Benjamin Bartch Bio
Benjamin Bartch (born July 22, 1998) is an American professional football guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Saint John’s Johnnies and was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bartch became the first Saint John’s player to be drafted since 1974 and the first player to be drafted from any Division III program since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Ali Marpet in 2015. Throughout his NFL career, he has competed for the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers, and most recently the Detroit Lions.
Early Life and Background
Bartch grew up in McMinnville, Oregon, and attended Blanchet Catholic School. During his high school years, he played multiple positions including receiver, tight end, and linebacker. Despite his height, Bartch was described as very skinny and primarily served as a backup receiver for Blanchet. As a senior, he weighed just 195 pounds and recorded only a handful of receptions and tackles. He was not recruited by major college programs after high school.
Bartch chose to continue his football career at Saint John’s University, a Division III program in Minnesota. He was also a four-year letterer in basketball at Blanchet Catholic School, competing in the sport alongside his football pursuits. His journey from an overlooked high school backup to an NFL player highlights his dedication and development as an athlete.
Path to American Football
Upon entering Saint John’s University, Bartch began his collegiate career playing tight end. He entered at approximately 220 pounds and appeared in one game as a freshman. As a sophomore, he served as the team’s third-string tight end, catching four passes for 43 yards and one touchdown while mostly contributing on special teams. His coaches noticed his exceptional blocking ability during this time, with one coach calling it a hidden natural-born talent.
Going into his junior season, coaches suggested Bartch move to the offensive line to capitalize on his blocking skills. To prepare for the transition, he undertook a remarkable weight-gaining program, consuming a daily protein shake containing seven scrambled eggs, a tub of cottage cheese, quick grits, peanut butter, bananas, and Gatorade. Through this method, he grew from 240 pounds to 275 pounds during one summer and eventually reached 308 pounds.
The position change proved transformative for Bartch’s career. He became the Johnnies’ starting left tackle and earned second-team All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Conference (MIAC) honors at the end of his junior season. He was also named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. As a senior, Bartch elevated his game further, earning first-team All-MIAC recognition and consensus first-team All-American honors from D3Football.com, as well as second-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press.
Benjamin Bartch Career
College Career (2016–2019)
Bartch’s transition from tight end to offensive tackle at Saint John’s University proved to be the pivotal moment of his football journey. His coaches recognized his natural blocking ability early, and his willingness to dedicatedly gain weight and develop his technique set him apart. A rival coach described Bartch as the best Division III player he had ever seen and noted he was by far the best player on the Saint John’s team despite playing alongside two Power Five transfers.
Bartch also competed on Saint John’s track and field team, participating in shot put and discus throw events during his college years. His combination of size, athleticism, and determination made him a highly regarded prospect entering the 2020 NFL draft. He was invited to participate in the prestigious 2020 Senior Bowl, further showcasing his abilities against higher-level competition.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2020–2023)
Bartch was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 116th overall pick. This selection marked a historic moment, as he became the first Saint John’s player drafted since 1974 and the first Division III player selected in an NFL draft since Ali Marpet in 2015. Bartch made his NFL debut on September 13, 2020, in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, playing five snaps on special teams. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Jaguars in December 2020 and activated on January 5, 2021.
Entering the 2022 season, Bartch earned the role as the Jaguars’ starting left guard. However, his season was cut short when he suffered a dislocated knee in Week 5 and was placed on injured reserve on October 11, 2022. Bartch returned as the starting left guard in 2023 but was benched in Week 4. He was waived by the Jaguars on October 31, 2023, after the team acquired Ezra Cleveland via trade. Bartch was re-signed to the Jacksonville practice squad on November 3, 2023.
San Francisco 49ers (2023–2025)
On November 21, 2023, Bartch was signed by the San Francisco 49ers to their active roster from the Jaguars’ practice squad. This move provided Bartch with a fresh opportunity with a competitive franchise. He signed a one-year contract extension with the 49ers on February 24, 2025. During the 2024 season, Bartch was placed on injured reserve on December 12, 2024.
Bartch’s 2025 season with the 49ers was unfortunately hampered by injuries. He was placed on injured reserve on September 17 after suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. He was activated ahead of the 49ers’ Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on November 8. However, Bartch was placed back on injured reserve on December 8 after suffering a significant foot sprain in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns.
Detroit Lions (2026–Present)
On March 25, 2026, Bartch signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions. This signing represented a new chapter in his NFL career, joining a franchise with a strong tradition of competitive football. The move provided Bartch with an opportunity to continue his professional football career with a new organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bartch plays the guard position with a combination of size and athleticism that stems from his unusual development path. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing approximately 315 pounds, he possesses the length and power needed to anchor against interior defensive linemen. His background as a tight end gives him unexpected mobility for a player of his size, and his experience transitioning positions in college demonstrates his football intelligence and adaptability.
Notable Events and Milestones
Bartch’s career has been marked by several significant milestones, including becoming the first Saint John’s player drafted in nearly five decades. His selection in the 2020 NFL draft brought attention to Division III football programs and demonstrated that players from smaller schools can compete at the professional level. His participation in the 2020 Senior Bowl further solidified his status as a legitimate NFL prospect.
Benjamin Bartch Career Wins
Throughout his collegiate and professional career, Bartch has accumulated notable achievements and recognition at multiple levels of football. His accomplishments span from Division III All-American honors to regular playing time in the NFL.
College Highlights
During his senior season at Saint John’s, Bartch earned consensus first-team All-American honors from D3Football.com and was named second-team All-American by the Associated Press. He was also a first-team All-MIAC selection in 2019. His junior year saw him earn second-team All-MIAC honors while becoming a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. His college career concluded with him being widely regarded as one of the best Division III players in recent memory.
Professional Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Bartch has appeared in 55 professional games with 24 starts across his tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers. His ability to earn starting roles demonstrates his value as an offensive lineman in the NFL.
| Series | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 55 | 24 |
Benjamin Bartch Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Benjamin Bartch’s family background and racing lineage is not available from verified sources. Limited information is provided in confirmed biographical records about his family members or heritage.
Personal Life
Bartch’s personal life beyond his football career remains largely private. Public records do not include information about a spouse or children. He has maintained a low profile regarding his personal affairs while focusing on his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a challenging year for Bartch with the San Francisco 49ers. After signing a one-year extension with the team in February, he suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints, resulting in his placement on injured reserve in September. He was activated ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, showing resilience in his return to the field.
Despite his return, Bartch faced another setback when he suffered a significant foot sprain in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns. This injury led to his placement back on injured reserve, ending his 2025 season prematurely. The recurring injuries highlighted the physical challenges of playing in the NFL, though his ability to return from the initial injury demonstrated his determination.
Throughout the season, Bartch worked with the 49ers coaching staff and medical team while maintaining his rehabilitation and recovery protocols. His contract extension signaled the team’s confidence in his abilities, and his performances when healthy showed he remained a capable offensive lineman at the professional level. The 2025 season ultimately became a year focused on overcoming adversity and working toward future contributions with his new organization.