Christian Rozeboom Bio
Christian Rozeboom is an American professional football linebacker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Sioux Center, Iowa, Rozeboom attended Sioux Center High School before playing college football for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits from 2015 to 2019. He finished his collegiate career as the schools all-time leading tackler with 475 total tackles. After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, Rozeboom signed with the Los Angeles Rams and has since built a solid NFL career spanning multiple teams. He won a Super Bowl championship with the Rams in Super Bowl LVI and has established himself as a reliable inside linebacker in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Christian Rozeboom was born on January 30, 1997, in Sioux Center, a small city in northwestern Iowa. He grew up in Sioux Center and attended Sioux Center High School, where he developed his passion for football. Sioux Center is known for its strong football tradition in Iowa high school athletics, providing Rozeboom with a solid foundation to hone his skills at the high school level. His upbringing in this Midwestern community shaped his work ethic and character as he pursued his dreams of playing at the collegiate level.
During his high school career, Rozeboom established himself as a standout defensive player, showcasing the instincts and physicality that would later define his playing style at the next level. His performance at the high school level earned him the opportunity to continue his football journey at the collegiate ranks, setting the stage for his remarkable career at South Dakota State University.
Path to American Football
Rozeboom received a scholarship to play for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, a prominent FCS program in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. He joined the team in 2015 as a true freshman but redshirted during his first season. The transition from high school to Division I football required significant adjustments, and Rozeboom used his redshirt year to develop physically and mentally while learning the Jackrabbits defensive system.
Beginning in 2016, Rozeboom became a starter and immediately made an impact. He earned MVFC Freshman of the Year honors that season while earning first-team All-MVFC recognition. This was only the beginning of his dominant run through the conference. From 2016 through 2019, Rozeboom was a four-time first-team All-MVFC selection, demonstrating exceptional consistency and performance year after year. His ability to diagnose plays, fill running lanes, and make tackles in space made him one of the most feared linebackers in the conference.
Over his five seasons with South Dakota State, Rozeboom recorded a school-record 475 tackles, along with 29 tackles for loss, six sacks, eight forced fumbles, and eight interceptions. His career totals and consistency placed him among the all-time greats in both school and conference history, attracting attention from NFL scouts despite playing at the FCS level.
Christian Rozeboom Career
Los Angeles Rams (2020)
Despite an impressive college career, Rozeboom went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, his talent did not go unnoticed, as the Los Angeles Rams signed him as an undrafted free agent on April 26, 2020. This marked the beginning of his professional football journey. The Rams saw potential in his collegiate production and wanted to develop him as part of their linebacker rotation.
Rozeboom faced the immediate challenges that many undrafted players face in making an NFL roster. He was waived during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, but was re-signed to the Rams practice squad the following day. Spending time on the practice squad allowed him to learn the professional game, refine his technique, and adapt to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses. His perseverance during this period would pay dividends in his future opportunities.
Kansas City Chiefs (2021)
In search of more opportunities, Rozeboom signed with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad on September 1, 2021. The defending AFC Champion Chiefs provided him with a chance to learn from a successful organization and compete against some of the leagues top offenses in daily practice.
His stint with the Chiefs proved to be a brief but important stepping stone in his career. On October 24, 2021, Rozeboom was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for the teams Week 7 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. This game marked his NFL debut, where he primarily played on special teams and recorded his first career tackle. The experience of suiting up for an actual NFL game gave him valuable exposure to game speed and the demands of professional football.
Los Angeles Rams Return (2021-2024)
Just weeks after joining the Chiefs active roster, Rozeboom was signed off the Chiefs practice squad by the Los Angeles Rams on November 2, 2021. This marked a reunion with the team that originally gave him his first NFL opportunity. The Rams were in the midst of their championship push and saw value in Rozeboom’s special teams ability and linebacker depth.
That season culminated in the ultimate success for Rozeboom and the Rams organization. The team defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI, earning Rozeboom his first Super Bowl championship ring. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, validating his journey from an undrafted free agent to a Super Bowl champion.
Rozeboom continued with the Rams through the 2024 season. He was tendered by the team in March 2023 and re-signed in April of that year. In the 2023 season, he played all 17 games with five starts, recording 79 tackles and finishing fourth on the team in that category. His versatility and reliability earned him increased playing time within the Rams defense. During the 2024 season, Rozeboom recorded 135 tackles, one sack, one interception, and four passes defended, demonstrating his continued development as an every-down linebacker.
