Early Life & Background

Jordan van den Berg was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, a city known for its diverse sporting culture and strong rugby traditions. However, van den Berg’s path diverged early from rugby, which dominates the South African athletic landscape, toward American football—a sport with growing popularity in the country. While specific details about his upbringing remain limited in public records, it is clear that van den Berg demonstrated early physical prowess and an aptitude for high-level athleticism, qualities that would eventually lead him to pursue a career in the National Football League.

Raised in a region where sports are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric, van den Berg likely benefited from access to training facilities and competitive environments that encouraged athletic development. Johannesburg’s multi-sport ecosystem would have exposed him to various disciplines, allowing him to cultivate the strength, agility, and discipline required for a defensive tackle in the NFL. Though American football was not a traditional pathway in South Africa at the time of his youth, the growing influence of international scouting and the NFL’s global outreach initiatives may have played a role in his awareness of opportunities abroad.

Van den Berg’s decision to pursue football as a career path suggests a combination of ambition and adaptability. Transitioning from a rugby-heavy environment to a sport with fundamentally different rules and physical demands requires significant mental and physical adjustment. His early life in South Africa, therefore, served as a foundational chapter in shaping his athletic identity—one that blends raw power with the technical and strategic understanding necessary to excel at the highest level of professional football.

High School Career

Details regarding Jordan van den Berg’s high school career are notably absent from public records, a common challenge when profiling athletes who transition from international backgrounds to the American collegiate system. Unlike many American prospects who are heavily recruited during their high school years and whose performances are meticulously tracked in recruiting databases, van den Berg’s early athletic development did not follow the conventional path.

It is reasonable to infer that he attended a high school in Johannesburg where he participated in organized sports, likely including rugby, given the sport’s prominence in South Africa. However, his exposure to American football may have been limited until he reached an age where international scouting pathways became accessible. The absence of standardized high school statistics or recruitment rankings for van den Berg suggests that his football development occurred outside the traditional American high school pipeline, possibly through club teams, international combines, or private training programs designed for athletes aiming to earn opportunities abroad.

Some athletes from non-traditional football backgrounds, particularly from regions like Africa, Australia, or Europe, often gain exposure through international scouting events, NFL-sponsored training camps, or through word-of-mouth networks among coaches and evaluators familiar with global talent. Given the rarity of defensive linemen from South Africa making the transition to major college programs, van den Berg’s high school years likely focused on developing the physical attributes essential for football—size, strength, and explosiveness—while refining technique in environments that may have prioritized rugby or other sports.

What is evident is that van den Berg’s high school experience represented a transitional phase rather than a peak performance period in American football. His development during this time likely emphasized the foundational aspects of athleticism that would later be fine-tuned in college and professional settings.

College Career

Jordan van den Berg attended Western Michigan.

NFL Draft

Jordan van den Berg entered the 2026 NFL Draft as a longshot prospect with limited public exposure, yet his selection in the sixth round (213rd overall) by the Chicago Bears represented a noteworthy achievement for a defensive tackle with an international background. The Bears’ decision to draft him—particularly in a late round—signals their confidence in his raw physical potential and projection as an NFL-caliber player, even if his developmental journey was unconventional.

The 2026 draft class was notable for its depth at defensive tackle, with several teams prioritizing interior linemen to bolster run defense and interior pass rush. The Bears, coming off a season that highlighted their need for defensive line reinforcements, used the 213th pick on van den Berg, indicating he fit their developmental profile—specifically, a player with significant untapped upside who could grow under professional coaching.

Drafting an international player in the late rounds is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. While such players often require additional time to acclimate to the physicality and speed of the NFL, they can provide exceptional value if they develop into reliable contributors. The Bears’ selection suggests they viewed van den Berg as a project player—one whose size (6'3", 300 lbs), strength, and potential could justify the investment if he realized his athletic ceiling.

Scouting reports from the pre-draft process likely emphasized van den Berg’s measurables, including his frame, length, and burst off the snap, which are critical traits for a one-gap interior disruptor. His draft capital, while modest, placed him among a cohort of developmental prospects vying for practice squad or rotational roles in their rookie seasons. The Bears’ roster context at the time of his selection, including the presence of established veterans like Justin Fields and a young defensive line core, meant van den Berg would compete for development against a backdrop of organizational investment in building around homegrown talent.

Professional Career

As of the 2026 NFL season, Jordan van den Berg has not yet appeared in a regular season game for the Chicago Bears, placing his professional career firmly in its infancy. Upon being drafted, he was officially added to the Bears’ 90-man roster during the preseason, where his primary assignment was to learn the defensive scheme, compete for a rotational role, and develop the conditioning and technique necessary to transition from college or international football to the NFL.

Given the Bears’ current depth chart on the defensive line—featuring veterans such as Justin Jones, Mike Pennel, and second-year player Gervon Dexter—the competition for interior snaps is robust. As a sixth-round rookie, van den Berg was placed on the practice squad initially, a common pathway for incoming rookies who require further development. This allowed him to train alongside the active roster while accumulating game-like reps in controlled environments.

During training camp and the preseason, van den Berg focused on refining his hand placement, footwork, and leverage—critical skills for a defensive tackle tasked with controlling gaps against both the run and pass. The Bears’ coaching staff likely prioritized his ability to shed blocks and maintain functional strength in his lower body, as interior linemen in their system are expected to anchor against double teams and collapse the pocket.

Van den Berg’s professional career is currently defined by developmental milestones rather than statistical production. His progression will hinge on his capacity to absorb NFL-level schemes, improve his consistency in gap assignments, and demonstrate the functional explosiveness required to generate interior pressure. The Bears’ investment in him suggests they believe he has the athleticism to eventually contribute on early downs as a run-stuffer and possibly develop into a situational pass-rush threat.

