History of Kevin Zeitler in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 20, 2024

Kevin Zeitler is an American football guard for the Detroit Lions. He played college football at the University of Wisconsin, where he was recognized as a consensus All-American. Zeitler was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. In addition to the Bengals and Lions, he has played for the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens.

1976: Wisconsin's Drafted Offensive Linemen

Since 1976, before Zeitler in 2012, seven other Wisconsin offensive linemen were selected in the first round of the NFL draft.

March 8, 1990: Kevin Zeitler is born

Kevin Zeitler was born on March 8, 1990.

2008: College Football Debut

Kevin Zeitler began his college football career playing for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2008.

2011: All-American Honors

Kevin Zeitler received consensus first-team All-American honors during his senior year in 2011.

2012: Pre-Draft Analysis

In 2012, before the draft, Kevin Zeitler was described as a solid prospect, projected to be a second-round pick, and ranked No. 4 among guards.

2012: Drafted into the NFL

Kevin Zeitler was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft.

March 9, 2017: Highest Paid Guard

On March 9, 2017, Kevin Zeitler signed a 5-year, $60 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, becoming the highest-paid guard in the NFL.

March 13, 2019: Trade to New York Giants

On March 13, 2019, the Cleveland Browns traded Kevin Zeitler and Jabrill Peppers to the New York Giants in a deal involving Odell Beckham Jr. and Olivier Vernon.