Zach Sieler Bio
Zachary Wilfried Sieler is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, Sieler has developed into one of the most reliable interior defenders in the league after entering the NFL as a seventh-round selection. He is recognized for his combination of size, effort, and run-stopping ability, and he remains a central figure on the Dolphins’ defensive front.
Born and raised in Michigan, Sieler built his reputation at Ferris State University, where his dominant play led to conference and national awards. He later transitioned to the professional level with the Baltimore Ravens before establishing himself as a long-term starter in Miami.
Early Life and Background
Zachary Wilfried Sieler was born on September 7, 1995, in Pinckney, Michigan. He grew up as the eldest of three sons in a family environment that encouraged athletics and competition. His small-town Michigan upbringing shaped his work ethic and blue-collar approach to the game.
At Pinckney High School, Sieler was a three-sport athlete, competing in football, track and field, and amateur wrestling. In wrestling, he advanced to the state championship tournament, demonstrating the balance and leverage that would later serve him on the defensive line. On the football field, he played strong-side defensive end for the Pinckney Pirates and served as team captain.
Despite measuring 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 280 pounds, Sieler was not viewed as a top-tier college recruit. He was named Athlete of the Year in his senior class and ultimately became the first NFL player produced by Pinckney High School.
Path to American Football
After high school, Sieler joined the Ferris State Bulldogs in 2013 as a walk-on, choosing a Division II program that offered a clear opportunity to earn meaningful playing time. He redshirted his first year before joining the field as part of a defense that won the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship in 2014 and 2015.
Sieler’s breakout came during the 2015 and 2016 seasons, when he earned GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year and National Defensive Player of the Year honors. His disruptive presence helped the Bulldogs reach the 2016 NCAA Division II National Semifinals. Rather than play his senior season, Sieler declared for the 2018 NFL draft.
Zach Sieler Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Zachary Wilfried Sieler was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the seventh round, 238th overall, of the 2018 NFL draft. He spent his rookie season developing within the Ravens organization, working to translate his Division II success into NFL production.
In August 2019, Sieler was waived by Baltimore and signed to the team’s practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on October 5, 2019, before being waived again on December 4, 2019, ending his Ravens tenure.
Baltimore Ravens Breakthrough (2018)
Sieler’s draft selection by the Ravens marked his official entry into professional football. He joined a defensive line known for its depth and physicality, giving him an early environment to refine his technique at the highest level. Though his time in Baltimore was brief, the experience prepared him for his next opportunity.
Miami Dolphins Era (2019–Present)
On December 5, 2019, Sieler was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins, beginning the most significant chapter of his career. He signed a one-year contract on April 17, 2020, and was later placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list before being activated. On November 16, 2020, the Dolphins signed him to a three-year extension through the 2023 season.
On August 27, 2023, Sieler signed a three-year, $38.65 million contract extension. During the 2023 season, he recorded 10 sacks, ranking second on the team. In Week 14 of 2023, he recorded his first career interception off quarterback Will Levis, returning it five yards for his first regular-season NFL touchdown. On August 3, 2025, he signed another three-year, $64 million extension.
In Week 14 of the 2024 season, Sieler recorded four tackles and two sacks in a 32–26 win over the New York Jets, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Driving Style and Strengths
Sieler relies on leverage, length, and relentless motor to disrupt both the run and pass game. His wrestling background gives him strong hand usage and body control, while his height and wingspan allow him to redirect blocks and collapse pockets. He has developed into a durable three-down defender who anchors the Dolphins’ interior.
Notable Events and Milestones
On April 25, 2025, Ferris State retired Sieler’s No. 96 jersey, making him one of only two Bulldogs players, along with Jason Vander Laan, to receive that honor. His first career interception and touchdown in 2023, followed by his AFC Defensive Player of the Week award in 2024, further cemented his rising profile.
Zach Sieler Career Wins
While defensive tackles are not measured by traditional win totals, Zach Sieler’s statistical achievements reflect his consistent impact. His 10-sack season in 2023 and his 2024 AFC Defensive Player of the Week performance underscore his value as a playmaker in Miami.
Miami Dolphins Highlights
Sieler’s Dolphins tenure includes two major contract extensions and a steady climb into one of the team’s defensive leaders. His first career touchdown against Tennessee and his two-sack game against the New York Jets stand as signature moments of his Miami career.
Other Wins and Performances
At Ferris State, Sieler helped the Bulldogs capture consecutive GLIAC championships in 2014 and 2015 and reached the NCAA Division II National Semifinals in 2016. He also earned individual Defensive Lineman of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons.
Zach Sieler Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Sieler was raised in Pinckney, Michigan, as the eldest of three sons. His younger brother, Adam Sieler, also played college football at Ferris State from 2017 to 2022, continuing the family’s connection to the program.
Personal Life
Sieler remains closely tied to his Michigan roots and his alma mater, a connection highlighted by the retirement of his No. 96 jersey at Ferris State in April 2025.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents the opening chapter of Zach Sieler’s latest three-year, $64 million extension with the Miami Dolphins. Coming off an AFC Defensive Player of the Week performance in late 2024, he entered the year as a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ defensive front.
In Week 3 of the 2025 season, Sieler committed a roughing-the-punter penalty in a tie game against the Buffalo Bills, a pivotal moment in a ten-point loss. Such moments have added urgency to Miami’s defensive adjustments in the weeks that followed.
As the season progresses, Sieler continues to anchor the interior defensive line, providing leadership, run defense, and interior pressure that remain central to the Dolphins’ defensive identity and postseason ambitions.