Former Wisconsin Linebacker Andrew Van Giknel Checks in at No. 88 in NFL's Top 100 Players
The NFL continues to roll out its annual list of top 100 players. Former Wisconsin standout linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel checked in at No. 88 overall on the list, the first former Badger to be honored thus far.
Coming off a breakout season for the Minnesota Vikings, Van Ginkel had a career-high 79 tackles, 11.5 sacks, six pass breakups, two interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns in his first season with the Purple and White.
“He’s like one of the most versatile players that we have in this league, said former Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead, who was a five-time Pro Bowl selection. “You don’t understand how fast he is. He might be a 4.4-4.5 guy. He’s another relentless player. He plays with his hair on fire…and he has a lot of it.”
Entering his seventh season in the NFL, Van Ginkel was drafted by the Dolphins in 2019. A fifth-round pick, Van Ginkel emerged as a starter in his second season, recording 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2019. Ahead of the 2024 season, Van Ginkel tested free agency for the first time in his career and signed a 2-year, $20 million contract with the Vikings. Following the 2025 NFL Draft, Minnesota extended that deal by another year, tying Van Ginkel up through the 2026 season with $23 million guaranteed.
A native of Rock Valley, Iowa, Van Ginkel transferred to Wisconsin from Iowa Western Community College in 2017. Van Ginkel also played one season at South Dakota before heading to the junior college ranks. Helping the Badgers to a 13-1 overall record and an Orange Bowl win over Miami (FL), Van Ginkel had 39.0 tackles, 10.0 for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two interceptions as a junior. In 2018, Van Ginkel’s final season at UW, he posted 59.0 tackles, 9.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks.
