Nick Zakelj Bio
Nick Zakelj is an American professional football guard for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 22, 1999, in Broadview Heights, Ohio, Zakelj played college football for the Fordham Rams before being drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Standing 6 ft 6 in and weighing around 316 lb, he has developed into a depth piece on one of the league’s most consistent offensive lines. He earned multiple All-Patriot League honors during his time at Fordham, establishing himself as a reliable and physical lineman at the collegiate level.
Listed as No. 63 on the 49ers roster, Zakelj has served primarily as a rotational guard and tackle since entering the league. His combination of size, technical training, and football intelligence has allowed him to remain on an active NFL roster through multiple seasons.
Early Life and Background
Nick Zakelj was born and raised in Broadview Heights, Ohio, a suburb in the Cleveland metropolitan area. He attended Brecksville–Broadview Heights High School, where he began playing competitive football and developed the frame and skill set that would later define his professional career. Growing up in a region with a strong football tradition, Zakelj was exposed early to the physical and strategic demands of the offensive line position.
During his high school years, Zakelj drew attention from college programs for his combination of size, footwork, and toughness in the trenches. His development at Brecksville–Broadview Heights laid the groundwork for his recruitment to Fordham University, where he would spend the next five years refining his craft at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Zakelj committed to Fordham University, where he joined the Fordham Rams football program and played from 2017 through 2021. He became a starter at tackle during his freshman season, an unusual achievement that signaled his readiness for higher-level competition. Over the course of his college career, he transitioned from tackle to guard, a move that broadened his positional value and prepared him for the demands of professional football.
His steady progression at Fordham was recognized with conference honors in four straight seasons. He earned Second-team All-Patriot League recognition in 2018, then followed it with three consecutive First-team All-Patriot League selections in 2019, 2020, and 2021. These accolades placed him among the most decorated offensive linemen in program history and helped draw the attention of NFL scouts.
Nick Zakelj Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Zakelj’s college career with the Fordham Rams spanned five seasons, during which he established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the Patriot League. As a freshman starter, he showed the technique and poise expected of upperclassmen, earning the trust of his coaching staff early. His ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line became a defining feature of his development.
Across his final four seasons at Fordham, Zakelj collected four All-Patriot League honors, including three straight First-team selections. He also pursued an advanced education during this period, earning a bachelor’s degree in finance and later a master’s degree in business analytics from Fordham.
NFL Breakthrough (2022)
Nick Zakelj was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers with the 187th overall pick. The selection added depth to a 49ers offensive line that was already regarded as one of the best in the league. As a rookie, he appeared in five games, gaining valuable experience while adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2022–Present)
Following his rookie season, Zakelj continued to develop within the 49ers organization, contributing on special teams and as a reserve offensive lineman. On November 15, 2023, he was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn bicep, an injury that interrupted his second professional season but did not derail his long-term trajectory with the team.
As of the 2025 season, Zakelj had appeared in 29 career NFL games with two starts. On August 26, 2025, he was waived by the 49ers as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. On February 18, 2026, he signed a one-year extension with the 49ers, confirming his continued role within the organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 ft 6 in and roughly 316 lb, Zakelj brings the prototypical size and length expected of an NFL offensive lineman. His college background as a multi-year starter at both tackle and guard has given him positional flexibility, allowing the 49ers to use him at multiple spots along the offensive line. His training under Fordham’s strength and conditioning program has produced a player capable of handling both power and lateral movement in pass protection.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Zakelj’s early professional career was his selection by the 49ers in the 2022 NFL Draft and his recovery from a torn bicep injury in 2023. His re-signing with the team in 2026 after being waived and brought back on the practice squad in 2025 reflects the organization’s continued confidence in his long-term potential.
Nick Zakelj Career Wins
Nick Zakelj’s professional resume is defined less by individual win totals and more by his consistent availability and versatility along the offensive line. Since being drafted in 2022, he has contributed to a 49ers team that has remained among the most competitive in the NFC.
NFL Highlights
Through the 2025 season, Zakelj had played in 29 NFL games with two starts, primarily serving as a rotational lineman and special teams contributor. His first career starts came during his time with San Francisco, marking an important milestone in his professional development.
Other Wins & Performances
At the collegiate level, Zakelj earned Second-team All-Patriot League honors in 2018 and three consecutive First-team All-Patriot League selections from 2019 through 2021. He started at tackle as a true freshman at Fordham, an early indicator of the consistency he would carry into the NFL.
Nick Zakelj Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Nick Zakelj’s parents and extended family are not publicly documented in available sources. He grew up in Broadview Heights, Ohio, where he attended Brecksville–Broadview Heights High School before moving on to Fordham University.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Zakelj earned both a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in business analytics from Fordham University. He shares a house in the San Francisco Bay Area with 49ers teammate and starting quarterback Brock Purdy, a friendship that has become a small storyline within the team’s close-knit locker room culture.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a pivotal stretch in Nick Zakelj’s professional career. Heading into final roster cuts, he was waived by the San Francisco 49ers on August 26, 2025, before being re-signed to the practice squad the very next day. The quick turnaround reflected the organization’s belief in his value as a depth piece along the offensive line.
Through the 2025 campaign, Zakelj’s career totals stood at 29 games played and two starts, numbers that reflect his role as a reliable reserve rather than a full-time starter. His ability to step into multiple positions along the line, combined with his special teams contributions, kept him in the team’s long-term plans.
Looking ahead, Zakelj’s future with the 49ers was further secured when he signed a one-year extension on February 18, 2026. The deal ensures he will continue to compete for a larger role along one of the NFL’s most respected offensive lines while providing experienced depth at both guard and tackle.