Ben VanSumeren Bio
Ben VanSumeren is an American professional football fullback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans. VanSumeren began his NFL career as a linebacker and was officially designated as a linebacker for his first two seasons, although he only saw playing time on defense during his rookie season. After the Eagles began playing him at fullback in his second season, VanSumeren officially moved to fullback during the offseason of his third season.
Early Life and Background
Ben VanSumeren was born on May 5, 2000, in Bay City, Michigan, and grew up with the goal of playing professional football. By age six, he had already declared that he would one day become a professional football player. He attended Garber High School in Essexville, Michigan, where he played linebacker, defensive lineman, quarterback, running back, and wide receiver depending on what the team needed.
VanSumeren found his greatest success as a wide receiver, leading Bay County in receiving for three consecutive years. During his senior season, he set a regular season state record with 81 receptions for 1,259 yards and 13 touchdowns. His performance earned him the Associated Press division player of the year honor. Although he initially committed to play college football at Iowa, he flipped his commitment to the University of Michigan after receiving a late offer.
Path to the NFL
VanSumeren arrived at Michigan in 2018 as a recruited fullback and appeared in four games as a true freshman while preserving his redshirt status. He moved to running back for the 2019 season, appearing in five games and recording five rushes for 20 yards and his first career touchdown. Limited playing time led him to transfer to Michigan State after his junior season.
At Michigan State, VanSumeren continued to adapt, this time moving from offense to defense and playing linebacker. He appeared in all 13 games during the 2021 season but managed only 12 tackles. In his final collegiate season in 2022, he started 10 of 11 games and posted 81 tackles, two sacks, and two pass breakups. Despite having one year of eligibility remaining, he opted to accept an invitation to the East–West Shrine Bowl and declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Ben VanSumeren Career
Early Career (2023)
VanSumeren went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft despite projections from several sources indicating he would be selected. The Philadelphia Eagles signed him as an undrafted free agent, offering a contract that included 130,000 USD guaranteed. The Eagles waived him on August 29, 2023, and re-signed him to the practice squad shortly afterward.
VanSumeren received his first call-up from the practice squad on November 5, 2023, and played three consecutive weeks. His first NFL game came against the Dallas Cowboys. On December 25, 2023, he recorded six tackles while playing 36 defensive snaps in a 33–25 victory over the New York Giants. The Eagles signed him to the active roster on November 30, 2023, keeping him for the remainder of the season.
Philadelphia Eagles Breakthrough (2023–2025)
During the 2024 season, VanSumeren began playing his original college position of fullback on offense. He appeared in 11 games and started one, playing 22 offensive snaps and 213 special teams snaps without taking any defensive snaps. He recorded three special teams tackles and one reception for zero yards. On November 29, 2024, he suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice.
Despite his injury, VanSumeren and the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX at the conclusion of the 2024 season, earning him a championship ring. After the season concluded, he officially transitioned his position from linebacker to fullback, a move the Eagles confirmed during the 2025 offseason. On March 12, 2025, he signed a one-year contract extension worth 1,030,000 USD with the Eagles.
VanSumeren suffered another season-ending injury in the 2025 season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, tearing his patellar tendon on the opening kickoff. He was placed on injured reserve on September 5, 2025, ending his season before it could get underway.
Buffalo Bills Era (2026–Present)
On April 29, 2026, VanSumeren signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, continuing his NFL career in a new organization. The move brought him back to fullback as his primary and official position heading into the new season.
Driving Style and Strengths
VanSumeren brings a versatile football background to the fullback position, having played multiple roles throughout his college and professional career. His combination of size and athleticism, developed across linebacker, running back, and fullback roles, provides offensive coordinators with flexibility. He has built a reputation for reliable special teams play and physicality at the point of attack.
Notable Events and Milestones
VanSumeren earned a Super Bowl championship with the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2024 season despite being on injured reserve at the time of the Super Bowl. He set a high school receiving record in Bay County and was named Associated Press division player of the year during his senior campaign at Garber High School. His career path from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion represents one of the more notable development stories of his draft class.
Ben VanSumeren Career Wins
Ben VanSumeren has competed across multiple levels of football, from high school record-setting performances to college stardom at Michigan State and a professional NFL career spanning the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. His most significant team accomplishment came as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles when they captured Super Bowl LIX following the 2024 season.
College Football Highlights
VanSumeren completed his collegiate career at Michigan State, where his senior season in 2022 produced his most statistically significant production. He started 10 of 11 games, recording 81 tackles, two sacks, and two pass breakups. His performance earned him an invitation to the East–West Shrine Bowl, one of the premier postseason all-star games for NFL Draft prospects.
NFL Highlights
VanSumeren was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles team that won Super Bowl LIX following the 2024 season. He recorded his first NFL tackle on December 25, 2023, in a 33–25 win over the New York Giants. As of the end of 2024, his NFL career totals included 16 tackles and one reception.
Ben VanSumeren Family
Family Background
VanSumeren grew up in Bay City, Michigan, with strong local roots in the Bay County football community. Details about his family background are not widely documented in public sources.
Personal Life
VanSumeren maintains a low public profile outside of football. There are no widely reported public details regarding his personal relationships, marital status, or family life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a turning point for VanSumeren, who officially transitioned from linebacker to fullback during the offseason following a one-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles. The position change reflected his development over the previous two seasons, during which he had already begun playing fullback on offense.
VanSumeren suffered a season-ending patellar tendon tear on the opening kickoff of the 2025 season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, cutting his season short before he could contribute meaningfully. He was placed on injured reserve on September 5, 2025, and missed the remainder of the campaign.