Carolina Panthers (2025-Present)
On March 12, 2025, Rozeboom signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, joining the team as a key addition to their linebacker corps. This move represented a new chapter in his career as he looked to take on a more prominent role with his new organization. The Panthers were building their defense around talented players, and Rozeboom’s experience and production made him an attractive target in free agency.
During the 2025 season, Rozeboom quickly established himself as a leader in the Panthers defense. He started 15 games and led the team with 122 tackles, showcasing his ability to be a reliable tackler and playmaker in the middle of the field. He also recorded two sacks, one forced fumble, three pass deflections, and one interception during the season. His performance demonstrated that he could be a foundational piece for the Panthers defense as the team continued to build for the future.
Driving Style and Strengths
Rozeboom is known for his physicality, football IQ, and ability to play multiple linebacker positions in both base and sub packages. His experience in the Rams system under various defensive coordinators honed his ability to read offenses and react quickly to the ball. He excels in run defense, where his instincts allow him to fill gaps and make stops at or behind the line of scrimmage. His coverage ability improved throughout his career, enabling him to stay on the field in passing situations. Special teams have also been a consistent part of his game since entering the league.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Rozeboom’s career thus far came in February 2022 when the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. This championship win validated his journey from an undrafted rookie to a Super Bowl champion. His college career at South Dakota State, where he became the schools all-time leading tackler with 475 total tackles, also stands as a significant achievement. Being a four-time first-team All-MVFC selection from 2016 to 2019 further demonstrates his sustained excellence at the collegiate level. His team-leading 122-tackle season with the Panthers in 2025 showed he could be a productive starter at the NFL level.
Christian Rozeboom Career Stats
Throughout his NFL career, Rozeboom has established himself as a reliable and productive linebacker across five seasons. His career totals reflect his consistency and ability to make plays on every level of the defense.
NFL Career Highlights
In NFL regular season play, Rozeboom has accumulated 347 total tackles, three sacks, three interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and 11 pass deflections. His debut season with the Chiefs in 2021 provided his first taste of NFL action, primarily on special teams. His return to the Rams and subsequent years saw his role expand significantly, culminating in a starting position with the Panthers in 2025 where he led the team in tackles.
College Career Stats
Rozeboom’s collegiate career at South Dakota State remains his most decorated body of work. He finished as the schools all-time leading tackler with 475 total tackles. He also recorded 29 tackles for loss, six sacks, eight forced fumbles, and eight interceptions over his five seasons. His dominance in the Missouri Valley Football Conference earned him recognition as one of the best FCS linebackers during his era.
| Season Type | Total Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Regular Season (Career) | 347 | 3 | 3 | 11 |
| College (South Dakota State) | 475 | 6 | 8 | N/A |
Christian Rozeboom Family
Family Background
Christian Rozeboom was born and raised in Sioux Center, Iowa. His family background and upbringing in this small Midwestern community played a significant role in shaping his values and dedication to football. The supportive environment in Sioux Center allowed him to pursue his athletic ambitions from a young age, culminating in his rise to the professional ranks.
Personal Life
Rozeboom maintains a relatively private personal life away from the football field. He continues to work hard on his craft as he enters the prime years of his NFL career. His journey from Sioux Center to the NFL, including winning a Super Bowl and becoming a starter in the league, serves as an inspiration to young athletes from similar small-town backgrounds who dream of playing at the highest level of football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a breakthrough year for Rozeboom in many ways. After spending his first five seasons primarily in reserve and special teams roles, he earned a full-time starting position with the Carolina Panthers. The transition from role player to starter required adjustments in his preparation and approach to the game. He embraced the increased responsibility and worked closely with the Panthers coaching staff to refine his skills and become a more complete linebacker.
Rozeboom responded with an outstanding season, leading the Panthers in tackles with 122 stops while adding two sacks and one interception. His ability to consistently make plays in both the running and passing game made him a cornerstone of the Panthers defense. The Panthers coaching staff praised his leadership and consistency throughout the season. His performance in 2025 established him as a viable long-term option at the linebacker position and increased his value heading into future seasons.