Max Scharping (born August 10, 1996) is an American professional football guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Northern Illinois Huskies and was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft with the 55th overall pick. Scharping has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders. He signed with the Steelers in October 2024 and re-signed with the team in April 2025 on a one-year contract running through 2026.
Max Scharping Bio
Max Scharping is a professional football guard who has built a solid NFL career spanning multiple teams since being drafted in 2019. Known for his versatility along the offensive line, Scharping has appeared in 81 NFL games with 33 starts across his career. He brings experience from five NFL franchises and a decorated college career at Northern Illinois University where he earned first-team All-MAC honors three consecutive years.
Early Life and Background
Max Scharping was born on August 10, 1996, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He grew up in Green Bay and attended Southwest High School, developing his football skills in the football-rich environment of Wisconsin. His upbringing in Green Bay placed him in close proximity to the NFL and college football culture that defines the region.
Path to American Football
After graduating from Southwest High School in Green Bay, Scharping emerged as a notable college prospect with approximately ten scholarship offers from various programs. He ultimately chose to continue his academic and football career at Northern Illinois University, located in DeKalb, Illinois. This decision allowed him to stay relatively close to his Wisconsin roots while pursuing his dream of playing at the highest level of college football.
At Northern Illinois, Scharping quickly established himself as a dominant offensive lineman. He began his college career playing tackle positions on both sides of the offensive line while also seeing time at offensive guard. His combination of size, strength, and technique allowed him to start all four years at the collegiate level, setting the foundation for his professional career.
Max Scharping Career
College Career (2014–2018)
Max Scharping played for the Northern Illinois Huskies from 2014 to 2018, becoming one of the most decorated offensive linemen in program history. He earned First-team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) honors in each of his final three seasons, specifically in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Analysts consistently noted his strength as a standout attribute throughout his college career.
Following his senior season in 2018, Scharping received an invitation to the 2019 Senior Bowl, which showcased his talents against other top college players. He briefly returned to Northern Illinois to achieve his goal of winning the MAC championship before beginning his professional career preparation.
Houston Texans (2019–2021)
Scharping was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round (55th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. He entered the league as a rookie with high expectations following his dominant college career. After beginning the 2019 season as a backup, Scharping was named the starting left guard in Week 3 and went on to start the final 14 games of his rookie season, demonstrating his ability to contribute immediately at the professional level.
During the 2020 season, Scharping was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on October 28 and was activated on November 10. He appeared in 15 games that season, playing on approximately 49.57 percent of the Texans’ offensive snaps. In a notable moment on December 27, 2020, Scharping recorded seven rushing yards after catching a lateral pass from Brandin Cooks in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The 2021 season marked his final year with Houston, as he appeared in all 17 games.
Cincinnati Bengals (2022–2023)
On August 30, 2022, Scharping was waived by the Texans and was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals the following day. He joined a Bengals team that was building toward championship contention and quickly became part of their offensive line rotation. Due to starter Alex Cappa suffering an ankle injury in the Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens, Scharping was named the starting right guard for the team’s playoff games that season.
Scharping re-signed with the Bengals on March 20, 2023. However, the 2023 season saw limited playing time for him, as he appeared in only one game during the year, playing in the Week 18 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders (2024)
On June 3, 2024, Scharping signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, joining another championship-contending team. His tenure with the Eagles was brief, as he was released on August 26, 2024. Scharping then signed with the Washington Commanders practice squad on August 28, 2024, continuing his journey through the NFL.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024–Present)
On October 1, 2024, Scharping was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers off the Washington Commanders practice squad. Joining the Steelers marked a new chapter in his career with one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. During his initial stint with Pittsburgh, he spent much of the season inactive, appearing in only two games with one appearance exclusively on special teams.
On April 15, 2025, Scharping re-signed with the Steelers on a one-year contract, signaling the team’s confidence in his abilities. The contract runs through the 2026 season, providing Scharping with stability as he competes for a more significant role along the Steelers’ offensive line.
Driving Style and Strengths
Max Scharping has established himself as a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing multiple positions across the line. His primary position is guard, though he has experience at tackle from his college career. His strengths have consistently included his physical strength, which analysts highlighted during his college evaluation. His ability to play both guard and tackle provides valuable positional flexibility for any team he joins.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career highlights, Scharping’s rookie season standouts as a significant milestone when he earned the starting left guard role in Week 3 and held it for 14 consecutive starts. His playoff experience with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, where he started during their postseason run, represents another notable achievement. His 2020 COVID-19 placement and subsequent return to action demonstrated his resilience and commitment to his team.
Max Scharping Career Wins
Max Scharping has accumulated significant experience across his NFL career, appearing in 81 games with 33 starts. His career spans five NFL teams and includes playoff appearances with the Cincinnati Bengals. The majority of his career starts came during his time with the Houston Texans from 2019 to 2021.
Houston Texans Highlights
Scharping’s most productive stretch came during his three seasons with the Houston Texans from 2019 to 2021. He started 14 games as a rookie in 2019 after being named the starting left guard in Week 3. His 2020 and 2021 seasons saw him appear in 15 and 17 games respectively, providing consistency along the offensive line. His rookie starting streak established him as a viable NFL starter early in his professional career.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his Texans tenure, Scharping’s most notable professional achievement came during the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals when he started playoff games at right guard following an injury to Alex Cappa. This postseason experience against some of the league’s top defensive lines represented a high-pressure opportunity that further developed his skills at the guard position.
Max Scharping Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While Scharping grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, there is no verified racing lineage or family background in motorsports documented in available sources. His athletic background is rooted in football, which he pursued through high school and college before entering the NFL.
Personal Life
Max Scharping married his wife, Cassidy Halloran, in 2021. Together they have three children, born in 2022, 2024, and 2025. Scharping maintains a presence on Instagram under the handle @mscharps, where he shares glimpses of his professional and family life with his followers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks an important chapter in Max Scharping’s career as he enters his seventh NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After signing a one-year contract in April 2025 that runs through 2026, Scharping has the opportunity to compete for a more substantial role along the Steelers’ offensive line. The team has shown confidence in his abilities by securing him for multiple seasons.
Scharping’s experience from five different NFL organizations provides the Steelers with a versatile veteran who can play both guard positions and offer depth at tackle if needed. His limited playing time during his initial Steelers tenure in 2024 means he will likely need to prove himself during training camp and preseason to earn increased reps during the regular season.
The outlook for Scharping in 2025 involves building on his established professional reputation while contributing to a Steelers team that consistently emphasizes strong offensive line play. His combination of playoff experience, positional versatility, and veteran leadership makes him a valuable depth piece for the organization as they pursue their championship goals.