David Quessenberry Bio
David Lee Quessenberry Jr. (born August 24, 1990) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the San José State Spartans and was selected by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL draft. Beyond his on-field work, Quessenberry is widely respected for his perseverance after overcoming Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Across more than a decade in professional football, he has also played for the Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, and Minnesota Vikings. Known for his versatility and toughness, Quessenberry continues to build a reputation as a dependable offensive lineman who contributes through both play and leadership.
Early Life and Background
David Lee Quessenberry Jr. was born on August 24, 1990, in the La Jolla community of San Diego, California. He grew up in a household shaped by service, as his father played college football at the United States Naval Academy and served in the United States Navy from 1980 to 2010. This background instilled a sense of discipline and resilience that would later define Quessenberry’s career.
He attended La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad, California, where he lettered in both football and lacrosse. During his prep career, Quessenberry played tight end, demonstrating early athletic ability and a willingness to contribute in multiple roles. These formative years laid the groundwork for his transition to college football.
Path to American Football
Coming out of high school with no scholarship offers, Quessenberry walked on to the San José State Spartans football team in 2008 and redshirted his first year to add size to his frame. He bulked up from 235 pounds and, as a freshman in 2009, played in all 12 games under coach Dick Tomey, contributing mostly on special teams while serving as a reserve at offensive tackle and tight end.
Quessenberry earned his first athletic scholarship the summer before his sophomore season in 2010. In 2011, he started all 12 games and earned second-team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) honors. As a senior in 2012, he became team captain during an 11-2 campaign that included a Military Bowl victory, was a Burlsworth Trophy finalist, and was selected as a first-team All-WAC offensive lineman. He graduated from San José State in December 2012 with a B.A. in history and became the first Spartans offensive lineman invited to the Senior Bowl.
David Quessenberry Career
Early Career (2013-2017)
The Houston Texans selected Quessenberry in the sixth round with the 176th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft. His rookie season was cut short on September 10, 2013, when he was placed on injured reserve after injuring his foot during practice. The following year, in June 2014, Quessenberry was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after experiencing fatigue and a persistent cough, and the Texans placed him on the non-football illness list.
After completing radiation treatment, Quessenberry’s cancer went into remission in February 2015, and he officially completed treatment on April 13, 2017. He returned to practice with the Texans at the start of organized team activities on May 23, 2017. Quessenberry made his NFL debut on December 25, 2017, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, capping a remarkable comeback. On June 12, 2017, he received the George Halas Award, given to the player, coach, or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.
Tennessee Titans Era (2018-2021)
On September 11, 2018, Quessenberry signed to the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad and later signed a reserve/future contract. In a 19-17 Week 2 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in 2019, he caught his first career receiving touchdown on a pass from Marcus Mariota. After a series of practice squad movements that season, he returned to the active roster in 2020.
In 2021, Quessenberry was named the Titans’ starting right tackle and started every game, establishing himself as a reliable presence on the offensive line. His steady play during this stretch marked his emergence as a full-time starter in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills Era (2022-2023)
Quessenberry signed with the Buffalo Bills on a one-year deal on April 21, 2022, appearing in 16 games with three starts. On March 27, 2023, he re-signed with the Bills on another one-year deal before being released on August 29, 2023.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2023-2024)
On August 30, 2023, Quessenberry signed with the Minnesota Vikings and appeared in 16 games with four starts. He re-signed with the team on March 11, 2024, and appeared in all 17 regular-season games the following year, further cementing his reputation as a dependable offensive lineman.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2025-Present)
On May 29, 2025, Quessenberry was signed by the Los Angeles Rams to a one-year contract. He joined a Rams offensive line looking to add experienced depth, bringing more than a decade of professional experience to the roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Quessenberry has built his career on positional versatility, having played both tackle and tight end at various points. His preparation and attention to detail have allowed him to contribute across multiple schemes, while his size and mobility suit both pass protection and run blocking duties. His professional longevity reflects a steady, team-first approach to the offensive line.
Notable Events and Milestones
Quessenberry’s signature moment remains his December 2017 NFL debut following his cancer recovery, paired with his receipt of the 2017 George Halas Award. He also became the first San José State offensive lineman to play in the Senior Bowl and later caught his first NFL touchdown as a Titan in 2019.
David Quessenberry Career Highlights
Quessenberry’s career has been defined by steady contributions across five NFL franchises, along with one of the most inspiring personal comebacks in modern football.
NFL Highlights
He made his NFL debut on Christmas Day 2017 against the Pittsburgh Steelers after returning from cancer treatment. He started every game for the Titans in 2021 and appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. His longevity across multiple teams reflects his durability and consistency.
Other Performances
Quessenberry was named first-team All-WAC in 2012 and second-team All-WAC in 2011 at San José State. He was a Burlsworth Trophy finalist as a senior and was selected to participate in the 2013 Senior Bowl. He also hosts the annual FIMA Golf Tournament at golf destinations around the world.
David Quessenberry Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Quessenberry comes from a family with deep football ties. His father played college football at the United States Naval Academy and served in the United States Navy from 1980 to 2010. His brother Scott Quessenberry was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft, while another brother, Paul Quessenberry, is a former tight end.
Personal Life
Quessenberry was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in June 2014, with his cancer going into remission in February 2015 after radiation treatment. He completed treatment in April 2017 and returned to the field later that year. Off the field, he hosts an annual FIMA Golf Tournament at different golf destinations around the world.
2025 Season Performance
Quessenberry joined the Los Angeles Rams on May 29, 2025, on a one-year contract, adding veteran depth to the offensive line. His signing followed a 2024 campaign with the Minnesota Vikings in which he appeared in all 17 regular-season games. The Rams’ 2025 outlook featured competition along the offensive line, with Quessenberry positioned as an experienced contributor.
His prior full-season durability with the Vikings suggested he could play a steady rotational role in Los Angeles. As an offensive tackle with extensive starting experience, Quessenberry provided the Rams with flexibility and depth entering the new season.