Former Wisconsin football standout linebacker earns major NFL payday
Former Wisconsin football standout linebacker earns major NFL payday
The Minnesota Vikings awarded former Wisconsin linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel a one-year, $23 million contract extension on Tuesday.
The deal, as first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, includes $22.4 million guaranteed. It is yet another major payday for the former Wisconsin standout after a breakout 2024 season. The deal extends his contract into the 2026 season, after he previously signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Vikings as a free agent last offseason.
Van Ginkel had the best season of his six-year NFL career in 2024, totaling 79 tackles, 18 for loss, 11 1/2 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, six pass deflections, one forced fumble and two interceptions -- both of which he returned for touchdowns. Those totals earned him a Pro Bowl nod and Second-Team All-Pro selection, as well as a No. 7 finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
The former Badger previously spent the first five years of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins. He was a consistent force on the team's defensive front during that time, averaging 50 tackles, 6.2 for loss, 9.5 quarterback hits and 3.4 sacks per season. That production, both in Miami and Minnesota, is far more than what was expected from Van Ginkel when the Dolphins selected No. 151 overall in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft.
Van Ginkel's $23 million salary, when it comes into play next season, would rank 10th out of all NFL edge rushers. One other notable Wisconsin product is on that list: Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt ($28 million). Those two are part of a larger group of former Badger linebackers finding success in the NFL. T.J. Edwards, Zack Baun and Leo Chenal are all also fresh off strong 2024 campaigns.
Van Ginkel played for two seasons for the Badgers (2017-18). He joined the program after one year at the Football Championship Subdivision (South Dakota) and one year in JUCO (Iowa Western). As a Badger, the linebacker totaled 99 tackles, 20 for loss, 12 sacks, two interceptions, five pass deflections and four forced fumbles.
Even with that terrific production, it would have been challenging to predict his current level of success at the NFL level.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw trashes Aaron Rodgers, tells him to 'stay in California'
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to go through organized team activities this week without Aaron Rodgers on their roster. If Terry Bradshaw had his way, it'd stay like that. The Steelers legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer left no doubt about his feelings on the Steelers' free agency dance with Rodgers during a recent radio interview. Advertisement "That's a joke," Bradshaw said on 103.7 The Buzz's "Morning Mayhem" show about Rodgers potentially joining the Steelers. "That is, just to me, a joke." Rodgers said he communicated with the Steelers front office after he became a free agent this offseason. The former Green Bay Packers quarterback hasn't made a commitment for a 21st season, though he hasn't announced his retirement, either. He cited his age, a serious relationship and people in his inner circle going through challenging times as reasons for not being ready to commit to a team. The Steelers organization has said it's willing to be patient with the 41-year-old Rodgers. But the clock is ticking as the preparations for the 2025 season continue with OTAs and a mandatory minicamp next week. Terry Bradshaw talks with Aaron Rodgers on stage after the Green Bay Packers won Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6, 2011. Bradshaw, who won four Super Bowl titles with the Pittsburgh Steelers, doesn't want Rodgers anywhere near his old team. Rodgers and the Steelers have been in talks this offseason but the four-time NFL MVP remains a free agent. Rodgers, though, recently hinted at playing for the Steelers during a recent podcast and his former head coach in Green Bay is certain it will happen. Advertisement The 76-year-old Bradshaw, who led the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s, doesn't want to see Rodgers in black and gold. "What are you going to bring him in for one year?" Bradshaw questioned on the radio show. "Are you kidding me? No, man, that guy needs to stay in California, go somewhere and chew on bark and whisper to the gods out there." Rodgers lives in Malibu, California, in the offseason. Bradshaw also is likely alluding to Rodgers' off-the-field activities in using ayahuasca in Peru — the quarterback has been open about taking the psychedelic and is an advocate for it. He also took part in a darkness retreat in a secluded cabin in a forested region in Oregon two years