David Lee Quessenberry Jr. Bio
David Lee Quessenberry Jr. is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the San José State Spartans from 2008 to 2012 and was selected by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL draft with the 176th overall pick. Throughout his professional career, Quessenberry has played for the Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, and Minnesota Vikings before joining the Rams in 2025. He is best known for his resilience in overcoming a battle with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which he battled from 2014 to 2017 while continuing his football career.
Early Life and Background
David Lee Quessenberry Jr. was born on August 24, 1990, in the La Jolla community of San Diego, California. He attended La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad, California, where he lettered in both football and lacrosse. During his high school career, Quessenberry played tight end and demonstrated the athletic ability that would later translate to success at the collegiate level. His father, David Quessenberry Sr., played college football at the United States Naval Academy and served in the United States Navy from 1980 to 2010, instilling discipline and dedication in young David from an early age.
Despite his athletic achievements in high school, Quessenberry received no scholarship offers out of La Costa Canyon. This setback led him to walk on to the San Jose State University football team in 2008, where he redshirted that year to focus on bulking up from his 235-pound frame. His determination to earn a spot on the Spartans roster set the foundation for his future success as a collegiate athlete and professional football player.
Path to American Football
Quessenberry’s journey to Division I football began when he met a San Jose State assistant coach who was recruiting one of his teammates. Impressed by Quessenberry’s athleticism and work ethic, the coaching staff gave him an opportunity to join the program as a preferred walk-on. He played his freshman season in 2009 under coach Dick Tomey, appearing in all 12 games primarily on special teams while serving as a reserve at offensive tackle and tight end.
Prior to his sophomore season in 2010, Quessenberry earned his first athletic scholarship, a testament to his improvement and dedication during his redshirt year. Under new coach Mike MacIntyre in 2010, he started all 13 games at left tackle during a challenging 1-12 season. His performance continued to improve, and by his junior year in 2011, he earned second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors while starting all 12 games. His senior season in 2012 proved to be his breakthrough year, as he became team captain and led the Spartans to an 11-2 record and a Military Bowl victory.
Quessenberry’s outstanding senior season earned him first-team All-WAC honors, and he became a Burlsworth Trophy finalist for the best non-scholarship NCAA FBS player. He was also named to the Lombardi Award watch list and became the first San Jose State offensive lineman to play in the Senior Bowl. Notably, he played against Navy in September 2012, facing his younger brother Paul Quessenberry, who was an offensive lineman for the Midshipmen. Quessenberry graduated from San Jose State University in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in history.
David Lee Quessenberry Jr. Career
Houston Texans (2013–2017)
After an impressive college career, Quessenberry entered the 2013 NFL draft and was selected by the Houston Texans in the sixth round with the 176th overall pick. His rookie season was cut short when he injured his foot during practice in September 2013, resulting in his placement on injured reserve for the remainder of the year. This early setback tested his resilience, but he remained determined to prove himself at the professional level.
In June 2014, Quessenberry received a life-changing diagnosis when he was found to have Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after experiencing fatigue and a persistent cough. The Texans placed him on the Non-Football Illness designation while he underwent treatment. He was waived by the Texans in May 2016 with a non-football injury designation but cleared waivers and was placed on the team’s non-football injury list to continue his recovery. After completing his cancer treatment, Quessenberry received the inspiring news that his cancer was in remission in February 2015 and officially completed his treatment in April 2017.
Tennessee Titans (2018–2021)
Quessenberry returned to football and was signed to the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad in September 2018. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Titans in December 2018, cementing his place on the roster. During his time with the Titans, Quessenberry saw action in multiple roles, including a notable moment in September 2019 when he caught his first receiving touchdown on a pass from Marcus Mariota during a Week 2 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Quessenberry continued to work his way up the depth chart with the Titans, moving between the active roster and practice squad during the 2020 season. His persistence paid off when he was named the Titans’ starting right tackle for the 2021 season. That year, he started every game, demonstrating his durability and reliability as a professional offensive lineman. His journey from cancer survivor to starting NFL tackle inspired many within the football community and beyond.
Buffalo Bills (2022)
In April 2022, Quessenberry signed with the Buffalo Bills on a one-year contract. With the Bills, he appeared in 16 games with three starts, contributing to an offense that was among the league’s best. His performance in Buffalo demonstrated his ability to adapt to different offensive schemes and remain a reliable contributor. Following the 2022 season, Quessenberry re-signed with the Bills in March 2023, only to be released later that August as the team made roster adjustments.
Minnesota Vikings (2023–2024)
Quessenberry joined the Minnesota Vikings in August 2023 and quickly established himself as a valuable member of the offensive line. He appeared in 16 games with four starts during the 2023 season. The Vikings recognized his contributions by re-signing him in March 2024. In the 2024 season, Quessenberry appeared in all 17 regular-season games, showcasing his durability and consistency as he continued his NFL career into his twelfth professional season.
