Blake Brandel Bio
Blake Brandel (born January 23, 1997) is an American professional football guard for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 ft 6 in and weighing 315 lb, he plays the offensive line position and wears jersey number 64. He played college football for the Oregon State Beavers and was drafted by the Vikings in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft, with the 203rd overall selection. Brandel has spent his entire professional career in Minnesota, working his way from a late-round pick to a dependable contributor on the offensive line.
Early Life and Background
Blake Brandel was born on January 23, 1997, in Milwaukie, Oregon, in the United States. He grew up in the Portland, Oregon area and attended Central Catholic High School, where he developed as a football player and began attracting attention from college programs. His size and athletic profile made him a notable prospect on the West Coast recruiting circuit.
Coming out of high school, Brandel was rated as a 3-star recruit by recruiting services. He received scholarship offers from several programs, including Colorado, Nevada, and Washington State, before ultimately choosing to continue his football career in the Pacific Northwest. His decision to stay close to home allowed him to develop in a familiar environment while preparing for the next level.
Path to American Football
Brandel committed to Oregon State University, joining the Beavers football program as part of their 2015 recruiting class. He spent his early college seasons developing his body and technique, gradually earning a larger role on the offensive line. By the time he reached his upperclassman years, he had become a fixture at tackle for the Beavers.
Between 2016 and 2019, Brandel made 48 consecutive starts for Oregon State, an impressive streak that demonstrated his durability and consistency. His play in his final college season earned him Second-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors in 2019. He was also recognized three times as an all-academic team selection, reflecting his commitment in the classroom as well as on the field. Following the 2019 season, Brandel declared for the NFL draft and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Blake Brandel Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Brandel was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 203rd overall pick in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Vikings on July 27, 2020, and activated four days later. During final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, he was waived and signed to the practice squad the following day. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings on January 4, 2021, keeping him in the organization.
On September 25, 2021, Brandel was waived by the Vikings and re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on October 18, 2021, marking his first sustained time on an NFL active roster. Through these early seasons, he continued to develop his game and earn the trust of the coaching staff.
Minnesota Vikings Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Brandel was named a backup tackle to start the 2022 season. When starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw went down with an injury, Brandel was called upon to start three games at left tackle. His performance during that stretch showed his versatility and ability to step in at multiple positions along the offensive line. He was placed on injured reserve on December 14, 2022, before being activated on January 14, 2023, ending his season on the active roster.
Through the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, Brandel continued to serve in a depth role while also providing valuable spot starts. His willingness to play multiple positions and his steady approach helped him cement a place within the Vikings organization. By the end of the 2023 season, he had played in multiple games and earned recognition as a reliable reserve.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2024–Present)
On March 11, 2024, Brandel signed a three-year contract extension with the Vikings, securing his place in Minnesota through the 2026 season. The extension was a clear sign that the organization viewed him as a long-term piece of their offensive line plans. He transitioned into a regular role on the active roster, contributing at guard and as a swing tackle when needed.
As of the 2025 season, Brandel has continued to appear in games for the Vikings, providing depth and stability along the offensive line. His career NFL statistics include 73 games played and 31 games started, reflecting his growth from a late-round selection into a dependable contributor. Wearing number 64, he remains an active member of the Minnesota Vikings roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
While Brandel plays offensive line rather than a driving position, his on-field strengths mirror the qualities of a reliable lineman. He is valued for his versatility, having played both tackle and guard during his professional career. His 6 ft 6 in frame and 315 lb build give him the size to handle power rushers, while his college experience of 48 consecutive starts shows the durability and consistency teams look for in trench players. He pairs with the Vikings coaching staff and offensive line group to provide steady protection and run blocking.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the signature moments of Brandel’s early career came when he stepped in for an injured Christian Darrisaw and started three games at left tackle during the 2022 season. Being drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft and sticking with the same organization through multiple contracts is also a notable achievement. His three-year extension in March 2024 represented a major milestone, validating his development since arriving in Minnesota.
Blake Brandel Career Wins
As an offensive lineman, Blake Brandel’s career is measured less by individual win totals and more by consistent performance, durability, and team success. Across his time at Oregon State and with the Minnesota Vikings, he has built a résumé marked by reliability and longevity at a demanding position.
Minnesota Vikings Highlights
With the Minnesota Vikings, Brandel has accumulated 73 games played and 31 games started, according to career NFL statistics tracked through 2025. He has served as a backup tackle, a spot starter at left tackle, and a contributor at guard. His three-year contract extension signed on March 11, 2024, reflects the organization’s confidence in his role going forward.
Other Wins & Performances
During his college career at Oregon State, Brandel made 48 consecutive starts between 2016 and 2019, a remarkable streak of durability. He earned Second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2019 and was a three-time all-academic team selection. While offensive linemen do not post traditional win totals, his consistent presence in the lineup contributed to team success at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Blake Brandel Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Blake Brandel’s family background is limited. He grew up in the Milwaukie and Portland, Oregon area, where he attended Central Catholic High School, but further details about his parents and extended family are not widely documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Blake Brandel is married to Natalie Stone. Beyond this, he keeps much of his personal life private. As a professional athlete based in Minnesota, he balances his NFL career with family life away from the field.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Blake Brandel remains a part of the Minnesota Vikings offensive line after signing a three-year extension in March 2024. His role continues to be that of a versatile depth piece capable of starting at guard or filling in at tackle when called upon. With 73 games played and 31 games started already on his résumé, he offers experienced depth to a Vikings offensive line that has gone through changes in recent years.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Brandel is expected to contribute in multiple spots along the offensive line, supporting both pass protection and run blocking schemes. His familiarity with the Vikings’ system and coaching staff, built over multiple seasons, gives him an edge in reading defensive looks and communicating protections. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his steady presence is a valuable asset for Minnesota.
Looking ahead, Brandel is under contract with the Vikings through the 2026 season, giving him stability to focus on continuing his development. His progression from a sixth-round pick to a trusted multi-year contributor illustrates the kind of steady growth teams value from late-round selections. As the 2025 season unfolds, he will look to add to his games-played and games-started totals while helping the Vikings compete in the NFC.
