Garret Greenfield Bio
Garret Greenfield is an American former professional football player who competed as an offensive tackle. He played college football for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft before signing with the Seattle Seahawks. Greenfield established himself as one of the most dominant offensive linemen at the Football Championship Subdivision level, earning multiple All-American honors while helping South Dakota State capture two national championships. After a brief professional career that included stops with the Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Greenfield retired from professional football in July 2025.
Early Life and Background
Garret Greenfield was born on September 20, 1999, in Sioux Center, Iowa. He grew up in Rock Valley, Iowa, where he attended Rock Valley High School. During his high school years, Greenfield was a three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and baseball. On the football field, he played both offensive and defensive line, demonstrating versatility and physicality that would define his playing style.
Greenfield earned back-to-back team MVP honors as an offensive lineman during his junior and senior seasons. His dominant performances helped lead Rock Valley High School to a state championship in 2016, with the team reaching the state semifinals in 2017. His success at the high school level attracted attention from multiple college programs, ultimately leading him to commit to play college football for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
Path to American Football
Greenfield arrived at South Dakota State University in 2018 and immediately began his collegiate career. As a true freshman that season, he appeared in three games while redshirting, gaining valuable experience at the FCS level. The following year, in 2019, he saw increased playing time, appearing in seven games as he continued to develop his skills along the offensive line.
The spring 2021 season marked a turning point in Greenfield’s college career. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic delaying the typical football calendar, he started all 10 games that spring, helping anchor an offensive line that propelled South Dakota State to their first-ever national championship appearance and victory. His stellar play during this championship run earned him his first first-team All-American selection, validating the potential he showed during his early college years.
Garret Greenfield Career
South Dakota State Years (2018–2023)
Greenfield became a fixture along the South Dakota State offensive line starting in 2021. During the fall 2021 season, he started all 15 games, primarily playing as a right tackle. His consistency and dependability made him a critical component of an offense that continued to dominate at the FCS level. The experience gained from playing every game that season prepared him for the leadership role he would assume in the years ahead.
In 2022, Greenfield shifted to left tackle and took on increased responsibility as the team captain. He started all 15 games and was instrumental in South Dakota State’s undefeated championship season. The Jackrabbits captured their first national championship under his leadership, defeating Villanova in the title game. His performance throughout the season earned him first-team All-American honors for the second time in his career and solidified his reputation as one of the premier offensive tackles in FCS football.
Greenfield returned for a final season in 2023, continuing his dominance at left tackle. He started all 15 games for the third consecutive year and helped lead South Dakota State to another national championship, defeating Idaho State in the title game. His exceptional play earned him another first-team All-American selection, marking his third such honor. After the 2023 season, Greenfield declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, concluding one of the most decorated careers in South Dakota State history.
Professional Career (2024–2025)
Following his college career, Greenfield received invitations to both the East-West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine. At the combine, he turned heads by posting the all-time offensive lineman record in the vertical jump, showcasing the athleticism that made him a top prospect despite going undrafted. On May 3, 2024, Greenfield signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent, fulfilling his dream of playing in the NFL. That same year, he was also selected by the DC Defenders in the fourth round of the 2024 UFL Draft, maintaining his connection to spring football. However, he was released by the Seahawks on August 30, 2024, during final roster cuts.
After his release from Seattle, Greenfield continued pursuing his NFL career. On October 30, 2024, he signed with the New York Giants practice squad, working to earn a spot on the active roster. He was released from the Giants practice squad on November 19, 2024. Looking for another opportunity, Greenfield signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad on January 1, 2025. He subsequently signed a reserve/future contract with Tampa Bay on January 14, 2025, securing his place on the roster for the 2025 season. After appearing in regular-season games with the Buccaneers, Greenfield made the decision to retire from professional football on July 24, 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Greenfield was known for his exceptional length and footwork at the tackle position, attributes that made him particularly effective in pass protection. His 6-foot-6 frame and 310-pound build provided a strong foundation, while his lateral mobility allowed him to handle speed rushers effectively. His vertical jump record at the NFL Combine demonstrated explosive lower-body power that translated to his ability to generate push in the running game. As a team captain at South Dakota State, he also displayed leadership qualities and football intelligence that helped his offense execute at a high level.
