Kevin Zeitler

Kevin Zeitler's Biography

Kevin Zeitler was born on the 8th of March 1990 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Known as a player with refined power and strength on the field, Zeitler is a major player in the National Football League (NFL). Currently, he occupies the position of the guard for the Detroit Lions. The long line of his football career, with its peaks and valleys, can be traced back to his years at Wisconsin Badgers. At the collegiate level, Zeitler’s remarkable skills were already causing a stir, earning him the honor of being a consensus All-American.

Recalling his early life, Zeitler attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School, where his aptitude for football was first recognized. A three-year letterwinner before his senior season, Zeitler bagged first-team all-conference, first-team all region, and second-team all-area as a junior. As a senior, he added even more accolades to his name – first-team all-conference, conference lineman of the year, first-team all region, and first-team all-area honors – solidifying his reputation as an exceptional talent.

Rankings by industry experts also placed Zeitler highly. Rivals.com, bestowed him with a three-star recruit rank and positioned him at No. 39 among the offensive guard prospects in his class. His ability to consistently deliver powerful performances attracted numerous offers from major teams, but he eventually narrowed his decision down to Wisconsin and Michigan, choosing the former.

Zeitler continued his college football career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison playing for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2008 to 2011. Zeitler did not disappoint, and through his uncompromising tenacity and skill, became a consensus first-team All-American, named to the first-teams of the AFCA, The Associated Press, and Pro Football Weekly in 2011.

His transition to the NFL came in 2012. Initially projected as a second-round selection, Zeitler’s prowess and talent impressed the Cincinnati Bengals, who picked him in the first round. Here, he displayed his abilities to his fullest. His rookie season was a resounding success, starting all 16 games at right guard for the Bengals and giving up only four sacks all season. Zeitler was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team due to his performance. During his five-year tenure at Cincinnati Bengals, he started 71 of 72 games he played.

On March 9, 2017, Zeitler signed a significant five-year contract with the Cleveland Browns: a $60 million deal that elevated him to the status of the highest-paid guard in the NFL. However, his time with the Browns came to an end in 2019 when he was traded to the New York Giants, alongside Jabrill Peppers and their first and third-round draft picks.

After a roller-coaster spell with the Giants, Zeitler signed a three-year $22.5 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. He notched an impressive record by starting all 17 games of the 2021 season. In the next two seasons (2022 and 2023), Zeitler started 15 games each. His flawless performance led to his first-ever Pro Bowl selection in 2024 as an alternate, replacing Joe Thuney.

In March 2024, Zeitler signed with his current team, the Detroit Lions, where he continues to solidify his status as one of the industry’s leading guard players. His journey’s trajectory, from a high school football player to an esteemed professional, is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and love for the game.