| No. 58, 91 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Linebacker | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born | (1967-08-16)August 16, 1967 (age 58) Saugatuck, Michigan, U.S. | ||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||
| Listed weight | 255 lb (116 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school | West Ottawa (MI) | ||||||
| College | Michigan St. | ||||||
| NFL draft | 1990: undrafted | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
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| Awards and highlights | |||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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Matthew James Vanderbeek (born August 16, 1967) is an American former professionalfootball player who was alinebacker in theNational Football League (NFL) for theIndianapolis Colts,Minnesota Vikings,Dallas Cowboys andWashington Redskins. He playedcollege football for theMichigan State Spartans.
Vanderbeek attendedWest Ottawa High School, where he practicedfootball andtrack. As a seniorlinebacker, he posted 104 tackles (13 for loss) and 7 sacks, while receiving All-state honors.
He accepted a football scholarship to play forMichigan State University. As a junior, he was switched fromoutside linebacker todefensive end and became a starter.
As a senior, he posted 60 tackles (11 for loss), 2 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and earned honorable-mentionAll-Big Ten.[1] He finished his college career with 119 career tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 5 quarterback sacks.
Vanderbeek was signed as anundrafted free agent by theIndianapolis Colts after the1990 NFL draft on April 30. As rookie, he was converted into aninside linebacker, appearing in 16 games with 7 starts, while registering 46 defensive tackles, one forced fumble and 7special teams tackles (seventh on the team). He started the last 4 games atleft inside linebacker in place of an injuredFredd Young.
On March 18,1991, he signed inPlan B free agency with theMinnesota Vikings. He suffered a hand injury in training camp and was placed on theinjured reserve list on August 27.[2] He was released on October 8.
On October 23,1991, Vanderbeek was signed by theIndianapolis Colts.[3] He started atleft inside linebacker in place of an injuredScott Radecic against theCleveland Browns. He finished the season with 11 defensive tackles and 2special teams tackles.
He was released on August 31,1992.[4] He was re-signed on September 9.[5] He became aspecial teams standout, leading the team with 18 tackles. He was cut on August 30,1993.[6]
On August 31,1993, Vanderbeek was claimed off waivers by theDallas Cowboys.[7] He registered 22special teams tackles (second on the team) and contributed to the team winningSuper Bowl XXVIII.[8] In1994, he finished with 16special teams tackles (seventh on the team).
On March 28,1995, Vanderbeek signed as afree agent with theWashington Redskins.[9] He was placed on theinjured reserve list on September 4,1996, after suffering a torn rotator cuff injury against thePhiladelphia Eagles.[10]
Vanderbeek currently works as areal estate broker.