Los Angeles Rams (2025–Present)
In May 2025, Quessenberry signed with the Los Angeles Rams on a one-year contract, joining his hometown team as he returned to California. He played 13 games as a backup during the 2025 season, contributing to the Rams’ offensive line rotation. His experience and leadership proved valuable to a young Rams squad. In February 2026, Quessenberry signed a one-year extension with the Rams, securing his place with the team for the foreseeable future and continuing his remarkable NFL journey.
Playing Style and Strengths
Quessenberry is known for his durability, consistency, and versatility along the offensive line. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 310 pounds, he possesses the size and length teams seek in an offensive tackle. His experience playing both left and right tackle provides valuable flexibility for any offensive line unit. Quessenberry’s understanding of offensive schemes, combined with his work ethic developed through overcoming significant adversity, makes him a reliable presence in both run and pass protection situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Quessenberry’s career came not on the football field but in his recovery from Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His triumphant return to the NFL after completing cancer treatment in 2017 exemplifies his mental toughness and determination. In June 2017, he received the George Halas Award, given to the player, coach, or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed. This recognition solidified his story as one of perseverance in professional sports. His first NFL game appearance came on December 25, 2017, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a meaningful milestone following his health battle.
David Lee Quessenberry Jr. Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2013 to 2025, Quessenberry has appeared in 97 games with 30 starts across five franchises. While individual wins are not tracked for offensive linemen in the same manner as skill position players, his contributions as a starting tackle for the Tennessee Titans in 2021 and his consistent appearances across multiple teams demonstrate his value as a professional football player. His most significant personal victory remains overcoming cancer and returning to the NFL level.
College and Pre-Professional Highlights
In college, Quessenberry played 50 games for the San Jose State Spartans with 38 starts over five seasons from 2008 to 2012. He was a two-time All-WAC selection, earning second-team honors in 2011 and first-team recognition in 2012. His senior season in 2012 saw the Spartans post an 11-2 record and win the Military Bowl. As team captain that season, he was a Burlsworth Trophy finalist and became the first San Jose State offensive lineman to play in the Senior Bowl. These achievements laid the foundation for his professional career and demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level against quality competition.
Other Career Achievements
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Quessenberry received the George Halas Award in 2017, recognizing his extraordinary journey back from cancer treatment to NFL gameplay. This award celebrates not just athletic achievement but character and perseverance in the face of significant challenges. His selection as a Senior Bowl participant in 2013 highlighted his status as one of the top offensive line prospects from that draft class.
David Lee Quessenberry Jr. Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Football runs deep in the Quessenberry family. David Lee Quessenberry Jr.’s father, David Quessenberry Sr., played college football at the United States Naval Academy before serving in the United States Navy from 1980 to 2010. This military and athletic heritage provided a strong foundation of discipline and dedication that shaped Quessenberry’s approach to both academics and athletics. The family’s connection to the Naval Academy was further emphasized when David played against Navy in 2012, facing his brother Paul who was an offensive lineman for the Midshipmen.
Quessenberry has two brothers who also pursued football careers. His brother Scott Quessenberry was drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 155th overall pick, following in David’s footsteps as a professional offensive lineman. Another brother, Paul Quessenberry, played tight end at the collegiate level. The family’s success in football demonstrates the values and work ethic instilled by their father throughout their upbringing.
Personal Life
Beyond his football career, Quessenberry is active in charitable efforts and community involvement. He hosts an annual FIMA Golf Tournament held at various golf destinations around the world, bringing together friends, family, and supporters for a charitable cause. His journey from cancer diagnosis to NFL starting lineup has made him an inspirational figure, and he frequently shares his story to encourage others facing adversity. Quessenberry graduated from San Jose State University in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in history, demonstrating his commitment to education alongside athletics.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter in Quessenberry’s career as he joined the Los Angeles Rams in May 2025 on a one-year contract. Returning to his home state of California, Quessenberry served as a valuable backup along the Rams’ offensive line during the 2025 season. He appeared in 13 games, providing depth and experience to an offensive line unit that faced various challenges throughout the season. His veteran presence in the locker room and on the practice field contributed to the development of younger players on the roster.
Quessenberry’s performance throughout the 2025 season demonstrated his continued reliability as a professional football player. His ability to step in and contribute when called upon showcased the versatility and durability that have characterized his career. The Rams coaching staff recognized his value, leading to his signing of a one-year extension with the team in February 2026. This extension secured Quessenberry’s place with the Rams for the 2026 season, allowing him to continue his NFL career with his hometown franchise.
The 2025 season also represented continued momentum for Quessenberry, who appeared in all 17 games with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 before joining the Rams. His consistent availability and steady play have established him as a reliable option along the offensive line at the NFL level. At 35 years old, Quessenberry continues to demonstrate that his resilience extends beyond his cancer recovery to include sustained performance at professional football’s highest level.