Rodger Saffold

BIOGRAPHY

Rodger P. Saffold III, born on June 6, 1988, has established himself as a respected figure in American professional football. As a guard currently not attached to any team, he establishes his free agency status having marked a prominent trail during his football journey. His noteworthy career began when the St. Louis Rams selected him in 2010’s National Football League (NFL) draft as the 33rd overall pick in the second round. However, his devotion to the sport is rooted earlier during his college years with the Indiana Hoosiers and his fervent performance as part of the Bedford High School team in Ohio.

During his high school years in Bedford, he excelled as an offensive tackle and defensive end, eventually attracting recognition by earning his place as an all-district and an honorable mention all-state selection in addition to the 2005 first team All-Lake Erie League. His efforts culminated in recording 18 tackles during his senior year, reflecting his potential and ability.

Despite being considered a two-star recruit by Rivals.com, he selected Indiana over Illinois, Kansas, and Ohio, underscoring his steadfast confidence and commitment towards his sporting passion. He successfully secured his place in the starting lineup at Indiana University, starting 41 games and appearing in 42 throughout his career. His contribution was further acknowledged as he was selected second team All-Big Ten by conference coaches, named honorable mention by the league’s media, and earned second team All-Big Ten recognition from Phil Steele’s magazine.

In the professional realm, his debut with the St. Louis Rams in 2010 after signing a $6.3 million contract was marked by an assertive presence. The rookie earned the slot as the starting left tackle and maintained this position throughout the season. His outstanding performance earned him rave reviews, with multiple All Rookie team nominations to his credit.

Through the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons, Saffold continued to demonstrate strength and versatility, starting at various positions along the offensive line despite injury setbacks. His adaptability permitted him to take on different roles along the line, starting as the left tackle, right tackle, and right guard at different points of his career. This flexibility proved vital for the Rams’ strategic maneuvers.

In 2014, he signed a five-year contract with the Oakland Raiders, only to return to the Rams due to disagreements over his physical condition. The Raiders voiced concerns about Saffold’s shoulder condition, while the Rams held no reservations, leading to Saffold re-signing with them. His performance level remained high, with a 73.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus ranking him as the seventh-best among offensive guards in 2018. This high level of play contributed to the Rams reaching Super Bowl LIII in 2018.

In 2019, he signed a four-year contract with the Tennessee Titans. Throughout the 2019 season, Saffold remained a consistent force in the Titans’ lineup, contributing significantly to Derrick Henry’s league rushing yards title. Despite the Titans’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship, Saffold’s contributions were undisputed.

However, in 2022, Saffold faced a setback as he was released by the Titans. Subsequently, he signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, followed by a shift to the New York Jets practice squad. Ultimately, he ended up on the Cleveland Browns practice squad before entering his present status as a free agent.

Apart from his professional football career, Saffold further diversified his interests by investing in the competitive Call of Duty team, Rise Nation, in 2014. Today, he stands as the owner of the team, establishing a unique blend of his sporting prowess and business acumen.

Thus, Saffold’s storied career within the sporting world showcases a resilient journey marked by hard-earned accolades, professional growth, and a spectrum of experiences across multiple teams. His story stands as a testament to his commitment to his sport and undeniable talent.