Berger’s route to becoming a solid NFL veteran was a bumpy one.
Growing up in Newaygo, Michigan, his high school football team didn’t exactly have a premiere program. As a part of that team, Berger played offense, defense, and special teams. Berger found his most joy playing linebacker for the team, but he failed to gain the attention of college football scouts at Newaygo High School and could not secure an athletic scholarship. Instead, he chose to attend Michigan Technological University in the small city of Houghton, Michigan. Berger attended MTU to work toward his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and prepare for a future in that field.
Aug 16, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings center Joe Berger (61) talks along the sidelines in the game with the Arizona Cardinals at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
In 2000, Berger visited the school with his parents and met with MTU’s football coach, Bernie Anderson. It was during that talk that the young man decided that he was going to try out for the squad. He was a walk-on to the Huskies football team, where he was redshirted his first year with them. He finally found some playing time in his second year, when he played 3 games as the team’s right tackle. The next year, he played 8 games at that position and locked down that role for the Huskies.
Joe Berger’s football career almost came to an end again in 2003. It was announced that Michigan Tech would shut down their football program due to lack of funds. Berger’s coach said that he’d give him a recommendation if he wanted to transfer in order to continue his football career, but the young man wanted to finish his studies at MTU. Luckily, the team’s head coach and some of the school’s alumni worked hard and found a way to keep the football team alive from private donations.
That year, Berger exploded onto the football scene for the Huskies. He won multiple awards for his play and even drew the attention of scouts from the NFL, including Gary Smith of the New York Jets. His senior year got even better, with nearly every NFL team sending a scout up to watch Joe Berger play and meet with the young man.
But then an injured knee put Joe Berger’s football career in question again. However, a successful surgery and speedy recovery put him back on track to play in the Division II All-Star Game (The Cactus Bowl) where he won the award for best Best Offensive Lineman. He also attended the NFL combine and impressed those in attendance.
The 2005 NFL Draft was held six days before Michigan Tech’s commencement. In that span of 7 days, Berger was selected in the 6th round of the draft, Graduated with a 3.8 GPA from MTU, and reported to Carolina for the Panthers training camp.
Jun 11, 2013; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings center Joe Berger (61) gets ready for drills at the Minnesota Vikings Minicamp at Winter Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Since then, Berger bounced around the NFL. He was on the Panthers practice squad before he was signed by the Dolphins in 2005. However, an injured ankle kept him inactive and he was released. After that, the Dallas Cowboys took a chance on him by claiming him on waivers. He only played three games for Big D and became an unrestricted free agent in 2009. The Dolphins then snapped him back up and he was able to beat out Jake Grove for the starting center job before he was again released after a two year stint.
It was only then that Joe Berger found his way to the Minnesota Vikings. This team has been his home since the 2011 season and he has become an essential part of the team’s offensive line depth. His ability to play center and guard only increases his value to the Vikings.
Today, the Minnesota Vikings take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the struggling health of several players on the offensive line, there is a good chance that Joe Berger could be the Vikings starting right guard.
While the road to the NFL isn’t easy for many NFL players, it’s good to see that Joe Berger decided to keep playing football despite all the circumstances that were put in front of him. It just goes to show that adversity can help pave the way for success if you’re willing to work hard and fight through it.