How a two-star high school recruit became the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history
In short: David Bakhtiari was once overlooked by scouts, ranked only as a two-star prospect. Yet, he defied expectations to anchor the Green Bay Packers' offensive line for over a decade. From humble beginnings in California to record-breaking contracts, his journey reveals the grit required to dominate at the professional level.
Born in 1991, David Bakhtiari grew up in San Mateo, California, where he excelled in football and lacrosse at Junípero Serra High School. Despite his high school success, he entered the University of Colorado in 2009 as a low-ranked recruit. He redshirted his first year but quickly established himself as a reliable starter, earning All-Pac-12 honors before declaring for the NFL draft in 2013.
The Green Bay Packers drafted him in the fourth round, and he immediately made an impact. When starting tackle Bryan Bulaga suffered a season-ending injury during training camp, Bakhtiari stepped into the starting left tackle role. He became the first rookie in Green Bay to start every game at that position since the league adopted a 16-game schedule in 1978. His steady play helped the team achieve top-tier rankings in both rushing and passing efficiency during his debut year.
Bakhtiari's career was defined by both elite performance and significant physical challenges. In 2020, he signed a massive four-year, $105.5 million extension, briefly making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in league history. However, his later years were marred by persistent knee issues, including a torn ACL in 2020 and subsequent surgeries that limited his availability. After 11 seasons with the Packers, he was released in 2024.
Beyond the gridiron, Bakhtiari is known for his unique influence on team culture, notably introducing his teammates to the board game Settlers of Catan and coordinating a cameo for several players in the film Pitch Perfect 2. His commitment to community service, including the Fund a Dream Scholarship, reflects a career defined by more than just his on-field statistics.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: David Bakhtiari
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