Abbey Dozier

Written by Abbey Dozier

Published: 24 Jan 2026

25-facts-about-cole-van-lanen
Source: Nbcsports.com

Who is Cole Van Lanen? Cole Van Lanen is an American football player known for his strength and versatility on the field. Born on April 23, 1998, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he played college football at the University of Wisconsin. Van Lanen was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Standing at 6'4" and weighing 305 pounds, he primarily plays as an offensive tackle. His journey from a local high school star to a professional athlete is inspiring. Want to know more? Here are 25 facts about Cole Van Lanen that highlight his career, achievements, and personal life.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Cole Van Lanen's journey to professional football began long before he donned an NFL jersey. His early life and background set the stage for his future success.

  1. Born on April 23, 1998, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Cole Van Lanen grew up in a city with a rich football history.
  2. He attended Bay Port High School, where he excelled in both football and track and field.
  3. Van Lanen was a standout offensive lineman in high school, earning first-team all-state honors.
  4. His impressive high school career earned him a scholarship to play college football at the University of Wisconsin.

College Career

Van Lanen's time at the University of Wisconsin was marked by growth, development, and numerous accolades. His college career laid the foundation for his professional aspirations.

  1. He redshirted his freshman year in 2016, allowing him to develop his skills and adapt to the college level.
  2. In 2017, Van Lanen played in all 14 games, primarily on special teams and as a backup offensive lineman.
  3. By 2018, he had earned a starting role at left tackle, starting 10 games and helping the Badgers' offense thrive.
  4. Van Lanen was named second-team All-Big Ten in 2019, recognizing his outstanding performance on the field.
  5. He continued to excel in 2020, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and solidifying his reputation as one of the top offensive linemen in the conference.

NFL Draft and Professional Career

Cole Van Lanen's transition to the NFL marked the next chapter in his football journey. His draft experience and early professional career have been filled with excitement and challenges.

  1. Van Lanen was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing for his hometown team.
  2. He signed his rookie contract with the Packers on May 14, 2021.
  3. During his rookie season, Van Lanen spent time on the Packers' practice squad, working to improve his skills and earn a spot on the active roster.
  4. He made his NFL debut on December 12, 2021, in a game against the Chicago Bears.
  5. Van Lanen's versatility as an offensive lineman has been a valuable asset for the Packers, allowing him to play multiple positions along the line.

Personal Life

Beyond the football field, Cole Van Lanen has a life filled with interests, hobbies, and personal achievements. His personal life provides a glimpse into the man behind the helmet.

  1. Van Lanen is known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft, often spending extra hours in the gym and studying game film.
  2. He is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking in his free time.
  3. Family is important to Van Lanen, and he often credits his parents and siblings for their support throughout his football career.
  4. He has a close-knit group of friends from his hometown, many of whom he has known since childhood.
  5. Van Lanen is also involved in charitable activities, supporting local organizations and causes in the Green Bay area.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Cole Van Lanen's life and career are filled with interesting tidbits and lesser-known facts. These fun facts and trivia provide a deeper look at his personality and experiences.

  1. Van Lanen's favorite NFL player growing up was former Packers offensive lineman Mark Tauscher.
  2. He has a pet dog named Lambeau, named after the iconic Lambeau Field.
  3. Van Lanen enjoys cooking and often experiments with new recipes in his kitchen.
  4. He is a fan of country music, with artists like Luke Combs and Eric Church among his favorites.
  5. Van Lanen has a pre-game ritual of listening to motivational speeches to get pumped up before taking the field.
  6. Despite his imposing size on the field, Van Lanen is known for his friendly and approachable demeanor off the field.

Final Thoughts on Cole Van Lanen

Cole Van Lanen's journey from high school standout to NFL player is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication, hard work, and talent have propelled him to the professional level, where he continues to make a name for himself. From his impressive college career at Wisconsin to being drafted by the Green Bay Packers, Van Lanen's story is a testament to perseverance and passion for the game.

His achievements on the field are matched by his character off it. Known for his humility and work ethic, Van Lanen serves as a role model for aspiring athletes. Whether you're a football fan or just someone who appreciates a good success story, Cole Van Lanen's journey offers plenty of inspiration.

Keep an eye on this rising star; his career is just getting started, and there's no telling how far he'll go.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.