Jacob Bender

Jacob David Bender  (born April 25, 1985) is an American football guard and offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nicholls State.

Bender has also been a member of the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants and New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins.

Early years
Bender played high school football under Bill McGregor at the prestigious DeMatha Catholic High School.

College career
In 2004 Bender took over as the starting left tackle and never looked back, starting every game and becoming an All-Southland Conference selection. In the 2005 season Bender started every game and became an All-Southland Conference first-team and All-Louisiana second-team selection after allowing only 1.5 sacks, 76 pancake blocks, and 8 touchdown resulting blocks. In his final season of 2006, Bender was once again named to the All-Southland Conference and All-Louisiana teams after recording 87 pancake blocks, 8 touchdown resulting blocks and 0 sacks allowed.

New York Jets
Bender was drafted by the Jets in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He was active for two games for the Jets in the 2007 season, and was waived by the team on August 30, 2008.

New England Patriots
Bender was signed to the practice squad of the New England Patriots on September 1, 2008. He remained there until he was signed by the San Francisco 49ers on November 18.

San Francisco 49ers
Bender was signed by the San Francisco 49ers off the New England Patriots' practice squad on November 18, 2008 when offensive tackle Jonas Jennings was placed on injured reserve.

New York Giants
After being cut by the 49ers on September 5, 2009, Bender was signed to the New York Giants practice squad on September 16. On January 5, 2010 Bender was signed to a reserved/future contract. On September 4, 2010, Bender was waived by the Giants.

New Orleans Saints
Bender was signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad on September 13, 2010.

Washington Redskins
Bender was signed to the Washington Redskins practice squad on November 23, 2010.

Carolina Panthers
On December 29, 2010, Bender was signed by the Panthers to their practice squad. His contract was extended on January 14, 2011.