Blake Brandel Bio
Blake Brandel (born January 23, 1997) is an American professional football guard for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 143 kilograms, Brandel plays primarily as an interior offensive lineman after beginning his NFL career as a versatile backup tackle.
A native of Oregon, Brandel played his entire college career at Oregon State University before being selected by the Vikings in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has since developed into a dependable reserve and spot starter for the franchise, signing a multi-year contract extension in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Blake Brandel was born on January 23, 1997, in Milwaukie, Oregon. He grew up in the Portland metropolitan area and attended Central Catholic High School, where he played football and developed into a college-level prospect.
Rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school, Brandel drew interest from several regional college programs. He ultimately chose to remain in his home state and committed to Oregon State University, turning down scholarship offers from Colorado, Nevada, and Washington State.
Path to Professional Football
At Oregon State, Brandel worked his way into a starting role early in his college career and held it for the remainder of his time with the Beavers. Between 2016 and 2019, he made 48 consecutive starts along the offensive line, demonstrating the durability and consistency that would later attract NFL scouts.
In 2019, Brandel was recognized as a Second-team All-Pac-12 Conference selection, the highest individual honor of his college career. He was also a three-time all-academic team selection, reflecting his commitment to performance in the classroom as well as on the field. Following the 2019 season, he declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.
Blake Brandel Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
The Minnesota Vikings selected Brandel with the 203rd overall pick in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Shortly after rookie minicamp, he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on July 27, 2020, and activated four days later. Brandel was waived during final roster cuts in early September 2020 but was quickly signed to the Vikings practice squad the following day.
On January 4, 2021, Brandel signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings, locking in his place with the organization for the following season. He was waived again on September 25, 2021, and re-signed to the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on October 18, 2021, where he continued his development within the organization.
NFL Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Brandel entered the 2022 season as a backup tackle on the Vikings offensive line. When starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw was sidelined by injury, Brandel stepped into the lineup and started three games at left tackle. His opportunity to play meaningful snaps marked the first extended regular-season action of his NFL career.
He was placed on injured reserve on December 14, 2022, and was activated on January 14, 2023, closing out that period of his career with valuable game experience. The exposure at left tackle helped establish Brandel as a reliable swing lineman capable of filling in across multiple positions.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2024–Present)
On March 11, 2024, Brandel signed a three-year contract extension with the Vikings, securing his future with the franchise through the 2026 season. The new deal reflected the organization’s confidence in his versatility and continued development as an interior lineman.
Throughout his Vikings tenure, Brandel has served as a dependable depth piece along the offensive line, providing cover at both tackle and guard. His ability to play multiple positions has made him a valuable part of Minnesota’s offensive line rotation.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Brandel’s young career are his 48 consecutive starts at Oregon State, his 2019 Second-team All-Pac-12 honor, and his first NFL starts at left tackle during the 2022 season. His 2024 contract extension stands as a significant milestone, marking his transition from a fringe roster player to a long-term piece of the Vikings organization.
Blake Brandel Family
Personal Life
Blake Brandel is married to Natalie Stone. The couple has been together through his transition from college football to the professional ranks, and Brandel has been open about the role his family plays in supporting his NFL career.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Blake Brandel remains under contract with the Minnesota Vikings after signing his three-year extension in March 2024. He is expected to continue serving as a versatile backup across the offensive line, with the ability to play both guard and tackle in a pinch.
The Vikings enter 2025 looking to build on their recent offensive line development, and Brandel’s positional flexibility gives the coaching staff additional options when adjusting to injuries or game-plan changes. His familiarity with the team’s system and his extended tenure within the organization position him as a trusted reserve.
While Brandel’s role is primarily that of a high-level backup, his continued presence on the active roster provides important stability behind the starting offensive linemen. With the contract running through 2026, his outlook in Minnesota remains stable heading into the new season.