Gabe Carimi
A mountain of a lineman who won college football's top interior award before a professional career marked by resilience through injury.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player·Birthday: June 13·Millennials
Biography
Gabe Carimi built his reputation in the trenches of the Big Ten, becoming the anchor of a powerful Wisconsin Badgers offensive line. His college career was a model of consistency and dominance, starting 49 games at left tackle and paving the way for a relentless ground attack. His senior year was capped with the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation's best interior lineman, cementing his status as a top NFL prospect. Drafted in the first round, his professional journey was challenged by a significant knee injury early on, which required multiple surgeries and affected his mobility. He showed grit by adapting his game, moving to guard, and sticking in the league for several seasons as a valued, tough-minded veteran.
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.
Gabe was born in 1988, 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 Gabe Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Gabe's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2010 Outland Trophy as the best interior lineman in college football.
- Was a unanimous All-American selection following his senior season at Wisconsin.
- Named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2010.
- Started 49 consecutive games at left tackle for the University of Wisconsin.
- Selected in the first round (29th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
Did You Know?
His father, Dr. Sanford Carimi, was a captain in the U.S. Air Force.
He is of Syrian Jewish descent on his father's side.
He played in the 2011 Rose Bowl with Wisconsin against TCU.
After his NFL career, he returned to Wisconsin to complete his degree in civil engineering.
He was a state champion wrestler in high school in Wisconsin.
“I take pride in moving the man in front of me.”
