Levi Drake Rodriguez

Levi Drake Rodriguez Bio

Levi Drake Rodriguez (born August 4, 2000) is an American professional football nose tackle for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Southwestern Assemblies of God University Lions and the Texas A&M–Commerce Lions before being selected by the Vikings in the seventh round (232nd overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. Rodriguez earned first-team FCS All-American honors in 2023 and has established himself as a developing force on Minnesota’s defensive line.

Early Life and Background

Rodriguez was born on August 4, 2000, in Georgetown, Texas. At age four, he began playing baseball and football. After initially participating in flag football, he switched to tackle football at age six because, according to his mother, he wanted to tackle people. By approximately eight years old, Rodriguez wrote down a goal on a whiteboard of becoming a professional football player, a dream he carried with him through each move he made growing up.

Rodriguez attended East View High School in Georgetown, where he played as a two-way lineman. He received All-State selection at right tackle during his senior year. Despite his strong high school performance, he was considered small for the tackle position at the collegiate level and received no major college offers. The zero-star recruit ultimately signed to play both baseball and football for Southwestern Assemblies of God University, an NAIA program.

Path to Professional Football

Rodriguez entered Southwestern Assemblies of God University (now known as Nelson University) as a multi-sport athlete. He was shifted to defensive end with the SAGU Lions football team and showed immediate promise despite being described as raw. In his freshman season, he recorded 44 tackles, 10.0 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, and a forced fumble in 10 games, earning first-team All-Sooner Athletic Conference honors.

During the COVID-shortened 2020 season, he started seven games and was named second-team All-SAC with 31 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks. In his third year at SAGU, he started 12 games and accumulated 58 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, and 7.0 sacks, earning first-team All-SAC and first-team NCCAA All-American recognition. His dedication to the sport was evident in his training habits, including his noted practice eating habits to increase his size.

Prior to the 2022 season, Rodriguez transferred to Texas A&M–Commerce, which had just moved up to NCAA Division I FCS. Concerned about scout attention, he fasted for a week, prayed for guidance, and sent an email to the Lions’ defensive line coach, who invited him to a camp. Impressing coaches immediately, Rodriguez transitioned from defensive end to defensive tackle, gaining 30 pounds for the position change.

Levi Drake Rodriguez Career

College Career at Texas A&M–Commerce (2022–2023)

Rodriguez started 11 games during his first season with the Lions in 2022, finishing with 32 tackles, 6.0 TFLs, and 2.0 sacks. In his final collegiate season in 2023, he was named first-team All-Southland Conference, first-team FCS All-American by Pro Football Focus, and to the All-Non-FBS team by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. He started 10 games, totaling 56 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. His 56 tackles ranked second on the team, while he led the SLC in sacks and ranked fourth in the conference in TFLs.

Throughout his collegiate career, Rodriguez was noted for his exceptional work ethic. He began sleeping at the practice facility to be first to train, often arriving before coaches at 5 a.m. His defensive coordinator described him as a man amongst boys with violence and intensity that overwhelmed opposing offensive linemen. He graduated in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

Rise to NFL Prospect

Initially receiving little attention as an NFL draft prospect, Rodriguez began getting noticed after being named MVP of the Tropical Bowl with 3.5 sacks. He continued to add weight through an intensive diet, weighing 306 pounds by draft time. He was chronicled by The Athletic as their annual “Prospect X,” identifying him as the most overlooked player in the 2024 draft class. His impressive pro day performance drew further attention, with his coach noting that he dominated while smaller prospects fatigued.

Minnesota Vikings Era (2024–Present)

Rodriguez was selected in the seventh round (232nd overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft. He became the first player from East View High School to be drafted and the first Texas A&M–Commerce player selected since Antonio Wilson in 2000, who was also drafted by Minnesota. As a rookie, he contributed on defense and special teams while learning behind veteran players on the Vikings’ defensive line.

Driving Style and Strengths

Rodriguez plays the nose tackle position with exceptional power and leverage. His ability to collapse the pocket and occupy multiple blockers has made him valuable against the run. His background as a former defensive end gives him quickness that surprises larger offensive linemen, while his relentless work ethic and conditioning allow him to maintain effectiveness throughout games.

Notable Events and Milestones

During Week 9 of the 2025 season, Rodriguez blocked a field goal in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions. The block was returned by Isaiah Rodgers to the Lions’ 26-yard line, and the Vikings secured a 27–24 victory. For his special teams play, Rodriguez earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. This moment represented his first major impact play at the NFL level and highlighted his ability to contribute beyond his defensive line duties.

Levi Drake Rodriguez Career Statistics

Rodriguez has appeared in games with the Minnesota Vikings since his rookie season in 2024. His collegiate career at Texas A&M–Commerce included 21 games started, and he combined with his time at SAGU for 50 career games with 47 starts.

Professional Career Statistics

Through the 2025 season, Rodriguez has recorded 44 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, and 1 pass deflection in his NFL career. His consistent playing time has allowed him to develop as a rotational player on Minnesota’s defensive line while contributing on special teams units.

College Career Highlights

At Texas A&M–Commerce, Rodriguez earned first-team All-Southland Conference and first-team FCS All-American honors in 2023. He led the Southland Conference in sacks and ranked fourth in the conference in tackles-for-loss. His career totals at Texas A&M–Commerce include 88 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks in 21 games started. Combined across both colleges, he recorded 221 tackles, 43.5 TFLs, and 22.0 sacks in 50 career games.

Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Rodriguez is of Mexican descent. His family background has been referenced in his identity as a professional athlete from Texas, though detailed information about his parents and extended family remains private. He grew up in Georgetown, Texas, where he developed his passion for football at a young age.

Personal Life

Rodriguez is a devout Christian who led 63 of his college teammates to get baptized during his time at Texas A&M–Commerce. On his forearm, he has a tattoo of Psalm 23:4, which reads: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” His faith has been a central part of his journey from an overlooked prospect to NFL player.

2025 Season Performance

Heading into the 2025 season, Rodriguez continued his development with the Minnesota Vikings as a rotational nose tackle. His Week 9 blocked field goal against the Detroit Lions represented a breakout moment, earning him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors and demonstrating his ability to make game-changing plays. The Vikings’ 27–24 victory over Detroit highlighted his impact on special teams beyond his defensive line duties. Rodriguez has established himself as a valuable depth piece on Minnesota’s defensive front while continuing to refine his technique against NFL-level competition. His work ethic and conditioning continue to serve him well as he competes for increased playing time in the Vikings’ defensive scheme.