Cole Van Lanen Bio
Cole Thomas Van Lanen is an American professional football offensive guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 23, 1998, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he played college football at the University of Wisconsin from 2016 to 2020 before entering the NFL. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 142 kilograms, Van Lanen is recognized for his size and his work along the offensive line.
Van Lanen was drafted in 2021 by the Green Bay Packers and later traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022. He continues to compete at the professional level, working to establish himself as a steady contributor on the offensive line.
Early Life and Background
Cole Thomas Van Lanen was born on April 23, 1998, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in the United States. Growing up in Green Bay, a community with deep football roots, he was surrounded by the sport from an early age. The region’s strong football culture helped shape his early interest in the game.
Van Lanen attended Bay Port High School, where he developed his skills as an offensive lineman. His size and physical maturity made him a natural fit for the position, and he earned recognition for his play along the line of scrimmage. His high school performances drew attention from college programs looking for athletic linemen.
After completing high school, Van Lanen committed to the University of Wisconsin, a program known for producing strong offensive linemen. His path from Green Bay to Madison reflected both his regional roots and his ambition to play at the highest level of college football.
Path to American Football
Van Lanen joined the Wisconsin Badgers in 2016, beginning his college career with one of the Big Ten Conference’s most respected football programs. He spent his early seasons developing his technique and building the physical foundation that would later support his professional career. Wisconsin’s emphasis on the running game and offensive line play suited his strengths.
Over the course of his college career, which spanned the 2016 through 2020 seasons, Van Lanen earned a reputation as a reliable blocker. His work in the Badgers’ offensive line room helped prepare him for the rigors of professional football. By the end of his senior season, he had positioned himself as a prospect capable of competing at the NFL level.
Cole Van Lanen Career
Early Career (2021)
On May 1, 2021, Van Lanen was selected 214th overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 2021 NFL draft. The pick brought him back to his hometown area, where he had grown up watching the team. Shortly after the draft, on May 13, the Packers signed Van Lanen to a four-year rookie contract.
Van Lanen’s first season with the Packers was a learning experience. On August 31, he was released as part of the team’s final roster cuts, then signed to the practice squad the following day. He was elevated to the active roster on December 18 ahead of a Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens. On January 25, 2022, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Packers, keeping his hopes of a full-time roster spot alive.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2022–Present)
On August 24, 2022, Van Lanen was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick. The move gave him an opportunity with a new franchise looking to develop young offensive linemen. Van Lanen transitioned into the Jaguars’ offensive line rotation, working to earn a steady role.
In the years following the trade, Van Lanen remained with the Jaguars organization. On April 21, 2025, he re-signed with the Jaguars, signaling the team’s continued investment in his development. His tenure in Jacksonville has been marked by steady work along the offensive line and an ongoing effort to contribute to the team’s protection and run-blocking schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Van Lanen’s selection by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL draft marked a significant milestone, as he became one of the rare players to be drafted by his hometown team. His trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022 opened a new chapter in his career, and his 2025 re-signing reflected his value within the Jaguars’ long-term plans.
Cole Van Lanen Career Highlights
Van Lanen’s professional career has included steady progression through two NFL franchises. From his original selection by the Packers to his current role with the Jaguars, he has continued to develop as an offensive guard. His career remains in progress, with opportunities for greater responsibility ahead.
NFL Highlights
Van Lanen’s most notable NFL moments include his 2021 draft selection, his elevation to the Packers’ active roster in December 2021, and his subsequent trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Each step has represented a milestone in his professional journey, and his 2025 re-signing with the Jaguars underscores his continued presence in the league.
Cole Van Lanen Family
Personal Life
Cole Thomas Van Lanen was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Public details about his personal life, including his marital status and family members, have not been widely reported. His focus remains on his professional football career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Van Lanen is part of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line group after re-signing with the team on April 21, 2025. His return gave the Jaguars continuity along the interior of their line heading into the new year. He is expected to compete for a role in the offensive line rotation.
Van Lanen’s 2025 outlook centers on continuing to build his craft as an offensive guard. With his size and experience, he offers the Jaguars a reliable option in both pass protection and run support. The season represents another opportunity for him to demonstrate growth and earn a larger role within the team’s offensive scheme.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Van Lanen’s primary focus will be on contributing to the Jaguars’ offensive success and solidifying his place on the roster. His journey from Green Bay to Jacksonville reflects the perseverance required to sustain an NFL career, and the coming season offers a chance to build on the foundation he has established.