Rudy Niswanger

Rudolph Nelson Niswanger (/ˈnaɪzwɒŋər/ NYZE-wong-ər; born November 9, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a center in the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football for the LSU Tigers.

Rudy Niswanger

Niswanger at a game in Denver in 2010
No. 64
Position:	Center
Personal information
Born:	(1982-11-09) November 9, 1982 (age 42) Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	301 lb (137 kg)
Career information
High school:	Ouachita Christian (Monroe, Louisiana)
College:	LSU
NFL draft:	2006: undrafted
Career history
Kansas City Chiefs (2006–2010) Detroit Lions (2011)*
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
BCS national champion (2003) Draddy Trophy (2005) Wuerffel Trophy (2005) Second-team All-SEC (2005)
Career NFL statistics
Games played: 56 Games started: 31 Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

He is a native of Monroe, Louisiana, where he attended Ouachita Christian High School. He led his team to a 2A State Championship title in Football.^[1]

College career

During his college career, he started at least one game in every offensive line position. As a senior, he was team captain and was elected as Second-team All-SEC.

Professional career

Kansas City Chiefs

In 2006 season, Rudy signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. He played in five games at two different positions - guard and on special teams - in his first season.^[1] During the 2007 season, Niswanger appeared in 12 games, including five games as a reserve guard. His season ended on December 2 in a game against the San Diego Chargers, when he injured his right knee.^[1] He was placed on injured reserve the next day. Before the 2008 season, Niswanger became the starting center in the preseason. He started in 15 games, missing one game against the Chargers in Week 15.

A restricted free agent in the 2009 offseason, Niswanger re-signed with the Chiefs on April 24. During the offseason, the Chiefs signed veteran Mike Goff, who competed with Niswanger for the starting center position.^[2]

Detroit Lions

Niswanger signed with the Detroit Lions on August 10, 2011. Niswanger was cut by the team on September 3, 2011.

Personal life

Niswanger is married to Patricia Hodge of Monroe, Louisiana and they make their home in Monroe, Louisiana, and they have 5 children. He is CEO of Joe Gear Companies.