Ted Karras Bio
Theodore John Karras III is an American professional football center currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Illinois, where he was a standout starter and team captain. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2016, Karras has won two Super Bowl championships and has established himself as a key player and leader in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Ted Karras was born on March 15, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Jennifer and Ted Karras Jr. He was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he attended Cathedral High School. At Cathedral, Karras played as an offensive lineman for the Fighting Irish Leprechauns and contributed to state championship victories in 2008 and 2010. He earned All-State honors in 2009 and 2010 and was recognized as a top offensive guard prospect nationally. Karras graduated high school in 2011 and received multiple collegiate football offers, ultimately choosing to attend the University of Illinois.
During his high school career, Karras demonstrated strong leadership and athletic skills that laid the foundation for his future football career. His early exposure to competitive football in Indiana’s high school system helped him develop the discipline and technique necessary for success at higher levels of play.
Path to American Football
Karras committed to the University of Illinois, where he redshirted his first year in 2011 before becoming a starter in 2012. He began his collegiate career as a right guard and quickly became a reliable presence on the offensive line. Despite suffering injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons, Karras maintained a high level of play and earned multiple Academic All-Big Ten honors. He served as team captain in his senior year and finished his college career with 43 starts.
His consistent performance and leadership at Illinois attracted attention from NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Karras’s college career was marked by resilience and steady improvement, preparing him for the demands of professional football.
Ted Karras Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
Karras was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2016 and made the team’s 53-man roster. He started the season opener at right guard due to injuries on the Patriots’ offensive line and contributed to the team’s 14–2 regular-season record. Karras was part of the Patriots squad that won Super Bowl LI, defeating the Atlanta Falcons in an overtime thriller. In 2017, after a brief release and practice squad assignment, he was promoted back to the active roster and made his first start of the season at center. The Patriots reached Super Bowl LII but were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles.
New England Patriots Breakthrough (2018–2019)
In 2018, Karras served as a backup guard and center, starting two games at right guard. He was part of the Patriots team that won Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams. The following season, Karras became the Patriots’ starting center after an injury to the incumbent starter. He started 15 games in 2019, solidifying his role as a key contributor on the offensive line.
Miami Dolphins and Return to Patriots (2020–2021)
In 2020, Karras signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins and started all 16 games at center. His consistent play helped stabilize the Dolphins’ offensive line. He returned to the Patriots in 2021, initially serving as a backup guard before earning the starting left guard position midseason. Karras started the remainder of the season, demonstrating versatility and reliability.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2022–Present)
In March 2022, Karras signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was named a team captain and started every game in the 2022 season, continuing in both roles into the 2023 season. Karras’s leadership and performance have been integral to the Bengals’ offensive line. In 2024, he signed a one-year contract extension through the 2025 season, followed by another extension through 2026.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ted Karras is known for his versatility on the offensive line, capable of playing both center and guard positions effectively. His football intelligence, leadership qualities, and strong technical skills contribute to his success. Karras’s ability to adapt to different roles and maintain consistent performance has made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Notable Events and Milestones
Karras has won two Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots and has been a consistent starter in the NFL since 2016. His appointment as a team captain for the Cincinnati Bengals highlights his leadership and respect within the league.
Ted Karras Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Ted Karras has been a key contributor to multiple playoff runs and two Super Bowl victories. His steady presence on the offensive line has helped his teams achieve significant success.
New England Patriots Highlights
Karras was part of the Patriots teams that won Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LIII. He transitioned from a backup role to a starter during his tenure, playing a critical role in the team’s offensive line. His playoff experience and championship wins are notable highlights of his career.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to his Super Bowl victories, Karras started all 16 games for the Miami Dolphins in 2020 and has been a consistent starter and leader for the Cincinnati Bengals since 2022.
Ted Karras Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Ted Karras comes from a distinguished football family. He is a third-generation NFL player; his grandfather Ted Karras Sr. and granduncles Lou Karras and Alex Karras played in the NFL from the 1950s to 1970. His father, Ted Karras Jr., also played in the NFL during the 1987 season. The Karras family has a rich football tradition spanning multiple generations and includes several Big Ten Conference players.
Personal Life
Karras attended Saint Matthew Catholic School in Indianapolis, Indiana, alongside notable NFL players such as Nick Martin and Zack Martin. He is known to be a fan and trivia expert of the television series The Office. Details about his marital status and children are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Ted Karras remains a vital part of the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive line. Having signed a contract extension through 2026, he continues to serve as a team captain and starting center. His leadership and experience are expected to contribute significantly to the Bengals’ offensive strategies and overall team performance. Karras’s consistent play and adaptability position him as a key figure in the Bengals’ pursuit of success in the upcoming NFL seasons.