Max Scharping

Max Scharping's Biography

Max Scharping, a prominent figure in the world of American professional football, was born on August 10, 1996. He currently holds the distinguished position of guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers, a member of the National Football League (NFL). Scharping’s journey through the NFL, however, was first inaugurated at the college level during his tenure with the Northern Illinois Huskies, propelling him to the apex of his career today.

Honing his abilities at Green Bay Southwest High School, Scharping soon found himself presented with approximately ten college scholarship offers. He elected to attend Northern Illinois University, spending four years as a pillar of stability on the collegiate offensive line. Mainly aligning himself in the tackle positions on either side of the line, he also found himself adeptly handling the demands of the offensive guard role on occasion.

Scharping’s exceptional performance during his time with the Huskies did not go unnoticed. His vigorous strength on the field led him to be named to the First-team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) not once, but three times over his sophomore (2016), junior (2017), and senior (2018) seasons. Furthermore, his ability to leverage this strength into demonstrable results garnered widespread attention among analysts tracking his career.

Following his senior season, Scharping was acknowledged for his college play and was extended an invitation to take part in the esteemed 2019 Senior Bowl. Resolute in his efforts to bring home a championship, Scharping opted to remain with his university team to secure the MAC championship title, a feat that he successfully achieved.

As the progression from collegiate to professional sports beckoned, Max Scharping was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, claimed as the 55th overall pick. Beginning his first professional season as a backup, he was quickly elevated to the starting position of left guard in Week 3, holding the position throughout the remaining 14 games.

Scharping’s 2020 season presented an unforeseen obstacle when on October 28, the Texans placed him on the reserve/COVID-19 list, from which he emerged and immediately rejoined the active roster on November 10.

After an unforeseen release from the Texans on August 30, 2022, Scharping was welcomed by the Cincinnati Bengals the very next day as they claimed him off waivers. Following an injury to starting right guard Alex Cappa in Week 18, he found himself holding the fort as the starting right guard for the Bengals’ 2022 playoff games. His performance led to his re-signing with the Bengals on March 20, 2023.

The following year brought a shift in scenery as Scharping signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on June 3, 2024. However, after a brief stint, he was released on August 26. Undeterred, Scharping immersed himself into the Washington Commanders practice squad two days later, cementing his perseverance in the face of adversity.

His tenacity paid off when he was recruited by the Pittsburgh Steelers from the Commanders practice squad on October 1, 2024. Persistent, adaptable, and committed, Max Scharping’s football journey continues to unfurl. His illustrious career laden with triumphs, challenges, and continuous growth, hold testament to his enviable position in the NFL today.