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). He played college football for the Oregon State Beavers and was drafted by the Vikings in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Known for his versatility on the offensive line, Brandel has established himself as a reliable player for his team since entering the league.
Early Life and Background
Blake Brandel was born in Milwaukie, Oregon, where he grew up and developed a passion for football at an early age. He attended Central Catholic High School in Portland, Oregon, where he began to showcase his talent on the field. Brandel’s performance in high school earned him recognition as a three-star recruit, leading to his commitment to play college football at Oregon State University.
Path to American Football
At Oregon State, Blake Brandel made a significant impact on the football program. He played for the Oregon State Beavers from 2015 to 2019, making 48 consecutive starts during his college career. His dedication and skill on the field earned him a Second-team All-Pac-12 Conference honor in 2019, as well as selections to the all-academic team multiple times. These achievements laid the groundwork for his transition to professional football.
Blake Brandel Career
Early Career (2020-Present)
Blake Brandel was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 203rd overall pick in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He faced an early challenge when he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list shortly after being drafted but was activated shortly thereafter. Initially waived during final roster cuts, he was signed to the practice squad, where he began to develop his skills further. Brandel signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings in January 2021, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Breakthrough (2021-Present)
Brandel’s first significant opportunity came in 2021 when he was promoted to the active roster after spending time on the practice squad. He was named a backup tackle to start the 2022 season and had to step up when starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw was injured. During this time, Brandel started three games at left tackle, demonstrating his adaptability and readiness to contribute to the team’s success. He faced a setback when placed on injured reserve in December 2022 but was activated in January 2023, continuing his journey with the Vikings.
Notable Works and Milestones
Blake Brandel’s signature achievement thus far has been his consistent performance with the Minnesota Vikings, particularly during the 2022 season when he filled in as a starter. His recognition as a Second-team All-Pac-12 player during his college career highlights his potential and skill level.
Blake Brandel Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Blake Brandel has received recognition for his performance on the field, including his selection as a Second-team All-Pac-12 player in 2019.
Blake Brandel Awards Won
Blake Brandel has not yet won any major awards in his professional career, but his achievements in college football, including being named to the all-academic team and his Second-team All-Pac-12 honor, reflect his dedication and talent.
Blake Brandel Family
Blake Brandel is married to Natalie Stone. Details about their family life and children are not publicly available.
Personal Life
Blake Brandel maintains a relatively private personal life. He is known to be married to Natalie Stone, and there are no further public details about their life together.
