Ben Bartch Bio
Benjamin Bartch is an American professional football guard for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 22, 1998, in McMinnville, Oregon, he played college football for the Saint John’s Johnnies and was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bartch’s journey from a backup receiver in high school to a professional football player showcases his dedication and adaptability in the sport.
Early Life and Background
Bartch grew up in McMinnville, Oregon, where he attended Blanchet Catholic School. During his time there, he played various positions including receiver, tight end, and linebacker. Despite his height, Bartch was relatively skinny, primarily serving as a backup receiver and not yet recognized for his blocking skills. In his senior year, he weighed around 195 pounds and recorded only a handful of receptions and tackles. After high school, he was not recruited by any college programs and chose to play at Saint John’s University, a Division III school. In addition to football, Bartch was a four-year letterman in basketball at Blanchet Catholic School.
Path to American Football
At Saint John’s University, Bartch began his collegiate career as a tight end. He entered the program weighing 220 pounds and appeared in one game as a freshman. By his sophomore year, he was the team’s third-string tight end, catching four passes for 43 yards and one touchdown while primarily contributing to special teams. His coaches recognized his blocking ability, with one coach describing it as a hidden natural talent, prompting a position change to the offensive line before his junior season. To gain weight and strength, Bartch adopted a rigorous diet that included a protein shake made of seven scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, quick grits, peanut butter, bananas, and Gatorade, allowing him to grow from 240 pounds to 275 pounds over the summer. Eventually, he reached 308 pounds through this method. Bartch became the starting left tackle for the Johnnies and earned second-team All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) honors, as well as a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team at the end of the season. As a senior, he was named first-team All-MIAC and a consensus first-team All-American by D3Football.com. His impressive performance led to an invitation to participate in the 2020 Senior Bowl, where he garnered attention as a prospect for the NFL Draft.
Ben Bartch Career
Early Career (2020-2023)
Bartch was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, making history as the first player from Saint John’s University to be drafted since 1974 and the first from any Division III program since Ali Marpet in 2015. He made his NFL debut on September 13, 2020, during the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, where he played five snaps on special teams. Bartch was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on December 15, 2020, but was activated again on January 5, 2021. Entering the 2022 season, he secured the starting left guard position but faced challenges, including a dislocated knee in Week 5, which led to his placement on injured reserve on October 11, 2022. He returned as the starting left guard in 2023 but was benched in Week 4. On October 31, 2023, Bartch was waived after the Jaguars traded for another player.
Breakthrough (2023-Present)
On November 21, 2023, Bartch signed with the San Francisco 49ers, joining their active roster from the Jaguars’ practice squad. His time with the 49ers has been marked by ups and downs, including being placed on injured reserve on December 12, 2024. He signed a one-year contract extension with the 49ers on February 24, 2025, but faced another setback with a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints, leading to another stint on injured reserve. Bartch was activated ahead of the 49ers’ Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams and later faced another injury, this time a significant foot sprain, which placed him back on injured reserve on December 8, 2025.
Notable Works and Milestones
Bartch’s journey from a Division III player to an NFL guard is a testament to his hard work and resilience. His notable achievements include being named first-team All-MIAC and a consensus first-team All-American, as well as making history as the first player from Saint John’s University to be drafted into the NFL.
Ben Bartch Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Bartch has received recognition for his performance on the field, including nominations for various collegiate awards during his time at Saint John’s University.
Ben Bartch Awards Won
Bartch has earned several accolades, including first-team All-MIAC and second-team All-MIAC honors during his college career, highlighting his skills and contributions to his teams.
Ben Bartch Family
Information regarding Ben Bartch’s family is currently not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Ben Bartch’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed.
