Kilian Zierer
Kilian Zierer is a German professional American football offensive tackle who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Zierer has developed his craft through multiple organizations since beginning his professional career in 2023. His journey from Germany to the NFL exemplifies determination and adaptability in the competitive world of American football.
Kilian Zierer Bio
Kilian Zierer was born on February 24, 2000, in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. He emerged as a promising athlete after transitioning from soccer to American football in his teenage years. Zierer has built his career as an offensive tackle, a position that requires both physical size and technical skill. He currently wears jersey number 78 for the Jacksonville Jaguars and continues to develop his abilities at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Zierer grew up playing soccer in Munich and first encountered American football during a visit to the United States at age 15. The sport immediately captured his interest, prompting him to try it out at age 16. He began his football journey by joining the Munich Cowboys, where he played two seasons on their under-19 squad as a tight end and wide receiver. This early exposure laid the foundation for his eventual transition to the offensive line.
Recognizing his potential as an offensive tackle due to his height and athleticism, Zierer shifted positions and played one season with the Allgäu Comets. This experience helped him refine his skills and prepared him for the opportunity to play football at a higher level in the United States.
Path to American Football
The path to playing college football in the United States came through Gridiron Imports, a nonprofit foundation that helps international players pursue opportunities in American football while continuing their education. With their support, Zierer made the decision to continue his football career at the collegiate level in the U.S.
He enrolled at College of the Canyons in 2018, where he made an immediate impact. In his first season, Zierer earned all-conference honors at left tackle and played a key role in helping the Cougars achieve a perfect 10-0 record while winning the SCFA National Division Northern League championship. His performance attracted significant attention, and he was ranked as the top junior college recruit at his position by Rivals.com. He followed this with another all-conference selection and a second consecutive league title the following year.
Kilian Zierer Career
College Career at Auburn Tigers (2020-2022)
Zierer committed to continue his football career at the NCAA Division I level with the Auburn Tigers. However, his college transition was setbacks when he suffered a torn ACL towards the end of his junior college career, which caused him to redshirt during the 2020 season. Despite this injury, he remained determined to return to the field.
During the 2021 season, Zierer began as a backup but worked his way into the starting lineup, eventually appearing in nine games. He demonstrated resilience in overcoming his injury recovery and proved his ability to compete at the Division I level. As a senior in 2022, Zierer started all 12 games at left tackle, showcasing his durability and consistency throughout the season. His standout college career earned him an invitation to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl, a prestigious all-star game featuring top NFL prospects.
Houston Texans (2023-2024)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Zierer signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent. In addition to his NFL opportunity, he was selected in the second round (11th overall) of the 2023 CFL Global Draft by the Edmonton Elks, demonstrating his value as an international prospect. Zierer performed well during training camp with the Texans but suffered a sprained ankle in the preseason. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve on August 24, 2023, ending his rookie campaign before it truly began.
On April 18, 2024, Zierer was designated as the Texans’ exempt international player for the 2024 season as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. This program provides additional roster flexibility for international players. He was waived on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad, where he continued to develop his skills.
League Movement (2025)
The 2025 season began with Zierer signing with the Atlanta Falcons on February 12, 2025. He was waived by the Falcons on August 2 during roster cuts. Three days later, on August 3, 2025, he was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns. He was waived again as part of final roster cuts on August 26.
Zierer signed with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad on August 28, 2025. He was released on October 13, but quickly found a new opportunity when he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad on October 15, 2025.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2025-Present)
Zierer signed a reserve/future contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on January 12, 2026, securing his place on the roster for the 2026 season. This contract marked a significant milestone in his professional career, providing him with stability and an opportunity to establish himself with a single organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Zierer’s strengths as an offensive tackle stem from his exceptional height at 6 feet 7 inches and his background as an athlete. His experience transitioning from skill positions to the offensive line has given him a unique understanding of both blocking assignments and field awareness. He has shown the ability to recover from injuries, including his torn ACL, demonstrating mental toughness and dedication to his craft.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Zierer’s notable accomplishments are his selection to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl, his CFL Global Draft selection by the Edmonton Elks, and his participation in the International Player Pathway Program. His journey through multiple organizations in a short span reflects both the competitive nature of the NFL and his ability to catch the attention of coaching staffs across the league.
Kilian Zierer Career Wins
Zierer has competed at the professional level in both the NFL and CFL while continuing to develop as an offensive tackle prospect.
NFL Highlights
After going undrafted in 2023, Zierer signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and earned a reserve/future contract in January 2026. He was also selected by the Edmonton Elks in the 2023 CFL Global Draft, second round, 11th overall.
College Achievements
During his time at College of the Canyons, Zierer earned all-conference honors at left tackle in both seasons. He was ranked the top junior college recruit at his position by Rivals.com. His invitation to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl highlighted his standing among NFL prospects.
Kilian Zierer Family
Family Background
No verified family information is currently available.
Personal Life
Zierer continues to work on developing his skills as an offensive tackle. He maintains a consistent training regimen focused on improving his technique and physical conditioning at the professional level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of significant movement for Zierer as he navigated through four different organizations. Beginning with the Atlanta Falcons before free agency, he then joined the Cleveland Browns via waiver claims before moving to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad. His journey concluded with a signing to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad in October 2025. The experience of adapting to multiple systems and coaching philosophies has provided Zierer with valuable knowledge of different offensive schemes. His performance throughout these transitions demonstrated his resilience and ability to learn quickly. With a reserve/future contract secured in January 2026, Zierer looks to establish himself as a consistent contributor with the Jacksonville Jaguars organization.