ago when he was deciding whether he wanted to continue playing football. Advertisement Bradshaw isn't the only ex-Steelers to blast Rodgers this offseason. Ryan Clark, who played for the Steelers from 2006 to 2013, felt Rodgers was holding the team hostage by not making a decision. "It makes me sick, to be honest," Clark said April 15 on ESPN morning sports talk show "Get Up." Aaron Rodgers trending: Danica Patrick claims her relationship with quarterback was 'emotionally abusive' that wore her 'down to nothing' Will Aaron Rodgers play on the Steelers? Rodgers to the Steelers certainly appears likely. The Steelers unloaded their starting quarterbacks from last season and enter offseason activities with 29-year-old Mason Rudolph, who has 18 starts in seven seasons, and Ohio State rookie Will Howard, whom Pittsburgh selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, as their top two QBs. Advertisement Asked about the Chicago Bears during a recent live podcast appearance in Austin, Texas, Rodgers brought up a team — without mentioning the name — that will play in the Windy City in 2025. "I believe there's a team that might play in Chicago this year on a road trip," Rodgers said. "I don't know. I'll have to check it out." The Steelers play the Bears on Sunday, Nov. 23, at Soldier Field. Steelers schedule The Steelers continue OTAs this week before holding a three-day mandatory minicamp June 10-12. While Rodgers hasn't been at OTAs, he held a highly publicized throwing session on the campus of UCLA with new Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf in late March. Advertisement Whether that was another clue to Rodgers' plans or just a red herring remains to be seen. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw on Aaron Rodgers: 'Stay in California'
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Offers Major Update on TJ Watt Minicamp Holdout
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Pittsburgh Steelers have wrapped up their minicamp, but they did so without the presence of star pass rusher T.J. Watt. Watt held out of minicamp, as he waits for a well-deserved contract extension. More news: Jets' Sauce Gardner Makes Decision on Flag Football Olympics Involvement Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has spoken many times about the holdout, but now that the team's minicamp has wrapped up, he has offered a major update on the situation. #Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, on the TJ Watt situation now that minicamp has ended: 'I'm optimistic we're going to get things done because we got two sides that want to get things done. When that's going to occur… I do not know.' — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 12, 2025 Tomlin spoke to reporters, which was shared by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. According to Tomlin: "I'm optimistic we're going to get things done because we got two sides that want to get things done. When that's going to occur... I do not know." Tomlin revealed that not only does he believe that a new extension is going to happen, but that both sides are eager to get the extension done. The only worrisome aspect of his update is timing. 40. T.J. Watt, Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers. 40. T.J. Watt, Linebacker, Pittsburgh news: Missouri Approves Millions to Keep Chiefs From Relocating Watt has already missed minicamp, and it is believed that he would also hold out of training camp until he gets his new deal. What is T.J. Watt's current contract? Watt famously held out all summer in 2021, as he waited for a new deal. That deal would come in the form of a four-year, $112 million extension, which made him the highest-paid pass rusher at the time. As the years passed, many more quarterback terrorizers would get better contracts, until the Cleveland Browns gave Myles Garrett a monster market-resetting deal. Garrett was awarded a four-year, $160 million extension, giving him an annual figure of $40 million. What are T.J. Watt's Stats? Watt is arguably a better defender than Garrett, and has edged him in total sacks over the last five seasons. Garrett has secured 72 sacks since the 2020 season, while Watt has secured 73.5. Considering both pass rushers are the proverbial cream of the crop in their respective positions, the Steelers are likely going to have to offer Watt a similar deal as Garrett received. Watt is one of the most important players the Steelers have on the defense and the team as a whole. He has also been in this situation before, so the organization knows the lengths he will go to to ensure he gets paid what he believes that he deserves. The Steelers also need to be quick about this extension; otherwise, they will have to engage in training camp without their superstar. More NFL: Recently Released Defensive Star Signs One-Year Deal With Raiders For more on the Steelers, head to Newsweek Sports.
Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
Why unrestricted free agent Khalil Mack returned to the Chargers: ‘It was a no-brainer'
Facing unrestricted free agency for the first time in his illustrious career, Khalil Mack could have chosen any team to chase his championship ambitions. Why did the star edge rusher choose to stick with a franchise that has never won the Super Bowl? 'Why not here?' the Chargers edge rusher wondered back. Praising the leadership under coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz, the players on the roster and his familiarity with the franchise, Mack's decision to return to the Chargers wasn't that complicated at all. 'It was a no-brainer,' he said this week during Chargers minicamp in his first comments with local reporters since January. In his last public comments, Mack was swirling in the disappointment of the Chargers' wild-card loss to the Houston Texans. The 34-year-old flirted with retirement. For a former two-star recruit who went to Buffalo, Mack has little else to prove at the professional level. Nine Pro Bowl selections. Three All-Pro honors. The 2016 Associated Press defensive player of the year. But still no playoff wins. 'You're chasing that feeling of wanting to win important games deep in the season,' said Mack, who has gone one-and-done in the postseason five times. 'Being that I haven't reached that point yet, I couldn't give up on that dream and that goal for myself and for this franchise.' Mired in their own postseason drought, the Chargers have not won a playoff game since the 2018 season. Their last two attempts flamed out spectacularly. The 27-point blown lead in Jan. 2023 was the largest in franchise history. Last year, quarterback Justin Herbert threw a career-high four interceptions against Houston. Despite the jarring end, the Chargers' surprising 11-6 regular-season record in the first year under Harbaugh positions the franchise well for the long-awaited breakthrough. Wanting to continue the momentum was a key hope for the offseason. 'l was begging and pleading with him to come back,' safety Derwin James Jr. said. 'I just knew for him to come back like that, he really loves us and he really wants a shot at it again.' Mack, who signed a reported one-year, $18 million deal, had six sacks and 39 tackles last season, a stark drop from his resurgent 2023 that featured a career-high 17 sacks and 75 tackles. Nursing a complicated groin injury, he missed a game for the first time in his Chargers tenure. But entering his 12th season, Mack insists getting in top physical shape is the easy part. On Thursday, Harbaugh was shocked when reminded that Mack was 34 years old. Mack was working with Chargers executive director of player performance Ben Herbert for weeks before the team started their offseason regimen, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. The workouts suddenly got so popular that one random weekday, Minter was stunned to see so many players that they could have held a defensive walk-through. Echoing Harbaugh, Minter called it the 'Herb Effect.' It has Mack under its spell. 'Herb is a big deal,' Mack said. 'He was a big part of that decision coming back here as well. Just knowing the mindset that he has and how he thinks about the body. It's just the same approach and the same mindset that I have when I train by myself or with anybody else. I want to be a machine. I want to be as solid as possible, as strong as possible. Move people easy. And this program is all of that.' For the first time in his Chargers tenure, Mack is without running mate Joey Bosa, who was cut in a salary-saving move. After three injury-riddled seasons punctuated his nine-year Chargers career, Bosa signed with the Buffalo Bills. It's weird without his former teammate, Mack said. He recently texted Bosa about how different the edge rusher room felt without Bosa breaking the silence with awkward jokes. They will at least reunite at Bosa's wedding next year. Bosa's departure opens the door for third-year edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu to step into a starring role. The USC alumnus started 20 games in the last two seasons as Bosa struggled with injuries and had a career-best 8 1/2 sacks last season. 'Tuli is a special player, man,' Mack said. 'I've been saying that ever since he stepped foot into the building, what, three years ago now. … It's not going to be no surprise to me when he's a 10, 12 sack guy this year.' The Chargers drafted SEC defensive player of the year Kyle Kennard in the fourth round to bolster the edge room that also includes 32-year-old Bud Dupree. Mack's return was one of the first offseason moves the Chargers announced, and while he could have waited longer to entertain options from other teams as an unrestricted free agent, he chose not to linger on the market. Balancing financial decisions with his career and family, Mack kept a single focus. 'It's just not wanting to give up on that goal and that ambition that I had ever since I had stepped in the league,' Mack said. 'I knew I wanted to play in important games and win a Super Bowl at least.'
