Brandon Scherff

Brandon Scherff's Biography

Brandon Scherff, a native of Denison, Iowa, was born on December 26, 1991. Scherff, an accomplished athlete and recognized performer in his high school days, is now a respected professional football player in the National Football League (NFL), playing as guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Scherff began his sports career in Denison High School, rapidly earning a reputation as a competent two-way lineman. His senior year saw him get first-team all-state honors for his exceptional performance on offense, rising from the second-team all-state laurel he gained as a junior. Interestingly, Scherff was not just confined to the lineman role; he took on the quarterback position during his sophomore year, culminating 1,200 yards during that season alone. Apart from football, Scherff was also proficient in other sports, taking the lead in the state in terms of rebounds during his senior year in basketball and helping his baseball team qualify for the state tournament as a junior.

Not confined to the conventional school sports, Scherff also proved his mettle in the Denison High School track and field team. He stood out as a shot putter and discus thrower, earning All-State recognition. He clinched state titles in the shot put as a sophomore and as a senior and performed pertinent roles in the shot put event at the 2010 Drake Relays and the 2010 Iowa State T&F Championships.

In 2010, Scherff ranked as the No. 44 offensive tackle prospect by Rivals.com, eventually committing to the University of Iowa from several esteemed offers. Redshirting his initial year, Scherff began his key contributions in the seasons after, starting three games and juggling positions from left guard to left tackle. However, a broken fibula and a dislocated ankle disrupted his sophomore year, when he was originally the starting left tackle, and he was unable to complete the season due to this injury.

Despite these setbacks, Scherff was still a highly-rated offensive lineman prospect for the NFL draft after his junior year. However, displaying commitment to his college team, he chose to return for his senior year and concluded his college tenure at Iowa by receiving a B.A. degree in Leisure studies in 2014, simultaneously earning the Outland Trophy as the country’s best interior lineman.

Upon emerging from Iowa, the NFL Draft saw Scherff as the best offensive tackle, fetching much respect from analysts and scouts who expected him to be selected in the first round. Despite a hamstring injury impeding completion of the full combine, Scherff completed essential drills at Iowa’s Pro Day, cementing his reputation as a highly potent pick in the forthcoming draft.

The Washington Redskins substantiated praise for Scherff and selected him in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. This made Scherff the first Iowa player to be picked in the top ten since Robert Gallery in 2004. Shortly after, Scherff signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $21.21 million with the Redskins. Initially competing for the right tackle position, Scherff was moved to right guard before the regular season started, a switch that suited his bull-rushing capabilities. Starting in all games of his rookie season, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and helped the Redskins resonate their name in the NFC East as the top team.

Scherff’s career in subsequent years saw a mix of injuries and recognitions. His performance prompted multiple Pro Bowl selections (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021), but injuries also took their toll on his playtime. In 2020, as an impending free agent, the Redskins secured their prized asset with a non-exclusive franchise tag, which Scherff agreed to. This was repeated the following year, with an $18 million worth non-exclusive franchise tag placed and signed.

After seven seasons with the Redskins, Scherff inked a $49.5 million three-year contract in March 2022, making a significant switch to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Beyond his dedication to his sports career, Scherff, a lifelong Lutheran, doesn’t forgo his responsibilities as a community member, often donating autographed memorabilia for his Lutheran grade school’s fundraisers.