Colby Sorsdal Bio
Colby Sorsdal, born on March 1, 2000, is an American professional football offensive tackle who plays in the National Football League (NFL) for the Detroit Lions. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 143 kilograms, Sorsdal brings impressive size and athleticism to the offensive line. He began his NFL journey after a standout college career with the William & Mary Tribe and was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Known for his work ethic and quick development, Sorsdal has steadily earned a role on Detroit’s offensive front.
Growing up in the Pittsburgh area, Sorsdal developed his football skills at Mt. Lebanon High School before taking his talent to the Colonial Athletic Association. His path from a small-college program to the NFL reflects both perseverance and consistent improvement. Today, he continues to build his reputation as a reliable and physical offensive lineman in one of football’s most demanding positions.
Early Life and Background
Colby Sorsdal was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in the surrounding region, where football has long been part of the local sporting culture. He attended Mt. Lebanon High School in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where he played on the offensive line and began attracting attention from college recruiters. His size, footwork, and physicality made him an intriguing prospect despite coming from a program outside the national spotlight.
Coming out of high school, Sorsdal chose to play college football at the College of William & Mary, an FCS program with a strong academic and athletic tradition. He turned down offers from Central Florida and Ball State to compete in the Colonial Athletic Association. That decision allowed him to develop over multiple seasons and eventually emerge as one of the top offensive line prospects in his draft class.
Sorsdal’s background in western Pennsylvania helped shape his blue-collar approach to the game. He grew up around football and used that environment to build the toughness and discipline that later defined his college and professional career. His commitment to William & Mary marked the start of a long and successful journey at the FCS level.
Path to American Football
Sorsdal’s progression to the NFL followed a steady and patient path rooted in development at the FCS level. After committing to William & Mary, he spent five seasons working on his technique, strength, and understanding of offensive schemes. He became a fixture on the Tribe offensive line, appearing in numerous games and earning increasing responsibility with each passing year.
His dedication paid off during his senior season, when he was recognized as a first-team All-CAA selection and an FCS All-American. These honors highlighted his dominance at the FCS level and positioned him as a legitimate NFL prospect. Scouts valued his combination of size, athleticism, and experience, all of which translated into an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.
After completing his college career, Sorsdal prepared for the NFL Draft and was projected as a mid-round selection thanks to his versatility and upside. His journey from a small college program to the professional ranks became a notable storyline leading up to the 2023 draft.
Colby Sorsdal Career
Early Career (College Years)
During his time at William & Mary, Sorsdal established himself as one of the most reliable offensive linemen in the Colonial Athletic Association. He started in 46 games over five seasons, demonstrating durability and consistency throughout his college career. Coaches relied on him to protect quarterbacks and open running lanes in a competitive conference.
In 2021, his junior season, Sorsdal was named third-team All-CAA, signaling his growing reputation as a top-tier lineman. The following year, he elevated his play even further, earning first-team All-CAA honors and being recognized as a first-team FCS All-American. These achievements confirmed his status as a premier small-college offensive tackle and helped him gain attention from NFL evaluators.
NFL Breakthrough (2023 Season)
Sorsdal was selected by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round, 152nd overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Lions saw potential in his frame, athleticism, and college production, and he quickly joined their offensive line rotation. He appeared in 16 regular season games during his rookie year, gaining valuable experience while adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game.
His first career NFL start came in Week 8 of the 2023 season against the Las Vegas Raiders. That opportunity allowed him to showcase his development and proved he could compete at the highest level. By season’s end, Sorsdal had started three games, a strong beginning for a fifth-round rookie offensive lineman.
Detroit Lions Era (2023–Present)
Since joining the Detroit Lions, Sorsdal has continued to grow within the team’s offensive line system. The Lions have emphasized developing young linemen, and Sorsdal has benefited from working alongside experienced teammates and coaches. His presence has added depth and competition to a position group that is central to the team’s offensive identity.
Looking ahead, Sorsdal remains focused on earning a more permanent role within the starting lineup. His combination of size, technique, and football intelligence gives him a strong foundation for continued progress. The Lions’ commitment to building through the draft has given him a clear pathway to contribute in the seasons ahead.
Driving Style and Strengths
Sorsdal is recognized for his exceptional size, strong hands, and ability to anchor against powerful defensive linemen. He uses his length effectively to control pass rushers and shows good awareness in both run blocking and pass protection. Coaches have praised his coachability and his steady improvement since entering the league, which has made him a reliable depth piece for Detroit.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Sorsdal’s most notable achievements was being drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, a significant milestone for a player from an FCS program. His first NFL start against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8 of the 2023 season marked another important step in his professional journey. Additionally, his All-American recognition in 2022 highlighted his dominance at the college level.
Colby Sorsdal Career Wins
While offensive linemen are not typically measured by traditional win totals, Sorsdal has accumulated meaningful achievements throughout his football career. His consistent play at William & Mary earned him All-CAA and All-American honors, and his transition to the NFL has been marked by steady appearances and starts. Each milestone reflects his growth and reliability as a professional offensive tackle.
NCAA Highlights
During his time at William & Mary, Sorsdal started 46 games and earned first-team All-CAA and first-team FCS All-American honors in 2022. He was also named third-team All-CAA in 2021, showing his year-over-year improvement. These accomplishments underscored his dominance and consistency throughout his college career.
Other Performances
Sorsdal appeared in 16 regular season games and started three during his rookie NFL season with the Detroit Lions in 2023. His ability to contribute immediately as a fifth-round pick demonstrated his readiness for the professional level. He has continued to develop within the Lions organization since then.
Colby Sorsdal Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Colby Sorsdal grew up in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, a region with a deep football tradition. While specific details about his parents and family are not widely publicized, his upbringing in western Pennsylvania played a key role in shaping his passion for the sport. His decision to pursue football at the collegiate and professional levels reflects the strong influence of his community and local football culture.
Personal Life
Sorsdal tends to keep his personal life private, and there is limited public information regarding his marital status or family details. He has focused much of his attention on his football career since entering the NFL. Off the field, he remains connected to his hometown roots and continues to build his professional profile with the Detroit Lions.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represents another important chapter in Colby Sorsdal’s development with the Detroit Lions. Coming off a rookie year in which he appeared in 16 games and started three, he entered this season looking to expand his role on the offensive line. The Lions’ continued investment in young linemen positioned him well for additional opportunities.
Unfortunately, on August 10, 2025, Sorsdal was placed on injured reserve, temporarily halting his on-field progress. Despite the setback, the Lions’ confidence in his long-term potential remained evident, and his previous experience is expected to help him return strongly once healthy. His development remains a key part of Detroit’s depth chart along the offensive front.
As the 2025 season continues, Sorsdal’s focus will be on recovery, preparation, and earning back a contributing role within the Lions’ offensive line rotation. His size, experience, and work ethic make him a valuable asset for the team’s future plans.