Joe Berger

For other uses, see Joe Berger (disambiguation).

Joe Berger

Berger with the Dolphins in 2009
No. 61     Minnesota Vikings
Guard/ Center
Personal information
Date of birth: May 25, 1982 (1982-05-25)
Place of birth: Newaygo, Michigan
Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	Weight: 315 lb (143 kg)
Career information
College: Michigan Tech
NFL Draft: 2005 / Round: 6 / Pick: 207
Debuted in 2005 for the Miami Dolphins
Career history
Carolina Panthers (2005) Miami Dolphins (2005–2006) Dallas Cowboys (2006–2008) Miami Dolphins (2009–2010) Minnesota Vikings (2011–present)
Roster status: Active
Career highlights and awards
2x First-team All-GLIAC (2003–2004)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 13, 2011
Games played	47
Games started	25
Fumble recoveries	0
Stats at NFL.com

Joseph David Berger ( /ˈbɜrdʒər/ bur-jər; born May 25, 1982 in Newaygo, Michigan) is an American football center for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan Tech.

Berger has also played for the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys.

Early years

Berger attended Newaygo High School in Newaygo, Michigan. As a senior, he was the team captain of his team, an All-Western Waterways Activities Conference selection, and an Academic All-State honorable mention. During his two year varsity football career, he played offensive lineman, and as a defensive linebacker, he posted 238 tackles and one interception.

College career

Berger was a walk-on college football player at Michigan Tech. He was a four-time Academic All-GLIAC selection, a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District pick, and a two-time All-American pick as a right tackle. He also played in the Cactus Bowl and the NCAA Division II All-Star game.

Professional career

Carolina Panthers

Berger was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round (207th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. However, he was signed to the practice squad and never played in a game for them.

First stint with Dolphins

He was picked up by the Dolphins before the start of the 2005 NFL season, and played in three games. A sprained right foot suffered in training camp kept him inactive during the 2006 season, and he was eventually waived.

Dallas Cowboys

Shortly after his release from the Dolphins in 2006, Berger was claimed on waivers by the Cowboys, but was inactive for the entire 2006 season. He was active for only 3 games in 2007, playing only in the 4th quarter of the season finale, and was inactive for the final 11 games of the 2008 season.

Second stint with Dolphins

Berger (right) with fellow Dolphins lineman Nate Garner in 2009.

After becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2009, Berger re-signed with the Miami Dolphins. Although he was signed as a backup player, due to his ability to play multiple offensive line positions, he beat out Jake Grove for the starting center position, and played in 31 out of 32 games over the next two seasons, starting 20 of them. He was released on September 5, 2011 after the preseason.

Minnesota Vikings

Berger signed with the Minnesota Vikings on September 12, 2011.

Personal

Berger graduated Magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech in 2005.