Jason Vander Laan

Jason Kenneth Vander Laan (born September 22, 1992) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football as a quarterback for the Ferris State Bulldogs. Vander Laan was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2016. After his playing career, he became the offensive coordinator for Rockford High School.

College career At Ferris State, Vander Laan set the NCAA all-divisions record for career rushing yards by a quarterback with 5,953. He also set the NCAA Division II record for rushing yards in a single season by a quarterback (1,607 in 2013). Also, at Ferris State he won 2 Harlon Hill Trophies, which is awarded to the best player in all of NCAA Division II.

On October 22, 2022, Vander Laan's No. 15 was retired by the Bulldogs.

College statistics Year Team GP Passing Rushing Comp Att Yds TD INT Rate Att Yds Avg TD 2012 Ferris State 11 133 231 1,493 13 6 125.2 247 1,338 5.4 16 2013 Ferris State 11 140 224 1,741 15 9 141.8 265 1,607 6.1 21 2014 Ferris State 12 183 275 2,381 30 7 170.2 235 1,466 6.2 20 2015 Ferris State 12 210 320 2,625 27 7 158.0 263 1,542 5.9 24 Career 46 666 1,050 8,240 85 29 150.5 1,010 5,953 5.9 81

Professional career New York Jets Vander Laan was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2016. With the Jets, he converted from a quarterback to a tight end. He was re-signed to the practice squad on December 20. Vander Laan signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets on January 2, 2017. He was waived by the Jets on September 3.

Indianapolis Colts On November 3, 2017, Vander Laan was signed to the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on November 25. Vander Laan was waived by the Colts on May 7, 2018.

Carolina Panthers On May 21, 2018, Vander Laan signed with the Carolina Panthers. He was waived on September 1, and signed to the practice squad the next day. Vander Laan was promoted to the active roster on December 19.

Vander Laan was waived during final roster cuts on August 30, 2019.

New England Patriots On September 25, 2019, Vander Laan signed with the New England Patriots practice squad. On October 15, he was released by the Patriots.

New Orleans Saints On October 23, 2019, Vander Laan was signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on November 22. Vander Laan was placed on injured reserve on December 6, with a head injury.

Vander Laan chose to opt-out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic on July 28, 2020. He was waived after the season on February 12, 2021.

Coaching career On March 10, 2021, Vander Laan was hired by Rockford High School as an offensive coordinator.