason), he started 91 contests, providing versatility across guard and center positions. His most notable achievement came in 2020 with the Buccaneers, where he was elevated from the practice squad for and earned a as part of the team that defeated the . Larsen retired from the NFL following the 2021 season, returning to , to pursue further education at Duke University's .

Pre-professional years

Early life

Theodore Larsen was born on June 13, 1987, in , where his family resided. His father, Robert Larsen, had a background in , playing as a at from 1972 to 1976. From a young age, Larsen was active in sports, participating in baseball, basketball, and soccer during his youth. Although he developed an interest in football early on, his parents prohibited him from playing organized youth football, citing his large size exceeding the 150-pound limit for Pop Warner leagues; he did not begin playing the sport until high school.

High school career

Ted Larsen attended Palm Harbor University High School in Palm Harbor, Florida, where he emerged as a standout multi-sport athlete. During his high school years, he focused primarily on football, playing as a defensive lineman under head coach Mike June. As a senior in 2004, Larsen earned second-team all-county honors on the defensive line, showcasing his strength and agility at 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds. In addition to football, Larsen participated in , lettering in the sport and specializing in the shot put and discus events. His versatility across athletics highlighted his athletic prowess and contributed to his overall profile as a recruit. These accomplishments drew attention from college programs, leading to his recruitment by , where he committed to play as a in the class of 2005.

College career

Ted Larsen enrolled at in 2005, redshirting his first year before beginning his playing career the following season. He majored in history and graduated in May 2009. Larsen initially played as a , appearing in 11 games with three starts in 2006 and 11 games with two starts in 2007. Over these two seasons, he recorded 21 total tackles, including 13 solo stops, and 4.0 sacks. Prior to the 2008 season, Larsen transitioned to the offensive line at center, a position change that marked a significant evolution in his role. He started all 13 games that year, including the 2009 , and earned honorable mention All-ACC honors. In 2009, his senior year, Larsen started all 12 games and was selected to the All-ACC second team while being named to the watch list for the nation's top center. Across his , Larsen started 30 of 43 games played—five on defense and 25 on offense—demonstrating versatility and reliability on the line. His contributions as a starter at anchored NC State's offensive front during the bowl-eligible season and the competitive 2009 campaign.

Professional career

New England Patriots

Larsen was selected by the in the sixth round (205th overall) of the . His positional versatility at State, where he transitioned from to offensive line roles including and guard, helped boost his draft appeal as a multi-purpose interior lineman. On May 18, 2010, he signed a four-year with the Patriots valued at $1.87 million. As a , Larsen contributed limited depth during and the preseason, appearing in games without recording any starts. The Patriots waived him on September 4, 2010, as part of final roster cuts following .

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (first stint)

After a brief stint with the New England Patriots as a in 2010, where he received his initial professional exposure, Ted Larsen was claimed off waivers by the on September 5, 2010. Larsen quickly became a key part of ' offensive line during his first season, appearing in 12 games and starting 11 at left guard. In 2011, he played in all 16 games with three starts, rotating between guard and positions to provide depth and versatility. His role expanded significantly in , when he started 13 games primarily at and right guard, contributing to an offensive line that allowed just 26 sacks over the season, helping protect quarterback effectively. In , Larsen appeared in another 16 games, making four starts at guard while serving as a reliable amid lineup adjustments. Over his four seasons with from 2010 to , he participated in 60 games and started 31, demonstrating steady development from a claim into a dependable interior lineman. Following the season, Larsen became an unrestricted and signed a two-year contract with the on March 12, 2014, ending his initial tenure in .

Arizona Cardinals

On March 12, 2014, Larsen signed a two-year, $2.6 million contract with the , bringing his prior starting experience from the to bolster the interior offensive line. In his first season with Arizona, Larsen secured the starting left guard position and appeared in all 16 regular-season games, starting every one while contributing to an offensive line that facilitated 1,308 rushing yards for the team, ranking 31st in the . His consistent performance helped stabilize the unit amid competition from younger players like . The following year, under the terms of his existing contract, Larsen continued to demonstrate versatility by starting 10 regular-season games primarily at right and left guard, though he had competed for the center role during alongside . He missed six games due to injury but remained a key rotational player on a line that supported the Cardinals' 13-3 regular-season record. Larsen also started in the Cardinals' three postseason games over the two years, including the 2014 Wild Card playoff and the 2015 Divisional and NFC games. Larsen's contract expired after the 2015 season, making him an unrestricted ; he subsequently signed with the on March 31, 2016. Over his two seasons in , he appeared in 29 games (26 regular season, 3 postseason), starting all 29 and showcasing his adaptability across guard positions.

