Zachary Wilfried Sieler Bio
Zachary Wilfried Sieler is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 7, 1995, in Pinckney, Michigan, Sieler has built a remarkable career from humble beginnings as an undersized high school prospect to becoming one of the most consistent defensive playmakers in the league. After playing college football for the Ferris State Bulldogs, Sieler was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He joined the Miami Dolphins in 2019 and has since developed into a cornerstone of their defensive line, earning multiple contract extensions and becoming the first NFL player from Pinckney High School.
Early Life and Background
Sieler was born in Pinckney, Michigan, as the eldest of three sons. He attended Pinckney Community High School, where he made history as the first NFL player to come from the school. During his high school years, Sieler was a three-sport athlete, competing in football, track and field, and amateur wrestling. In wrestling, he was a state championship participant, demonstrating the competitive drive that would later serve him well on the football field.
On the football field, Sieler played as a strong-side defensive end for the Pinckney Pirates. Despite standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 280 pounds, he was considered undersized by major college programs and was not a highly rated recruiting prospect. Nevertheless, he served as team captain during his senior year and was named Athlete of the Year in his class, showcasing the leadership qualities and work ethic that would define his collegiate and professional career.
Path to American Football
Sieler’s journey to the NFL defied conventional expectations. After high school, he walked on to the Ferris State Bulldogs football program in 2013 rather than accepting scholarship offers from smaller programs. He redshirted during the 2013 season, using that year to develop his skills and adapt to the college level of competition. This decision to bet on himself rather than settle for immediate playing time at other schools proved instrumental in shaping his career trajectory.
After redshirting, Sieler quickly made an impact with the Bulldogs. He was part of the playoff squad that won the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. His dominance on the defensive line earned him GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year honors in both 2015 and 2016, along with First-team All-GLIAC selections those same years. His contributions helped propel Ferris State to the 2016 NCAA Division II National Semifinals game, establishing him as one of the top defensive players in Division II football.
Zachary Wilfried Sieler Career
Baltimore Ravens (2018–2019)
Sieler was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the seventh round with the 238th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His rookie season provided limited opportunities, and he was waived by the Ravens on August 31, 2019. He was signed to the practice squad the following day before being promoted to the active roster on October 5, 2019. Sieler was waived again in December 2019, but this brief tenure with the Ravens gave him valuable exposure to professional-level defenses and coaching.
Miami Dolphins Breakthrough (2019–Present)
On December 5, 2019, Sieler was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins, a move that would prove transformative for his career. He was re-signed to a one-year contract in April 2020 and continued to work his way into the Dolphins’ defensive plans. On November 16, 2020, Sieler signed a three-year contract extension through the 2023 season, signaling the Dolphins’ commitment to keeping him as part of their core defensive unit.
The 2023 season marked a breakout year for Sieler. He recorded 10 sacks, ranking second on the team, and achieved his first career NFL statistics milestone when he recorded his first career interception off quarterback Will Levis during Week 14 of the 2023 season against the Tennessee Titans. He returned the interception 5 yards for his first regular-season NFL touchdown, a memorable moment that validated his journey from a seventh-round draft pick to a productive NFL starter.
In August 2023, Sieler signed a three-year, $38.65 million contract extension with the Dolphins, reflecting his status as a key contributor to the team’s defensive identity. He continued his strong play into the 2024 season, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 14 after recording four tackles and two sacks in a 32–26 victory over the New York Jets. On August 3, 2025, Sieler signed another three-year, $64 million contract extension, cementing his place with the Dolphins through the 2028 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Sieler plays the defensive tackle position with a unique combination of size, power, and quickness that allows him to disrupt both the running and passing games. His background as a three-sport athlete in high school, particularly his wrestling experience, gave him technical skills and hand combat techniques that translate effectively to offensive linemen at the professional level. He demonstrates exceptional burst off the line of scrimmage and the ability to collapse the pocket from the interior, creating pressure on quarterbacks and disrupting timing in the opposing team’s passing attack.
Notable Events and Milestones
On April 25, 2025, Ferris State honored Sieler’s legacy by retiring his No. 96 jersey, making him one of only two players in program history to receive this honor, alongside Jason Vander Laan. This recognition highlighted his exceptional collegiate career and his continued success at the highest level of football. His interception return for a touchdown against Tennessee in 2023 provided one of the most memorable individual moments of his professional career, showcasing his ability to make plays even when keyed on by opposing offenses.
Zachary Wilfried Sieler Career Wins
Across his NFL career, Sieler has established himself as a productive and reliable defensive tackle. His career statistics through the 2025 season include 357 total tackles, 35.5 sacks, 16 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries, and 1 defensive touchdown. These numbers reflect his versatility and impact on every level of the Dolphins’ defense.
NFL Highlights
At the collegiate level, Sieler was a dominant force at Ferris State, earning GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year honors in 2016 and 2017 while also earning First-team All-GLIAC recognition both seasons. His performance helped lead the Bulldogs to conference championships and a deep playoff run in 2016. At the professional level, his 10-sack season in 2023 stands as one of his most productive campaigns, while his AFC Defensive Player of the Week selection in Week 14 of 2024 demonstrated his ability to take over games with his defensive play.
Other Achievements
Beyond his statistical achievements, Sieler’s career is defined by his persistence and continuous improvement. From being considered an undersized prospect in high school to becoming a cornerstone of an NFL defense, his journey serves as an inspiration to players who may not receive early recognition. His jersey retirement at Ferris State and multiple contract extensions with the Dolphins represent the culmination of years of dedication to his craft.
| Competition Level | Total Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Regular Season (2018–2025) | 357 | 35.5 | 2 |
Zachary Wilfried Sieler Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While detailed information about Sieler’s parents is not publicly available, his family has deep roots in football. His younger brother Adam Sieler also played college football at Ferris State from 2017 to 2022, following in Zachary’s footsteps by joining the same program that helped launch his brother’s professional career. The Sieler family’s connection to Ferris State football represents a legacy of athletic achievement and commitment to the program.
Personal Life
Sieler continues to maintain a connection to his Michigan roots while building his professional career in Miami. As an eldest son who paved the way for his younger brother’s football journey, he has served as a mentor and role model within his family. His social media presence, particularly on Instagram where he maintains the handle zsieler95, provides fans with glimpses into his life as a professional athlete. Information regarding his marital status or spouse is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a new chapter in Sieler’s career following his lucrative three-year, $64 million contract extension signed in August. The extension reflects the Dolphins’ belief in Sieler as a foundational piece of their defensive line for years to come. As he enters this new contract period, Sieler brings a wealth of experience and proven production to a Dolphins defense that relies on his interior presence to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Early in the 2025 season, Sieler experienced a notable moment in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills when he committed a roughing the punter penalty early in the fourth quarter of a tie game. Buffalo capitalized on the ensuing drive with a touchdown and went on to win by ten points. Such moments are part of the physical nature of defensive line play, and Sieler’s ability to respond from setbacks has been a hallmark of his career. The Dolphins enter the 2025 season with high expectations, and Sieler’s continued production will be essential to their success.
With a blend of veteran experience and ongoing prime years ahead, Sieler remains one of the most reliable defensive tackles in the NFL. His journey from a small-town walk-on to a multi-million dollar NFL starter exemplifies the value of persistence and continuous improvement in professional sports. As the Dolphins pursue their championship ambitions, Sieler’s leadership and playmaking ability will remain central to their defensive identity.