Stefen Wisniewski

Stefen David Wisniewski (born March 22, 1989) is an American football offensive lineman for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League, and was selected in the 2nd round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Personal
Wisniewski comes from an athletic family; his father Leo Wisniewski played four seasons for the Colts as a nose tackle, while his uncle Steve Wisniewski was an eight-time Pro Bowl guard with the Raiders and is the team's first-year assistant offensive line coach for 2011. The extended family also includes current NHL defenseman James Wisniewski.

College football
Wisniewski became the first Penn State Football student-athlete to be named an ESPN Academic All-American three times, having been a first team selection in 2008, 2009, and 2010. He became Penn State's 95th first team All-American at the conclusion of the 2010 season. Prior to the 2011 NFL Draft, Wisniewski was regarded as one of the top centers prospects available.

Oakland Raiders
Wisniewski was taken with the 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, and signed with the Raiders shortly before the beginning of the 2011 training camp. Stating that he wished to create his own legacy, he declined to wear his uncle's old uniform #76 (which was available), opting for his college #61 instead.

At the beginning of the 2011 season, coach Hue Jackson named Wisniewski the Raiders' starting left guard, the same position occupied by Steve Wisniewski, placed between Samson Satele at center and Jared Veldheer at left tackle. On opening day of the 2011 NFL season, the offensive line cleared the way for 190 rushing yards and a victory over the Denver Broncos.

Wisniewski was named the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for Week 3 of the 2011 NFL season, after the Oakland offensive line cleared the way for 234 rushing yards and allowing only one sack against the New York Jets. His lead block on a pivotal fourth quarter touchdown run gave Oakland a two-score lead. On January 2012, Wisniewski was named to the Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie team for his outstanding rookie season as starting left guard. Wisniewski helped pave the way for the NFL's 7th ranked rushing attack and anchored an offensive line that only allowed 25 sacks, tied for 3rd best in the NFL.

With the departure of Satele to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2012 offseason, Wisniewski became the Raiders' starting center.