Kevin Zeitler

Kevin Zeitler ( ; born March 8, 1990) is an American professional football guard. He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers, and earned consensus All-American honors. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft and he has also played for the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans.

Early life Zeitler was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and played for Wisconsin Lutheran Vikings high school football team. A three-year letterwinner in football, Zeitler was honored first-team all-conference, first-team all region and second-team all-area as a junior. In his senior year, he gathered first-team all-conference, conference lineman of the year, first-team all region, and first-team all-area honors.

Regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Zeitler was ranked the No. 39 offensive guard prospect in his class. Coincidentally, the No. 1 offensive guard in this class was Trevor Robinson, who would later play alongside Zeitler for the Cincinnati Bengals. Having numerous offers, Zeitler narrowed his decision down to Wisconsin and Michigan, before eventually picking the Badgers.

College career Zeitler attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and played for the Wisconsin Badgers football team from 2008 to 2011. He was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American, having been named to the first-teams of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), the Associated Press and Pro Football Weekly as a senior in 2011. Zeitler joined teammates Montee Ball and Peter Konz as AFCA All-Americans.

Professional career Pre-draft Even though "not a nifty or nimble lineman", Zeitler was described as "a solid prospect with the ability to be used in a power running offense". Projected to be a second round selection, Zeitler was ranked No. 4 among guards available in the 2012 NFL draft by Sports Illustrated.

Cincinnati Bengals Zeitler expected to be a second-rounder, having scheduled a draft-party for Day 2 of the Draft, before being surprised by the Cincinnati Bengals' late first-round selection. Zeitler was the eighth UW offensive lineman taken in the first round of an NFL draft since 1976, after Dennis Lick, Ray Snell, Paul Gruber, Aaron Gibson, Chris McIntosh, Joe Thomas, and Gabe Carimi.

In his rookie season, Zeitler started all 16 games at right guard for the Bengals. He gave up only four sacks all season, and graded highest among Bengals linemen. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

In his five seasons with the Bengals, Zeitler started 71 of 72 games played at right guard.

Cleveland Browns

On March 9, 2017, Zeitler signed a five-year, $60 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, making him the highest paid guard in the NFL. He started all 32 games and played every offensive snap during his two seasons with the Browns.

New York Giants On March 13, 2019, the Browns traded Zeitler and Jabrill Peppers to the New York Giants, along with their first and third-round (originally acquired from the New England Patriots) picks in the 2019 NFL draft, in exchange for Odell Beckham Jr. and Olivier Vernon. He appeared in and started 31 games during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

On March 10, 2021, the Giants released Zeitler.

Baltimore Ravens Zeitler signed a three-year $22.5 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens on March 18, 2021. In the 2021 season, he started in all 17 games.

In the 2022 season, Zeitler appeared in and started 15 games.

In the 2023 season, Zeitler appeared in and started 15 games. He had a fumble recovery in Week 1 against the Texans. On January 30, 2024, Zeitler was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career as an alternate, replacing Joe Thuney of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Detroit Lions On March 19, 2024, Zeitler signed with the Detroit Lions. During the 2024 season, he appeared in and started 16 games at right guard, and made two fumble recoveries.

Tennessee Titans On March 13, 2025, Zeitler signed with the Tennessee Titans on a one-year, $9 million contract. He was named the starting right guard, starting 16 games in 2025.

NFL career statistics Year Team GP GS 2012 CIN 16 16 2013 CIN 12 11 2014 CIN 12 12 2015 CIN 16 16 2016 CIN 16 16 2017 CLE 16 16 2018 CLE 16 16 2019 NYG 15 15 2020 NYG 16 16 2021 BAL 17 17 2022 BAL 15 15 2023 BAL 15 15 2024 DET 16 16 2025 TEN 16 16 Career 214 213