Greg Eslinger

Greg Eslinger

No. 61
Position:	Center
Personal information
Born:	(1983-04-23) April 23, 1983 Bismarck, North Dakota
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	292 lb (132 kg)
Career information
High school:	Bismarck (ND)
College:	Minnesota
NFL draft:	2006 / round: 6 / pick: 198
Career history
Denver Broncos (2006–2007) Cleveland Browns (2007) Cologne Centurions (2007) Houston Texans (2007–2008)* Denver Broncos (2008)
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
All-NFL Europa (2007) 3× First-team All-American (2004, 2005) 3× First-team All-Big Ten (2003, 2004, 2005) Outland Trophy (2005) Rimington Trophy (2005) Jim Parker Trophy (2005)

Greg Eslinger (born April 23, 1983) is a former American college and professional football center who last played for the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europa. He played college football for the University of Minnesota, received consensus All-American honors, and was recognized as the best college interior lineman and top college center. He was chosen by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, and was a member of several National Football League (NFL) teams, but never played in a regular season NFL game.

College career

A Bismarck, North Dakota native, Eslinger attended the University of Minnesota, where he was a four-year starter for the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team from 2002 to 2005. He was a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection (2003, 2004, 2005), a first-team All-American in 2004, and a consensus first-team All-American in 2005. As a senior in 2005, he was awarded the Outland Trophy, which is given to college football's best interior lineman, as well as the Dave Rimington Trophy, awarded to college football's top center.

Awards and honors

• Sporting News Freshman All-American (2002)
• Third-team All-American (2003)
• First-team All-Big Ten (2003–2005)
• FWAA All-American (2004)
• Rimington Trophy finalist (2004)
• Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (2005)
• Lombardi Award semifinalist (2005)
• Consensus All-American (2005)
• Outland Trophy (2005)
• Rimington Trophy (2005)

Professional career

The Denver Broncos chose Eslinger in the sixth round (198th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft. He was on their injured reserve list and did not play during the 2006 NFL season. Assigned to the Cologne Centurions of the NFL Europa for 2007, he started at center and earned All-NFL Europa honors. The Broncos moved Eslinger to the practice squad at the beginning of 2007. On Nov. 13, 2007, the Cleveland Browns picked him off the Bronco practice squad. On December 12, 2007, he was released from the Cleveland Browns. On December 20, 2007, he was signed to the Houston Texans practice squad. Eslinger was re-signed to the Bronco practice squad in the 2008 season.

Personal life

Eslinger is the son of George and Kay Eslinger of Bismarck. He now competes in marathons and triathlons.

Eslinger and his wife, Stephanie, have three sons and reside in Fargo, ND.

External links

• NFL Europa profile