Joe Berger

Joseph David Berger ( with a "j" sound; born May 25, 1982 in Newaygo, Michigan) is the starting American football center for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan Tech.

Berger has also played for the Dallas Cowboys.

Early years
Berger attended Newaygo High School in Newaygo, Michigan. As a senior, he was the team captain of his team, an All-Western Waterways Activities Conference selection, and an Academic All-State honorable mention. During his two year varsity football career, he played offensive lineman, and as a defensive linebacker, he posted 238 tackles and one interception.

College career
Berger was a walk-on college football player at Michigan Tech University. He was a four-time Academic All-GLIAC selection, a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District pick, and a two-time All-American pick. He also played in the Cactus Bowl and the NCAA Division II All-Star game.

Carolina Panthers
Berger was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round (207th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. However, he was signed to the practice squad and never played in a game for them.

First stint with Dolphins
He was picked up by the Dolphins before the start of the 2005 NFL season, and played in three games. A sprained right foot suffered in training camp kept him inactive during the 2006 season, and he was eventually waived.

Dallas Cowboys
Shortly after his release from the Dolphins in 2006, Berger was claimed by the Cowboys. A restricted free agent in the 2008 offseason, Berger signed his one-year tender offer from the Cowboys on April 17.

Second stint with Dolphins
After becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2009, Berger re-signed with the Miami Dolphins on February 27.

Personal
Berger graduated Magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech in 2005.