Corey Linsley

Corey Linsley's Biography

Corey Michael Linsley, born on July 27, 1991, has made a considerable mark in the realm of professional football. The Boardman, Ohio native boasts a career that saw him rise from a humble beginning to the apex of the sport in the National Football League (NFL). This biography will shed light on his remarkable journey, providing an in-depth look at the athlete, the challenges he faced, and the accolades he garnered.

Linsley started his athletic journey at Boardman High School, renowned for his prowess in both football and track & field. He was noticed as a young talent, earning first-team All-Federal League and All-Northeast Ohio honors, followed by the second-team All-Ohio honors during his senior year. Larger dreams were set for Corey as he left a lasting impression across the state that would lead him to a prosperous athletic career.

While at Boardman High, Linsley also proved himself a commendable track & field athlete. Showing his strength and versatility, he lettered all four years. As a senior, he marked regional and league victories, and even tasted state-level success, grabbing a medal in shot put, with a top throw of 19.24 meters. He even toyed with the idea of switching to track and field permanently when he entered college.

Upon entering Ohio State University, Linsley excelled in football and soon established himself as a vital asset on the Ohio State Buckeyes team. After redshirting his initial year, he began consistently making appearances from 2010, primarily as a reserve right guard or tackle. Eventually, he was chosen to succeed All-American center Mike Brewster. As the designated center, he aided the Buckeyes in scoring a Big Ten-best 37.2 points per game, making their rushing game second best with an average 242.2 yards on the ground per game.

Scouts and coaches in the NFL soon recognized Linsley’s talent, and in 2014, he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round. Although initially expected to be the backup center, an injury to the starter, J. C. Tretter, led to Linsley taking on the starting role. He performed exceptionally well, retaining his position even post Tretter’s recovery and earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

However, Linsley’s career was not without its hardships. A niggling hamstring problem placed him on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) status to start the 2016 season. But Linsley bounced back, returning to active status on November 5, 2016. The following year, his performance was rewarded with a three-year, $25.5 million contract extension with the Packers.

The highlight of Linsley’s career came in 2021 when he signed a five-year, $62.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, thus becoming the highest-paid center in the NFL. But the euphoria was short-lived when he was put on the reserve/non-football illness list due to a non-emergent heart-related issue in 2023. Ultimately, on June 5, 2024, he was released by the Chargers and chose to retire from professional football.

Off the field, Linsley enjoys a fulfilling family life. He is married to Anna Linsley and is a proud father of four children. His journey from the small town of Boardman, Ohio to the cauldron of the NFL is a testament to his unwavering commitment, strength, and resilience. His career, now committed to the annals of the sports’ history, serves as an inspiration to many future American football players.