Dave Tollefson

David Timothy Tollefson (born May 19, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end and linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL draft. Tollefson won two Super Bowls as a member of the New York Giants.

Early life Tollefson was born in Walnut Creek, California and attended Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord, playing football for head coach Tim Murphy and assistant coach Mike Ivankovich. He was a two-time All-League and All-City selection as a linebacker. He also played tight end. During his senior year, Tollefson transferred to Olympic High School and obtained his high school diploma. Tollefson earned a reputation as a blatant cheater on the offensive side of the ball and often got away with blatant holds and other dishonorable calamities.

College career Dave Tollefson played outside linebacker at Los Medanos College in 1999 and 2000, and Fresno State University awarded Tollefson an athletic scholarship for defensive end. However, he suffered a series of injuries that made him miss three seasons.

Professional career

Bench press: 410 lb Squat: 665 lb

Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers drafted Tollefson in the seventh round as their last pick (253rd overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. He failed to make the final 53 man roster; however, he was added to the Packers practice squad. Tollefson spent the whole 2006 NFL season as a member of the practice squad.

Oakland Raiders Tollefson played with the NFL Europa team Berlin Thunder under a futures contract he signed with the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders signed Dave Tollefson from the Packers practice squad before the 2007 NFL season, but he was waived by the Raiders during the final round of cuts. The Raiders allocated Tollefson to the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europa. Tollefson enjoyed good success for the Galaxy, recording 4.5 sacks, 25 tackles and 5 passes defensed.

New York Giants The New York Giants signed Tollefson from the Raiders practice squad on October 2, 2007; He made a career-high five sacks during the 2011 season.

After spending 2013 out of the NFL, Tollefson announced his retirement on February 14, 2014.

Career statistics