Former Wisconsin linebacker named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Former Wisconsin linebacker named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Former Wisconsin linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel was named the NFC’s Defensive Player of Week 16 on Tuesday.

Van Ginkel, who played at Wisconsin from 2017-18, earned the designation for his contributions in the Minnesota Vikings’ 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

In that contest, the UW alumnus recorded five tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks and three QB hits. Those two sacks also led the conference in Week 16.

With the performance, the former Badger star became the second player since 1982 to record at least 10 sacks and two pick-sixes in a single season. The other: Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor with the Miami Dolphins in 2006.

Van Ginkel has notched 69 total tackles, 11.0 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, 18 QB hits, one forced fumble and five pass deflections in 15 starts in 2024. He’s also reeled in a pair of pick-sixes, which leads the NFL.

The Rock Valley, Iowa native joined Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard and Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey on the NFC ‘Players of the Week’ standouts from Week 16.

Van Ginkel signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Vikings this offseason after five seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He’s been worth every penny for Brian Flores’ defensive unit this season.

Van Ginkel joins Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal and Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor as former Badgers to receive ‘Player of the Week’ recognition this season.