Luke Rhodes Bio
Luke Rhodes is an American professional football long snapper and linebacker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at William & Mary before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Rhodes has earned recognition for his performance, including First-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection.
Early Life and Background
Luke Rhodes was born on December 2, 1992, in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. He attended Hollidaysburg High School, where he developed his skills in football. His early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for his collegiate and professional career.
Rhodes pursued higher education at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. During his time there, he was a linebacker for the William & Mary Tribe football team, gaining valuable experience and honing his abilities on the field.
Path to American Football
At William & Mary, Rhodes redshirted in 2011 before starting nine games as a redshirt freshman in 2012. Over his collegiate career, he started 45 of 47 games and recorded 341 tackles, five sacks, one interception, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His consistent performance earned him three selections to the All-Colonial Athletic Association First Team. Notably, he was the only Division I-AA player named to the watch list for the 2015 Butkus Award, recognizing the nation’s top linebacker.
Despite his collegiate success, Rhodes went undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent but was released before the regular season began. This setback led to his eventual signing with the Indianapolis Colts, where he transitioned to a new role that would define his professional career.
Luke Rhodes Career
Early Career (2016)
Luke Rhodes began his professional career in 2016 after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. Although he was released during final roster cuts, this initial opportunity marked his entry into the NFL. Shortly after, Rhodes joined the Indianapolis Colts practice squad in October 2016 and was promoted to the active roster by December of the same year, primarily contributing on special teams as a linebacker.
Indianapolis Colts Breakthrough (2016–Present)
During the 2017 offseason, the Indianapolis Colts converted Rhodes to the position of long snapper for punts and kickoffs. He won the starting long snapper role in training camp, demonstrating adaptability and skill in this specialized position. Since then, Rhodes has been the Colts’ full-time long snapper, a role he has maintained with consistency and excellence.
In April 2018, Rhodes signed an exclusive rights tender to remain with the Colts for the season. His performance earned him a four-year contract extension in June 2019 worth $4.85 million, making him the highest-paid long snapper in the league at that time. Rhodes continued to excel, earning Associated Press Second-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and 2021.
In 2021, Rhodes was named to the AP First-team All-Pro and selected for the Pro Bowl, becoming the first Indianapolis long snapper to achieve this honor since 2013. He has been a key special teams contributor, handling long snapping duties in every game since 2017. In September 2023, Rhodes signed another four-year contract extension with the Colts, again becoming the highest-paid long snapper in the NFL.
Driving Style and Strengths
Luke Rhodes is known for his precision and reliability as a long snapper, a critical role on special teams. His ability to deliver accurate snaps consistently under pressure has made him a valuable asset to the Colts. Rhodes’ background as a linebacker contributes to his understanding of defensive schemes and special teams strategy, enhancing his overall effectiveness.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rhodes’ career milestones include becoming the highest-paid long snapper in the NFL twice and earning First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. His transition from linebacker to long snapper is a notable example of adaptability and perseverance in professional football.
Luke Rhodes Career Wins
While individual wins are not typically attributed to long snappers, Luke Rhodes has been an integral part of the Indianapolis Colts’ special teams unit since 2017. His consistent performance has contributed to the team’s overall success during his tenure.
Other Wins & Performances
Rhodes’ accolades include multiple All-Pro selections and a Pro Bowl appearance, reflecting his status as one of the top long snappers in the league. His contract extensions underscore the Colts’ confidence in his abilities and value to the team.
Luke Rhodes Family
Personal Life
Details about Luke Rhodes’ personal life, including family and marital status, are not publicly disclosed. He maintains a professional focus on his football career.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Luke Rhodes remains a cornerstone of the Indianapolis Colts’ special teams unit. With a recent contract extension through 2027, he is expected to continue his role as the team’s long snapper. His experience and leadership will be vital as the Colts aim to improve their competitive standing. Rhodes’ consistent snapping and special teams contributions will be key factors in the team’s performance and playoff aspirations.