Notable Events and Milestones
The highlight of Greenfield’s career came during his championship runs at South Dakota State. His three consecutive seasons of starting all 15 games demonstrated remarkable durability and consistency at a demanding position. Winning back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023 placed him among the elite offensive linemen in FCS history. His three first-team All-American selections and three first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors reflected sustained excellence against high-level competition. The transition from right tackle to left tackle in 2022 showcased his adaptability, while earning the team captain role demonstrated his influence in the locker room.
Garret Greenfield Career Wins
Throughout his football career spanning six seasons at the collegiate level and two seasons professionally, Greenfield accumulated an impressive collection of team and individual achievements. His success was defined by championships at the highest level of FCS football and consistent recognition as one of the top players at his position in the nation.
South Dakota State Highlights
Greenfield’s college career at South Dakota State produced two national championships, achieved during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Both championship runs featured him starting all 15 games at left tackle, providing steady protection for an offense that dominated throughout those years. His first national championship victory came in 2022 when South Dakota State defeated Villanova to claim their first title in program history. He followed that achievement with another championship in 2023, helping the Jackrabbits defeat Idaho State in the title game and establish a dynasty at the FCS level.
On the individual level, Greenfield earned first-team FCS All-American honors three times, with selections in 2020, 2022, and 2023. He also received first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference recognition in each of those same three seasons, indicating his status as the top offensive tackle in one of college football’s most competitive conferences. His final collegiate season in 2023 marked his third consecutive year starting all 15 games, completing a remarkable run of durability and excellence.
Other Achievements
Beyond his South Dakota State accomplishments, Greenfield’s draft-year experiences further highlighted his abilities. His selection to the East-West Shrine Bowl provided exposure against top prospects from across the country. His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, particularly his record-setting vertical jump for an offensive lineman, demonstrated elite athleticism that translated from his college success to professional expectations.
| Achievement | Years |
|---|---|
| FCS National Champion (South Dakota State) | 2022, 2023 |
| First-team FCS All-American | 2020, 2022, 2023 |
| First-team All-MVFC | 2020, 2022, 2023 |
Garret Greenfield Family
Family Background
Public records do not provide verified information regarding Garret Greenfield’s family background or racing lineage. While he grew up in Rock Valley, Iowa, and attended Rock Valley High School, specific details about his parents, siblings, or family connections to athletics at other levels are not available in confirmed sources.
Personal Life
Greenfield has maintained a relatively private personal life away from the football field. No verified information is available regarding his marital status, spouse, or children. His athletic family extends to his multi-sport background in high school, where he excelled not only in football but also in basketball and baseball, suggesting a well-rounded athletic upbringing. Greenfield completed his college football career at South Dakota State in 2023 before pursuing professional opportunities.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked the conclusion of Garret Greenfield’s professional football career. After joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad on January 1, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with the team on January 14, securing a spot on the roster for the upcoming season. This opportunity came after brief stints with the Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants during the 2024 season, and it represented his best opportunity to establish himself at the professional level.
Greenfield appeared in regular-season games for the Buccaneers during the 2025 NFL season. His experience at left tackle from his South Dakota State career provided the coaching staff with flexibility along the offensive line. Working within the Buccaneers’ offensive system, he competed for playing time in a professional environment that demanded consistency and adaptability. His tenure with Tampa Bay offered him the chance to apply the skills and techniques that made him a dominant college player.
Following the 2025 season, Greenfield made the decision to retire from professional football on July 24, 2025. His retirement marked the end of a football journey that began in youth leagues in Iowa, continued through a standout high school career, and flourished during six exceptional seasons at South Dakota State. While his professional career did not match the championship success he achieved in college, Greenfield’s career demonstrated the perseverance required to reach the NFL and the dedication needed to compete at the sport’s highest level. His achievements at the FCS level, including back-to-back national championships and multiple All-American honors, ensure his legacy as one of the best offensive tackles in South Dakota State history.