John Sullivan is a former NFL player who played as a center in the National Football League. Sullivan had a successful career in the NFL, primarily known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings. Here’s a more complete look at his biography:

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: John William Sullivan
Born: August 10, 1986, in New Jersey
High School: Sullivan attended Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey, where he was a standout athlete in football.

College:

• Sullivan played college football at Notre Dame, where he was a key contributor to the team’s offensive line.
• He played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2004 to 2007 and started every game in his junior and senior years at center.
• Over his career at Notre Dame, Sullivan established himself as a reliable and strong leader on the offensive line. He was praised for his football intelligence, strength, and ability to protect the quarterback.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• John Sullivan was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 6th round (187th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.
• Despite being selected later in the draft, Sullivan quickly established himself as a key player on the Vikings’ offensive line.

Minnesota Vikings (2008–2014)

• Sullivan spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings.
• Starting Center: Sullivan became the starting center for the Vikings during his rookie season in 2008, and he remained a staple on their offensive line for several years.
• Pro Bowl (2012): One of his most notable achievements came in 2012, when he was selected to the Pro Bowl, solidifying his place as one of the NFL’s top centers.
• Sullivan was known for his ability to anchor the offensive line and excel in both pass protection and run blocking.
• During his time with the Vikings, Sullivan helped pave the way for notable running backs, including Adrian Peterson, who had some of his best seasons behind Sullivan’s blocking.

Washington Football Team (2015)

• Brief Stint: After leaving the Vikings, Sullivan signed with the Washington Football Team (formerly the Washington Redskins) in 2015.
• He played one season with Washington, appearing in 11 games before stepping away from the game due to health concerns.

Retirement

• Sullivan retired from the NFL after the 2015 season, ending a solid career as a center in the league.

Playing Style and Strengths

• Football Intelligence: Sullivan was known for his exceptional understanding of the game, which allowed him to make quick decisions and adjustments at the line of scrimmage.
• Pass Protection: He was solid in pass protection, rarely allowing pressure to reach the quarterback and giving the signal-caller time to make plays.
• Run Blocking: Sullivan was also a key asset in the run game, particularly with his ability to block for star running back Adrian Peterson and help open up running lanes.
• Durability: Despite a career that saw him miss a few games, Sullivan’s overall durability and reliability in the trenches made him a key figure on the Vikings’ offensive line during his tenure.

NFL Career Stats

• Games Played: 92 games
• Games Started: 92 starts
• Pro Bowls: 1 (2012)
• Teams: Minnesota Vikings (2008–2014), Washington Football Team (2015)

Legacy

• John Sullivan’s legacy in the NFL is that of a reliable and skilled offensive lineman. While he may not have received as much attention as other stars in the NFL, he was a key player for the Minnesota Vikings during his years with the team, particularly in the early 2010s when the Vikings’ offensive line was considered one of the better units in the league.
• Sullivan’s ability to consistently perform as the starting center for several years, his leadership on the field, and his selection to the Pro Bowl in 2012 mark his career highlights.

Post-NFL Career

• After retiring, Sullivan has remained involved in the sport in various capacities, but he has also been active in charitable causes and community work.

Summary

• Position: Center
• NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings (2008–2014), Washington Football Team (2015)
• Pro Bowls: 1 (2012)
• NFL Career Stats:
  • Games Played: 92 games
  • Games Started: 92 games

John Sullivan was a key contributor to the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line during his time in the NFL. While his career wasn’t as flashy as some, he played an essential role in both the pass and run game, particularly in protecting quarterbacks and opening lanes for running backs.