Zach VanValkenburg Bio
Zach VanValkenburg is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on February 17, 1998, in Zeeland, Michigan, he has built his career through determination and versatility, transitioning from a highly decorated college player at both Hillsdale College and the University of Iowa to an NFL professional. He was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and currently competes for the Los Angeles Rams organization.
Early Life and Background
VanValkenburg grew up in Zeeland, Michigan, where he attended Zeeland West High School. During his high school career, he played three seasons as both a linebacker and defensive end. As a junior, he earned all-conference honors, setting the foundation for an impressive senior season. In his final year, he served as team captain and recorded 85 tackles while earning first-team all-state, all-conference, and Holland Sentinel Defensive Player of the Year accolades. He was also named to the Detroit Free Press Dream Team.
Beyond football, VanValkenburg excelled in multiple sports. He was a four-year letterman in wrestling, earning all-state honors throughout his career. He also competed on the track team for four seasons, demonstrating the athletic versatility that would serve him well in his football career.
Path to American Football
After high school, VanValkenburg received scholarship offers from Holy Cross and Air Force but chose to commit to Hillsdale College. His college football journey began with adversity, as he suffered an injury early in his true freshman season in 2016, leading him to redshirt that year. The following season, as a second-year freshman in 2017, he emerged as a significant contributor, compiling 32 tackles with 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and a blocked kick.
His breakthrough came in 2018 when VanValkenburg dominated the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. He posted 70 total tackles, including 14.5 for-loss and 8.5 sacks, while forcing three fumbles. His exceptional performance earned him G-MAC Defensive Lineman of the Year honors. After earning his degree in history, he made the bold decision to transfer to the University of Iowa for his final two years of eligibility.
Zach VanValkenburg Career
Hillsdale College Years (2016–2018)
During his time at Hillsdale, VanValkenburg developed into one of the most dominant defensive players in the conference. His redshirt freshman season in 2017 showcased his potential with his sack production and playmaking ability. The 2018 season represented his true emergence, as he became the centerpiece of the Chargers’ defense and earned recognition as the conference’s top defensive lineman.
University of Iowa Transition (2019–2021)
VanValkenburg’s journey to Iowa was unconventional. After emailing coaches across the country seeking a transfer opportunity, only two schools responded. Despite receiving interest, he was not offered a scholarship and had to make the team as a walk-on. The 2019 season saw him serve as a backup to future NFL players A. J. Epenesa and Chauncey Golston, recording six tackles in 11 games.
His persistence paid off in 2020 when he became a starter in the first week after an injury to John Waggoner. He started all eight games during the pandemic-shortened season, recording 30 tackles, 8.5 for-loss, and 3.5 sacks. He also recovered four fumbles, tying for first place nationally, and forced one fumble. His performance earned him second-team All-Big Ten Conference honors by league coaches.
Although 2020 was supposed to be his final season, VanValkenburg received an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19 and returned for 2021. He started all 14 games, recording 58 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 15 tackles-for-loss. He received the Hayden Fry Award as the team’s defensive most valuable player and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from both the coaches and Associated Press. He was also a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy. Across his six-year college career, he played 60 games with 48 starts, accumulating 211 tackles, 42.5 for-loss, 22 sacks, and five forced fumbles. He graduated with a master’s degree in Eastern European Studies.
Las Vegas Raiders (2022)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, VanValkenburg signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 30, 2022, and signed to the practice squad. His tenure was brief, as he was released from the practice squad on September 6, 2022.
Los Angeles Rams (2022–Present)
On September 20, 2022, VanValkenburg was signed to the Rams practice squad. He signed a reserve/futures contract on January 9, 2023, signaling the organization’s commitment to his development. He made the final roster in 2023 and achieved his NFL debut in Week One against the Seattle Seahawks, a milestone moment for the former walk-on. He was waived in November 2023 and re-signed to the practice squad before signing another reserve/future contract in January 2024.
VanValkenburg was waived again on August 27, 2024, during final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released on October 25, 2024, continuing his journey of perseverance within the NFL.
Playing Style and Strengths
VanValkenburg brings versatility as both a linebacker and defensive end, with experience playing multiple positions along the defensive front. His background in wrestling contributes to his effective hand combat and leverage techniques. He demonstrates strong instincts against the run and displays a consistent ability to pressure the quarterback, evidenced by his impressive college sack totals. His four fumble recoveries in 2020 showcased his awareness and playmaking ability in creating turnovers.
Notable Achievements
His two-time All-Big Ten Conference selections in 2020 and 2021 highlight his sustained excellence at the collegiate level. The Hayden Fry Award as Iowa’s defensive most valuable player in 2021 capped an impressive career with the Hawkeyes. His unconventional path from walk-on to NFL player exemplifies his determination and work ethic.
Zach VanValkenburg Career Statistics
VanValkenburg’s professional career has seen limited statistical production through 2023, but his journey demonstrates persistence in a competitive league. His college career provided extensive production that showcases his capabilities as a future impact player.
College Highlights
Across his six-year college career spanning Hillsdale and Iowa, VanValkenburg played 60 games with 48 starts. He accumulated 211 total tackles, 42.5 tackles-for-loss, and 22 sacks. His 22 career sacks rank among the top totals in both schools’ histories. At Iowa specifically, his 15 tackles-for-loss in 2021 demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing backfields at the Power Five level.
Professional Career Statistics
Through the 2023 NFL season, VanValkenburg recorded 9 total tackles and 1 sack in limited defensive appearances. He appeared in multiple games across three seasons with the Rams organization.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Total Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (2022–2023) | 9 | 9 | 1 |
| College (2016–2021) | 60 | 211 | 22 |
Zach VanValkenburg Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
No publicly available information indicates racing lineage in VanValkenburg’s family. His athletic background includes multi-sport participation during high school, suggesting a family environment that valued diverse athletic development.
Personal Life
VanValkenburg pursued academic excellence alongside his football career. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Hillsdale College and subsequently completed a master’s degree in Eastern European Studies from the University of Iowa. This academic background demonstrates his ability to balance rigorous athletic commitments with serious scholarly pursuits. His multi-sport background in wrestling and track and field shaped his physical development and competitive mindset.
2025 Season Outlook
As VanValkenburg enters the 2025 season, his trajectory in professional football remains focused on earning a consistent roster spot and increasing his defensive contributions. His experience with the Rams organization across multiple seasons provides continuity and familiarity with their defensive schemes. The linebacker position requires continued development in coverage abilities and run defense recognition to secure a larger role.
His journey from an unrecruited walk-on to Big Ten performer to NFL player demonstrates his capacity for continuous improvement. Whether with the Rams or another organization, his work ethic and positional versatility offer value as a depth player capable of contributing on special teams while developing into a larger defensive role. Teams seeking defensive front depth may view him as an affordable option with untapped potential given his limited NFL sample size.