Brandon Scherff
A mauler from Iowa who transformed himself into one of the NFL's most decorated and consistent interior linemen.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American football player·Birthday: December 26·Millennials
Biography
Brandon Scherff’s story is one of Midwestern grit refined into professional excellence. Growing up on a farm in Denison, Iowa, he developed a formidable work ethic that translated seamlessly to the football field at the University of Iowa, a program famous for developing offensive linemen. As a Hawkeye, he won the Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman, a rare feat that announced his arrival. Drafted fifth overall by Washington in 2015—an unusually high pick for a guard—he immediately justified the selection with his blend of raw power and surprising agility. Scherff’s game was defined by consistency and physicality; he didn't just block defenders, he erased them from the play. This approach earned him five Pro Bowl selections in seven seasons with Washington, making him the cornerstone of their offensive line. After a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, his career stands as a testament to the enduring value of fundamental, powerful trench play in a league increasingly obsessed with speed and flash.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Brandon was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Brandon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Brandon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Outland Trophy in 2014 as the best interior lineman in American college football.
- Selected 5th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, an exceptionally high pick for an offensive guard.
- Earned five Pro Bowl selections (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021) during his tenure with Washington.
- Named a First-Team All-Pro in 2020, recognizing him as the best player at his position that season.
Did You Know?
He was a multi-sport star in high school, also excelling in basketball, baseball, and track & field.
Scherff played quarterback and linebacker in high school before moving to the offensive line at Iowa.
He signed a three-year, $49.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, making him one of the highest-paid guards at the time.
Known for his quiet, no-nonsense demeanor, he rarely gives interviews and lets his play do the talking.
“You win games by moving the man in front of you.”