Chicago Bears (first stint)

On March 30, 2016, Ted Larsen signed a one-year contract worth $1.65 million with the to bolster the offensive line depth following his release from the . Bringing versatility from his prior experience starting all 16 games at left guard for the Cardinals in 2015, Larsen initially served as a and competed for position after starter suffered a season-ending ACL injury in preseason. Larsen appeared in all 16 games during the season, primarily at guard, and earned eight starts at right guard in (Weeks 8 and 11–17), stepping in after missed time due to injuries, including a season-ending right ankle injury suffered in Week 10. In those starts, he contributed to the Bears' offensive line protection for quarterbacks and , as well as run blocking for rookie , who rushed for 1,125 yards and earned honors. His steady performance helped stabilize the unit amid multiple injuries on the line, though the Bears finished 3-13 overall. Following the expiration of his contract, the Bears did not re-sign Larsen, and he became an unrestricted free agent in March 2017.

Miami Dolphins

On March 9, 2017, Ted Larsen signed a three-year, $5.65 million contract with the Miami Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent, providing veteran depth to the offensive line following his stint with the Chicago Bears. However, Larsen suffered an ankle injury during training camp and was placed on injured reserve on September 4, 2017, missing the first nine games of the season. He was designated for return on October 31, 2017, opening a 21-day practice window, and activated on November 4, 2017. Larsen started all eight games he appeared in during the 2017 season, primarily at left guard, contributing to an offensive line that allowed 33 sacks on quarterback and Matt Moore—near the league average of approximately 35 sacks per team. The Dolphins' rushing attack totaled 1,388 yards (29th in the NFL), with key contributions from running backs like early in the season before his trade. Larsen's return helped stabilize the interior line late in the year, as Miami finished 6-10. In , Larsen solidified his role, starting 13 of 15 games at left guard and logging 751 offensive snaps (88% of team total). The Dolphins improved their ground game to 1,738 rushing yards (18th in the league), led by Frank Gore's 556 yards, with Larsen providing consistent run blocking in Adam Gase's zone scheme. However, the line struggled in pass protection, surrendering 52 sacks (tied for third-most in the ), contributing to Miami's 7-9 record and highlighting broader unit inconsistencies. Larsen was released by the Dolphins on March 7, 2019, clearing $2.15 million in cap space as the team underwent roster turnover under new head coach ; this marked the end of his two-season tenure in .

Chicago Bears (second stint)

On March 13, 2019, Larsen signed a one-year contract with the , returning to the team after two seasons with the where he had provided consistent starting experience at guard. The signing added veteran depth to Chicago's offensive line, allowing Larsen to serve as a versatile backup capable of playing guard or center. In the 2019 season, Larsen appeared in 12 games for the Bears, starting two at guard while primarily contributing as a rotational player and providing stability during injuries to other linemen. He suffered a knee injury in the Week 4 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on September 29, which sidelined him for the Week 5 matchup against the in and limited his overall participation. Despite these challenges, Larsen's presence helped the Bears' offensive line allow 45 sacks across the season, a middling performance that reflected broader offensive struggles. Larsen's role as a seasoned reserve anchored the unit for a young and transitioning offense, though the Bears finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs. His contract expired at the end of the season, and the team did not re-sign him, leading to his departure as a free agent in March 2020.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (second stint)

Larsen returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he had spent his first four professional seasons from 2010 to 2013, providing a sense of familiarity to the team's offensive line depth. On December 8, 2020, he signed with the Buccaneers' practice squad as a veteran interior lineman. Throughout the remainder of the 2020 regular season, Larsen was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for three contests—Weeks 15, 16, and 17—though he did not start or record any offensive snaps in those games. Larsen remained on the practice squad into the and was elevated for each of their four postseason games, including the Wild Card round against the Washington Football Team on January 9, 2021, the Divisional round versus the on January 17, the NFC Championship against the on January 24, and opposite the [Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs) on February 7, 2021. Although he saw limited action with just two postseason games officially credited, his presence contributed to the team's depth during their run to victory in , earning him his first championship ring. Following the , released Larsen from the practice squad on February 16, 2021.

New York Giants

On August 13, 2021, the signed veteran offensive lineman Ted Larsen to a one-year contract worth $1,075,000, aiming to bolster depth along the interior line at guard and center positions. At 34 years old, Larsen brought extensive experience from 11 prior seasons, including 137 regular-season games and a championship with the in 2020, to support a Giants offensive line hampered by injuries during . Larsen did not appear in any games for the Giants, as he was placed on injured reserve on September 1, 2021, with a injury just before the regular season began. The team released him from injured reserve on September 10, 2021, ending his brief tenure without on-field contributions. Following his release, Larsen became an unrestricted , which ultimately led to his retirement from the after the 2021 season without further team affiliations.

