Ben VanSumeren Bio
Ben VanSumeren (born May 5, 2000) is an American professional football fullback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans before joining the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2023. VanSumeren began his professional career as a linebacker but later transitioned back to his original college position of fullback. He is a Super Bowl champion, having been part of the Eagles team that won the title in the 2024 season.
Early Life and Background
Ben VanSumeren was born on May 5, 2000, in Bay City, Michigan, where he grew up. By the age of six, he had already told others that he was going to become a professional football player. He attended Garber High School in nearby Essexville, Michigan, and played multiple positions during his high school career, including linebacker, defensive lineman, quarterback, running back, and wide receiver when his team needed him in those roles.
VanSumeren produced his best high school work as a receiver. He led Bay County in receiving for three consecutive years. During his senior season, he set a regular-season state record with 81 receptions for 1,259 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning Associated Press division player of the year honors. Although he had originally committed to the University of Iowa, he flipped his commitment to the University of Michigan after receiving a late scholarship offer from the Wolverines.
Path to American Football
Recruited by Michigan to play fullback, VanSumeren appeared in four games as a true freshman in 2018 and preserved his redshirt status. The following season, the coaching staff moved him to running back, where he played five games and recorded five rushes for 20 yards and one touchdown. In 2020, Michigan shifted him again, this time to linebacker, where he played six games and posted seven tackles. Because of his limited defensive role, VanSumeren decided to transfer to in-state rival Michigan State.
During his first season with the Michigan State Spartans in 2021, VanSumeren appeared in all 13 games but finished with only 12 tackles. He briefly entered the transfer portal in 2022 before choosing to return to the Spartans. In his final college season, he started 10 of 11 games and recorded 81 tackles, two sacks, and two pass breakups. Although he had one year of remaining eligibility, VanSumeren accepted an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl and declared for the 2023 NFL draft.
Ben VanSumeren Career
Early Career (2023)
Despite being projected as a draft pick by several outlets, Ben VanSumeren went unselected in the 2023 NFL draft. Shortly afterward, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent on a contract that included $130,000 in guaranteed money. The Eagles waived him on August 29, 2023, before re-signing him to the practice squad. Beginning on November 5, he was called up to the active roster for three consecutive weeks, making his NFL debut against the Dallas Cowboys.
On November 30, 2023, VanSumeren was signed to the active roster. One month later, on December 25, he recorded six tackles while playing 36 defensive snaps in a 33-25 victory over the New York Giants. Through his rookie year, he was officially listed as a linebacker, though he saw most of his time on defense and on special teams.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2023-2025)
In his second season in 2024, the Eagles began deploying VanSumeren at his original college position of fullback on offense, in addition to his special teams duties. He played in 11 games and started one, logging 22 offensive snaps and 213 special teams snaps without any defensive snaps. He finished the year with three special teams tackles and one reception for zero receiving yards.
VanSumeren’s 2024 campaign was cut short on November 29, when he suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice. At the conclusion of the 2024 season, he and the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX, earning him a Super Bowl championship. On March 12, 2025, he signed a one-year, $1,030,000 contract extension with Philadelphia, and the team officially changed his listed position from linebacker to fullback. He suffered a season-ending patellar tendon tear on the opening kickoff of the 2025 opener against the Dallas Cowboys and was placed on injured reserve on September 5.
Buffalo Bills Era (2026-Present)
On April 29, 2026, Ben VanSumeren signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, joining the team as a fullback. He remains on the active roster as the new NFL season approaches, bringing his combination of offensive fullback experience and core special teams play to his new club.
Notable Events and Milestones
VanSumeren’s most notable milestone to date is winning Super Bowl LIX as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 season. Other highlights include his NFL debut against the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 and his six-tackle performance against the New York Giants on Christmas Day 2023. His career has also been marked by resilience, as he has returned from a season-ending knee injury and a patellar tendon tear to continue his professional career.
Ben VanSumeren Career Wins
Ben VanSumeren’s most significant team victory came when the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX at the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season. As a core special teams player and developmental fullback, he contributed to the Eagles’ championship roster across offense, defense, and special teams units. His professional career statistics through the 2024 season include 16 total tackles and one reception.
Philadelphia Eagles Highlights
With the Eagles, VanSumeren appeared in regular-season games in both 2023 and 2024, contributing primarily on special teams while also playing a growing role at fullback. His first NFL game came against the Dallas Cowboys after being elevated from the practice squad, and he later recorded six tackles against the New York Giants on December 25, 2023. The crown jewel of his Eagles tenure was the Super Bowl LIX championship at the end of the 2024 season.
Other Wins and Performances
VanSumeren earned an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl following his senior season at Michigan State, one of the premier college all-star games. While he has not yet accumulated major individual awards at the professional level, his selection to the Shrine Bowl and subsequent Super Bowl championship highlight his reputation as a reliable and versatile team player.
Ben VanSumeren Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Ben VanSumeren’s parents and immediate family members are not publicly documented in available sources. He grew up in Bay City, Michigan, and his early life in that community shaped his path into football. He attended Garber High School in nearby Essexville, where he became a multi-positional standout.
Personal Life
Public information about Ben VanSumeren’s personal life, including marital status, spouse, or children, is not available in verified sources. He is a United States citizen who was born and raised in Michigan before pursuing his college and professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season was a difficult one for Ben VanSumeren. After re-signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2025 and being officially moved to fullback, he suffered a season-ending patellar tendon tear on the opening kickoff of the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. He was placed on injured reserve on September 5, 2025, and did not return to action during the campaign. His absence left the Eagles to lean on other options at fullback and on special teams for the remainder of the year.
Despite the injury, VanSumeren remained under contract with the Eagles through the 2025 season as part of his one-year extension. The team valued his special teams work and his growing comfort level at fullback, which is why Philadelphia committed to him financially heading into the season. His development as a lead blocker and core special teamer is expected to remain a priority once he returns to full health.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, VanSumeren became a free agent and signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on April 29, 2026. The move gave him a fresh start with a new organization and a clean bill of health heading into 2026 training camp. He is expected to compete for a role as a fullback and core special teams contributor in Buffalo.