Michigan State football: Ben VanSumeren makes Eagles’ 53-man roster

Former Michigan State football linebacker Ben VanSumeren had a heck of a preseason and made the Eagles’ roster.

As a rookie, former Michigan State football linebacker Ben VanSumeren didn’t make the Philadelphia Eagles’ initial roster. He was cut during the preseason despite being touted as an athletic freak through the draft process, but he caught on with the practice squad.

VanSumeren was able to make some noise on the practice squad and he eventually got called up. He played in nine games as a rookie, starting one, and he finished the season with 13 total tackles. It was a quiet year, but he’s no stranger to earning playing time.

So all he did this offseason was work on getting better and he did just that.

During preseason action, he was one of the Eagles’ top performers and PFF even graded him as the best defender for Philadelphia in its final preseason game. It felt like he had a good chance to make the roster and when cuts were announced on Tuesday, he did.

Former #MichiganState LB Ben VanSumeren has officially made the Philadelphia Eagles’ 53-man roster, the team announced.

— SpartanTailgate.com (@SpartanTailgate) August 27, 2024

That’s right, the former Michigan running back turned reserve linebacker turned transfer to Michigan State turned starter has gone from buried on the Wolverines depth chart early in his college career to now making an NFL roster. He started his career on offense and now he’s about to be in the linebacker rotation with the Eagles, one of the top teams in the NFC.

VanSumeren played two seasons at Michigan State under Mel Tucker and finished with 93 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and two pass breakups. He was a backup in 2021 and then became the full-time starter in 2022 before boosting his draft stock.

And now, he’s an NFL linebacker with the Eagles and his younger brother, Alex, is trying to move up the depth chart like he did.

What a story this dude is.