Personal life and legacy

Family and interests

Ted Larsen was born in 1987 as the middle child of five siblings to parents Robert and Karen Larsen in Palm Harbor, Florida. He married Brelana Larsen, whom he met during his early NFL career, and the couple has two children: a daughter named Charlotte, born around 2015, and a son named Theodore Jr., nicknamed "Tank," born around 2017. Following his retirement from the NFL after the 2021 season, Larsen initially relocated his family to Raleigh, North Carolina, to prioritize time with his children and pursue further education at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, emphasizing a balanced post-athletic life centered on family stability and personal growth. Upon completing his MBA in May 2024, Larsen relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, for a role as senior operations analyst at Ally Waste Services. Larsen's hobbies reflect his affinity for outdoor activities and adventure, including , , and . He obtained his private pilot's license in 2015 and has described flying as a rewarding offseason pursuit that allows him to explore new perspectives alongside his wife. His interest in , which he has pursued since his , underscores a desire for competitive after football, often integrating it into family outings to foster relaxation amid his athletic demands. More recently, Larsen has developed a passion for and biking, activities he credits with maintaining his and providing quality time with his family in the years following his professional career. In April 2011, while fishing in the near Honeymoon Island with his then-girlfriend Brelana, Larsen demonstrated quick thinking and bravery by rescuing three teenagers stranded in choppy waters. Upon hearing a distress call, he navigated his 24-foot boat to the scene, where two teens were clinging to an overturned and the third was struggling in another; Larsen pulled all three aboard along with their kayaks and safely transported them to shore near Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. The incident highlighted his instinctive heroism and comfort on the water, traits tied to his habits, though the teens did not recognize him as a rookie at the time. Throughout his career and beyond, Larsen has maintained a lifestyle that balances the rigors of professional athletics with personal pursuits, often crediting his family and hobbies for providing mental resilience and joy. As a father, he has shared experiences like celebrating team victories with his children through playful reenactments, illustrating how he integrates his professional legacy into everyday family moments without overshadowing private life.

Community involvement

Throughout his NFL career, Ted Larsen demonstrated a commitment to community involvement through participation in team-sponsored philanthropic initiatives, particularly those supporting youth and health causes. During his initial tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2010 to 2013, Larsen engaged in several community events aimed at giving back to the local area. As a rookie in 2010, he joined fellow newcomers in holiday volunteering efforts at local ministries, where players assisted with outreach services to aid those in need during the season. In 2013, he supported the Tampa Bay Lions youth football program—plagued by vandalism and arson—by taking part in a team-organized practice session, throwing passes to and interacting with young players to boost their morale and promote the sport. Larsen also attended community-focused events, such as the 2012 dedication of a renovated field in the North Greenwood neighborhood, representing the Buccaneers alongside teammates to celebrate local revitalization efforts. With the from 2014 to 2015, Larsen's involvement centered on health initiatives, influenced by his family's personal experience with neonatal care at . This connection prompted him to highlight the hospital's NICU Support Services during the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats campaign in 2018, using the platform to raise awareness even after leaving the team. Larsen's stints with the Chicago Bears in 2016 and 2019 further emphasized support for pediatric health. In November 2019, he joined over 20 teammates in a day-off visit to , where players spent time with patients, signing autographs and providing encouragement to children facing medical challenges. That same season, Larsen participated in the Bears' My Cause, My Cleats initiative by wearing custom cleats honoring the hospital, continuing his focus on supporting families dealing with serious illnesses. Following his after the 2021 season, Larsen has maintained an interest in community service, aligning with his personal passions for outdoor activities, though specific post-NFL volunteer efforts in remain low-profile. His career-long participation in these programs underscores a dedication to youth development and health advocacy through NFL-affiliated .

Post-NFL activities

Following his from the after the 2021 season, Ted Larsen concluded a professional career spanning 12 years, during which he appeared in 137 games and recorded 80 starts across seven teams. As a journeyman offensive lineman drafted in the sixth round (205th overall) by the out of State, Larsen's longevity in exemplified the adaptability and resilience required to navigate frequent team changes and positional versatility, from guard to center. He earned a championship ring as a member of the ' that year. Post-retirement, Larsen pursued advanced business education, enrolling in the program at University's shortly after the 2021 season. He completed the degree in May 2024. This transition aligned with his growing interest in entrepreneurship and investing, building on prior executive education at institutions like the and . As of 2025, Larsen works in the waste services industry as a senior operations analyst at Ally Waste Services, a Phoenix-based provider of valet trash and solutions for multifamily communities. In this role, he applies his analytical skills to operational efficiency and community , marking a shift from on-field competition to backend business operations in an sector.

References

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