Ben Cleveland Bio
Benjamin Keith Cleveland is an American professional football guard who currently plays for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 25, 1998, in Toccoa, Georgia, Cleveland developed his athletic abilities in his home state before rising to national prominence as a standout at the University of Georgia. The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 94th overall pick. Cleveland has built a reputation as a powerful offensive lineman known for his size, physicality, and consistency at the guard position throughout his professional career.
After an impressive college career with the Georgia Bulldogs that included a national championship appearance and multiple All-American honors, Cleveland transitioned to the NFL where he has competed as a guard for both the Ravens and the Chargers organizations. His journey from a small-town Georgia athlete to a professional football player exemplifies the pathway many elite athletes follow from high school prominence through collegiate success to professional competition.
Early Life and Background
Benjamin Keith Cleveland grew up in Toccoa, Georgia, where he attended Stephens County High School. During his high school years, Cleveland distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete, competing in both football and baseball while developing the physical attributes that would later serve him well on the football field. His combination of size, strength, and agility made him a dominant presence in high school competition.
Cleveland was rated as a four-star recruit by major college football scouting services, demonstrating his status among the top prospects in the country. His recruitment gained significant attention from programs across the Southeastern Conference. During the summer before his junior season, Cleveland made his college commitment, choosing to continue his football career at the University of Georgia, one of the premier programs in college football.
Path to Professional Football
Upon arriving at the University of Georgia, Cleveland redshirted his true freshman season, allowing him to adjust to the increased competition and physical demands of college football at the highest level. This developmental year provided him with the opportunity to learn the system, build strength, and prepare for meaningful playing time in subsequent seasons.
The 2017 season marked Cleveland’s emergence as a significant contributor. He played in all 15 of Georgia’s games as a redshirt freshman and earned starting positions in the final five games of the season, including a memorable appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. This championship appearance against Alabama showcased his abilities on the biggest stage in college football and established him as a foundational piece of Georgia’s offensive line for years to come.
Despite facing challenges including injuries during his redshirt sophomore season that caused him to miss six games, Cleveland demonstrated resilience and determination in his recovery and return to form. His redshirt junior year saw him play in 13 games with seven starts at the right guard position, displaying the consistency and versatility coaches seek in their offensive linemen.
Ben Cleveland Career
Baltimore Ravens (2021–2025)
The Baltimore Ravens selected Cleveland in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 94th overall selection. The Ravens had acquired this draft pick as part of a significant trade that sent offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to the Kansas City Chiefs, indicating the organization’s confidence in Cleveland’s potential to contribute at the professional level. His selection represented the culmination of years of development and the beginning of his professional football career.
On July 20, 2021, Cleveland signed his four-year rookie contract worth $4.8 million, securing his place with the organization that had invested significant draft capital in his abilities. He reported to training camp and was initially placed on the active/non-football injury list. The adjustment to NFL speed and complexity proved challenging, but Cleveland worked diligently to earn playing time within the Ravens’ rotation.
During Week 5 of the 2021 season against the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland suffered a knee injury that required placement on injured reserve, ending his rookie season prematurely. He was later activated from injured reserve on November 20, 2021, demonstrating his recovery progress and determination to return to the field. This early-career adversity tested his mental fortitude and provided valuable experience navigating the challenges professional athletes face.
Throughout his tenure with the Ravens, Cleveland continued developing as a professional, learning the intricacies of the NFL game while contributing on special teams and in offensive line rotations. His versatility and physical style of play aligned with the Ravens’ physical identity under head coach John Harbaugh. The organization valued his presence in the locker room and his willingness to embrace the physical demands of the guard position.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025–Present)
Following his departure from the Ravens organization in early 2026, Cleveland was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad on January 5, 2026. This move represented a new chapter in his professional career, providing him with an opportunity to continue his NFL journey with a new franchise known for its dynamic offense and commitment to building a strong offensive line.
