Ben VanSumeren has always had a goal to play on Sundays.
His first Sunday is approaching.
The Essexville Garber and Michigan State University product suits up for his NFL debut after the Philadelphia Eagles elevated him from the practice squad to the 53-player roster for the first time.
“We’re definitely proud of him,” said Jeff VanSumeren, who is making plans to attend his son’s first regular season game at Lincoln Financial Field. “He keeps working hard and keeps making good decisions. He’s always had that dedication and it’s paying off.”
The timing adds another element of excitement as the defending NFC champion Eagles (7-1) host the rival Dallas Cowboys (5-2) in a pivotal NFC East showdown. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. Sunday and the game is set for broadcast on FOX as America’s Game of the Week.
Look for No. 57 to take the field, likely in a special teams capacity and rotating in on defense, where VanSumeren excelled during preseason action with the Eagles. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker led the team with 26 tackles in three exhibition games, earning a spot on the practice squad.
He spent the first eight weeks of the regular season with the practice squad, practicing daily with the regular unit while awaiting a callup. Practice squad players can be promoted to the 53-player roster at any point during the season and can also sign with any other NFL team that wishes to place them on the 53-player roster.
“It gives him a good opportunity to learn,” Jeff VanSumeren said. “He’s with a really good organization, so he’s lucky in that respect.
“They told him ‘Your time is going to come.’ So he’s going to continue to work hard and play whatever role they ask him to play.”
VanSumeren becomes the first Bay County product to compete in an NFL game since Bay City Central graduate Trenton Robinson played his final game with the Washington Redskins in 2015.
It’s been quite a journey for the son of Cindy and Jeff VanSumeren. He was named Associated Press Player of the Year for Division 5-6 for the state of Michigan as a senior at Garber in 2017, when he set a state record for regular season receptions as a wide receiver.
He spent his first three collegiate seasons at the University of Michigan, shifting from fullback to linebacker in his final campaign in Ann Arbor. He played the past two seasons at Michigan State, notching 81 tackles in 10 starts in 2022.
He signed with the Eagles soon after the NFL Draft as a free agent and has continued his longtime quest for a chance to play on Sundays. He gets that chance this Sunday.
Bay City Eye on Alumni stories
2023-11-03 18:04:00
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