Ted Larsen

Theodore "Ted" Larsen (born June 13, 1987) is an American football Center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina State.

Early years
Larsen attended Palm Harbor University High School in Palm Harbor, Florida, where he played football as a defensive lineman. As a senior, he recorded 65 tackles and eight sacks, as well as a blocked kick, earning first-team all-county and District Player of the Year honors.

College career
Following high school, Larsen attended North Carolina State University. He redshirted his freshman season in 2005, working on the scout team as a defensive tackle. In 2006, Larsen played in 11 games at defensive tackle, starting two games and recording nine tackles and three sacks. In 2007, he played in 14 games as a reserve defensive tackle, recording 12 tackles and two sacks. In 2008, prior to his junior season, Larsen moved to center and was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list. After playing in 730 snaps, he was given the team's Outstanding Offensive Lineman award. In his 2009 senior season, Larsen was again named to the Rimington Trophy watch list. He started 12 games at center and allowed only one sack on the season.

New England Patriots
Larsen was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (205th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. On May 18, he signed a four-year contract with the Patriots. He was waived by the team during final cuts on September 4, 2010.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On September 5, 2010, Larsen was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started at left guard beginning Game Six, replacing the soon-to-be released Keydrick Vincent. During the 2011 season, Larsen appeared in all 16 games for the Bucs (Starting 3) while rotating between Guard & Center. In 2012, he appeared in all 16 games again and started 13 at Center while being part of an Offensive Line that helped rookie RB Doug Martin rush for 1,454 yards and QB Josh Freeman throw for 4,065 yards. Both career high and franchise records.

Personal life
Larsen owns a 24-foot boat, and while fishing with his girlfriend in the Gulf of Mexico on April 27, 2011, Larsen heard a Coast Guard signal about a boater in distress off Honeymoon Island. Larsen responded to the call, and when he arrived on the site, rescued three teenagers from the water and helped them recover their kayaks. At the time of his arrival, two were in the water holding onto an overturned kayak, while the third was riding in another kayak. Larsen then transported the youths safely to shore.