Cleveland signed a reserve/future contract with the Chargers on January 14, 2026, solidifying his place on the roster heading into the 2026 season. This contract demonstrated the Chargers’ interest in developing his talents within their system and provided Cleveland with job security as he prepared for the upcoming season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Cleveland’s physical attributes define his playing style as an offensive guard. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing approximately 357 pounds, he possesses the size and strength necessary to anchor against defensive linemen in the NFL. His background as a multi-sport athlete in high school contributed to his coordination and body control, skills that translate to effective footwork and positioning at the guard position. His experience in Georgia’s run-heavy offense prepared him for the physical nature of NFL competition, where consistency and technique determine success.
Notable Moments and Milestones
One of the memorable moments in Cleveland’s career came during Week 6 of the 2024 season when he blocked a field goal attempt by Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert. This special teams play demonstrated his awareness and ability to contribute beyond his offensive line duties. The Ravens won that game 23-20, with Cleveland’s block proving crucial in the outcome. This highlight showcased the kind of game-changing plays that can define a player’s value to a team beyond traditional statistics.
Ben Cleveland Career Accomplishments
Throughout his college and professional career, Cleveland has accumulated notable accomplishments that reflect his status as an accomplished offensive lineman at both the collegiate and professional levels. His achievements span individual honors and team success, demonstrating his ability to perform at high levels of competition.
College Highlights
During his senior season at Georgia in 2020, Cleveland earned first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors, recognizing him as one of the top offensive linemen in the conference. The same year, he was named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press, further establishing his national reputation as an elite player at his position. These honors came during a COVID-19-shortened season in which he started nine games at right guard.
Cleveland’s most significant team accomplishment came in 2018 when he played a key role in helping Georgia reach the College Football Playoff National Championship game. His performance during that season, including his starts in the final five games, demonstrated his ability to elevate his play when stakes were highest.
Professional Career Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Cleveland appeared in 64 games with 7 starts at the guard position. His durability and availability have been notable aspects of his professional career, with appearances in the vast majority of games over four-plus seasons with the Ravens. His starting opportunities increased as he gained experience and developed within the offensive line rotation.
Ben Cleveland Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Specific details about Benjamin Cleveland’s family background, including information about parents, siblings, or extended family members, are not extensively documented in available sources. Public records indicate his roots in the Toccoa, Georgia area, where he spent his formative years attending Stephens County High School.
Personal Life
In February 2025, Cleveland was arrested by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office for driving under the influence and failure to maintain lane. According to law enforcement records, a breathalyzer test indicated a blood alcohol content of .178, which exceeded the legal limit. This incident resulted in subsequent disciplinary action by the NFL, including a three-game suspension announced on December 8, 2025, for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Beyond these documented incidents, Cleveland maintains a relatively private personal life. He has been active on social media platforms, where he shares glimpses of his professional and personal activities with fans. His connection to his Georgia roots remains evident in his career trajectory and the communities with which he has been associated.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represented a transitional year for Cleveland within the Baltimore Ravens organization. He continued serving as a valuable member of the offensive line depth chart while working toward increased playing time within the rotation. The Ravens’ offensive line identity emphasized physicality and run-first mentality, creating opportunities for guards who could execute assignment-based blocking schemes effectively.
The season included both challenges and accomplishments for Cleveland as he navigated his role within the team structure. His blocked field goal against Washington demonstrated his continued ability to make impactful plays when called upon, reinforcing his value beyond traditional offensive line duties. The Ravens’ playoff aspirations provided additional motivation for players like Cleveland to maintain readiness and contribute when opportunities arose.
Looking ahead, Cleveland’s move to the Los Angeles Chargers in January 2026 signals renewed opportunity with a new organization. The Chargers’ investment in offensive line talent and their offensive system offer Cleveland a fresh start and potential pathway to increased responsibilities. His combination of size, experience, and demonstrated versatility positions him as a player who can contribute immediately in various capacities within the Chargers’ offensive front.