Cole Thomas Van Lanen Bio
Cole Thomas Van Lanen is an American professional football offensive guard who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 23, 1998, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Van Lanen brings Midwest roots and a strong football pedigree to his NFL career. He entered the NFL in 2021 after a successful college career at the University of Wisconsin and has developed into a reliable presence on the offensive line at the professional level. Van Lanen continues to be a contributing player for the Jaguars, showcasing his versatility along the offensive front.
Early Life and Background
Cole Thomas Van Lanen was born on April 23, 1998, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a city deeply connected to football heritage. His upbringing in Green Bay placed him in the heart of NFL country and provided early exposure to the sport at a young age. Van Lanen attended Bay Port High School in Suamico, Wisconsin, where he began developing his skills as an offensive lineman. His performance in high school laid the foundation for his future collegiate career and eventual path to professional football.
College Career at Wisconsin
Van Lanen continued his football journey at the University of Wisconsin, where he played for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2016 to 2020. His five seasons with the Badgers allowed him to develop his technique and physicality against strong collegiate competition. The Wisconsin football program has a long tradition of producing quality offensive linemen, and Van Lanen contributed to that legacy during his time in Madison. His collegiate experience prepared him well for the demands of professional football and the transition to the NFL.
Cole Thomas Van Lanen Career
Green Bay Packers (2021–2022)
Van Lanen entered the NFL when the Green Bay Packers selected him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 214th overall pick. The draft selection represented the realization of his goal to play professional football. On May 13, 2021, the Packers signed Van Lanen to a four-year rookie contract. His draft-year experience with the Packers began with training camp and the competitive environment of an NFL roster.
During his rookie season, Van Lanen navigated the challenges faced by late-round draft picks seeking roster spots. On August 31, 2021, the Packers released Van Lanen as part of their final roster cuts. He was signed to the practice squad the following day, where he continued to develop and await his opportunity. On December 18, 2021, Van Lanen was elevated to the active roster ahead of a Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens, providing him with his first NFL game experience. On January 25, 2022, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Packers, securing his place on the roster for the following season.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2022–Present)
On August 24, 2022, Van Lanen’s tenure with the Packers ended when he was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick. The trade provided him with a fresh start and new opportunities within the Jaguars organization. Van Lanen re-signed with the Jaguars on April 21, 2025, demonstrating the team’s continued interest in his services. Throughout the 2025 season, Van Lanen demonstrated his versatility by featuring at both guard and tackle spots along the offensive line, starting nine games.
On January 3, 2026, Van Lanen and the Jaguars agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $32.5 million guaranteed. With incentives, the contract can reach a maximum value of $55.5 million. The extension reflects the Jaguars’ confidence in Van Lanen’s abilities and his importance to the team’s offensive line plans going forward. As of the 2025 season, Van Lanen has played 51 career NFL games with 13 starts, establishing himself as a reliable professional.
Playing Style and Strengths
Van Lanen possesses the physical tools typical of NFL offensive linemen, with his 6-foot-5, 312-pound frame providing the size needed to handle defensive players at the professional level. His versatility along the offensive line has proven valuable, as he can contribute at both guard and tackle positions when needed. This positional flexibility gives the Jaguars coaching staff options when constructing their offensive line combinations and addressing injuries or matchup considerations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Van Lanen’s career has been marked by steady progression and the persistence often required of mid-round draft picks. His December 2021 elevation to the Packers active roster represented a significant milestone in his development, providing his first regular-season NFL experience. The three-year extension signed in January 2026 stands as a career milestone, validating his journey from a sixth-round selection to a signed contributor in Jacksonville.
Cole Thomas Van Lanen Career Statistics
Van Lanen has accumulated meaningful playing time since entering the NFL, appearing in 51 games across five seasons with two teams. His ability to stay healthy and remain in the league demonstrates the durability and reliability that NFL teams value in reserve linemen. The progression from practice squad player to starter-capable contributor reflects his development within the professional ranks.
NFL Career Highlights
Van Lanen’s most impactful season came in 2025 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he started nine games and appeared in 13 total contests. That season represented his most extensive starting role at the NFL level and showcased his capability to handle significant responsibilities along the offensive line. His rookie season activity with the Packers, including the late-season elevation to the active roster, provided the foundation for his subsequent career.
Professional Milestones
The signing of his three-year extension in January 2026 marked a significant career achievement for Van Lanen. The contract value of $32.5 million guaranteed, with potential to reach $55.5 million through incentives, reflects both his contribution level and the Jaguars’ belief in his future production. Throughout his career, Van Lanen has demonstrated the steady improvement and availability that lead to extended opportunities in professional football.
| Team | Years | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers | 2021 | 1 | 0 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 2022–2025 | 50 | 13 |
Cole Thomas Van Lanen Family
Personal Life
Van Lanen grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where football culture runs deep and the Green Bay Packers serve as a community cornerstone. His upbringing in the region likely influenced his development as a football player and his aspirations toward professional play. As a native of Green Bay, Van Lanen experienced firsthand the passion for the sport that defines the area and may have contributed to his early interest in pursuing football at the highest level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant chapter in Van Lanen’s professional career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Appearing in 13 games and earning nine starts, he demonstrated consistent availability and the ability to handle an expanded role along the offensive line. His versatility proved valuable as he contributed at both guard and tackle positions, giving the Jaguars coaching staff flexibility in their line configurations throughout the season.
Van Lanen’s performance during the 2025 campaign directly contributed to the Jaguars’ decision to secure him with a long-term extension. The three-year deal signed in January 2026 reflects the organization’s belief in his continued contribution to their offensive line. The contract negotiations following the season demonstrated mutual interest in maintaining the partnership between Van Lanen and the Jaguars.
The extension positions Van Lanen as a key component of the Jaguars’ offensive line plans moving forward. With guaranteed money and significant incentives, the contract rewards his reliability and production while providing team-friendly terms for Jacksonville. His continued presence offers stability to a position group that requires cohesion and communication to protect the quarterback and establish the running game.