Early indicators of his future role will emerge during the 2026 regular season and offseason programs. If he shows marked improvement in pad level, motor, and instincts, he could earn expanded practice squad reps or, in the best-case scenario, a spot on the game-day roster as a reserve tackle. The timeline for his NFL debut remains uncertain, but it is not uncommon for late-round international prospects to debut in their second season after acclimating fully.

Playing Style & Strengths

Jordan van den Berg projects as a disruptive, one-gap defensive tackle with a physical and technically sound playing style. His size (6'3", 300 lbs) gives him a significant leverage advantage over interior offensive linemen, allowing him to anchor effectively and control gaps in both run and pass situations. His frame is characterized by long arms and broad shoulders, which enhance his ability to stack and shed blockers, a critical skill for an interior penetrator in the NFL.

One of van den Berg’s primary strengths is his initial quickness off the snap, a trait that scouts often value in late-round defensive tackle prospects. His burst through the line of scrimmage suggests an ability to collapse the pocket early, creating pressure on the quarterback or limiting running lanes. This explosiveness is particularly valuable in passing situations, where interior pressure is a premium commodity for defensive coordinators aiming to force hurried throws or sack opportunities.

Defensively, van den Berg operates most effectively in a three-technique alignment, where he lines up on the outside shoulder of the guard, allowing him to use his first step and leverage to get into the backfield. His ability to disengage from blocks and redirect his momentum makes him a credible threat to penetrate interior gaps—a skill set that organizations develop in players with high motor potential. While he may not possess elite length like some first-round tackles, his hand technique and rip moves show developmental promise, and with refinement, could develop into a reliable inside pressure tool.

In the run game, van den Berg demonstrates strong base and anchor power, enabling him to set the edge against offensive linemen and prevent off-tackle runs. His weight distribution and footwork allow him to absorb contact at the point of attack, while his upper-body strength helps him control blockers and maintain positioning. This functional strength is essential in today’s NFL, where double teams are common, and interior linemen must demonstrate the capacity to win individual reps.

Areas where van den Berg must improve to maximize his potential include pad level consistency. Many developmental defensive tackles struggle with maintaining low leverage, which compromises their ability to fire out from the stance and shed blocks. Additionally, refining his counter moves—such as the swim and bull rush—could enhance his pass-rush repertoire over time. The Bears’ coaching staff will likely emphasize these technical aspects to transform his raw athleticism into situational effectiveness.

Long-term, van den Berg’s football IQ and instincts will determine whether he can evolve into a three-down role or remain a situational specialist. His physical tools suggest he could develop into a reliable run-stuffer with the potential for late-blooming pass-rush impact, particularly if he continues to add functional strength and refine his technique in the coming seasons.

Personal Life

Public information about Jordan van den Berg’s personal life is scarce, as is often the case with young international players transitioning to the NFL. As a native of Johannesburg, van den Berg likely grew up in a multicultural environment where sports served as both a unifying force and a pathway to opportunity. The rarity of athletes from South Africa making it to the NFL underscores the magnitude of his achievement, suggesting he may be motivated by a sense of pioneering representation for his country in American football.

Given the personal and logistical challenges associated with relocating from South Africa to the United States, van den Berg’s journey likely involved substantial personal sacrifice. Adjusting to life in Chicago—whether in terms of climate, food, or cultural norms—would have presented daily challenges, and his ability to adapt reflects a disciplined and resilient mindset.

Athletes from non-traditional backgrounds often develop strong support systems through family, mentors, and teammates. Given his international origin, van den Berg may have relied on a close-knit community of peers who shared similar aspirations or a network of coaches familiar with global football development. These relationships would have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the American scouting and recruiting landscape.

In terms of hobbies and interests outside football, van den Berg’s background in rugby suggests he may have an appreciation for physical sports that emphasize teamwork and strategic playmaking. However, without public statements or interviews, it is difficult to ascertain his personality beyond what is observable on the field. Players at his stage of development often prioritize professional growth, meaning community engagement or public persona may be minimal until he establishes himself in the league.

Should van den Berg continue to advance in his career, greater transparency about his background and personal motivations may emerge through media opportunities or NFL initiatives aimed at international player engagement. For now, his personal narrative remains a work in progress, defined largely by his athletic journey rather than extracurricular endeavors.

Legacy & Future Outlook

As Jordan van den Berg begins his NFL journey with the Chicago Bears, his legacy is still unwritten. His path to the league—marked by an unconventional route from South Africa to the draft—positions him as a potential symbol of global football expansion. If he succeeds in developing into a contributing defensive lineman, he could inspire future generations of athletes from Africa to pursue American football, demonstrating that talent and determination can transcend traditional pipelines.

His immediate future hinges on his ability to capitalize on the developmental opportunity afforded by the Bears. For a sixth-round pick, the expectations are modest, but the upside is real. Historically, late-round defensive tackles with elite measurables and high motor have carved out roles as situational run-stuffers or interior pass-rush specialists. Players like Mike Pennel (undrafted out of Temple) and Javon Hargrave (drafted in the third round) serve as examples of how lesser-heralded defenders can become integral parts of NFL defenses.

Over the next two to three seasons, van den Berg’s development will be closely monitored by the Bears’ coaching staff. The organization’s patience with his progression will depend on roster needs, depth at the position, and the emergence of other young players. If he can demonstrate consistent improvement in technique, functional strength, and football awareness, he may earn a rotational role within two years. In the best-case scenario, consistent performance could lead to a multi-year contract as a core special teamer and depth piece on the defensive line.

His long-term potential is tied to his ability to refine his pass-rush skills and maintain durability. The modern NFL increasingly values interior disruptors who can generate quarterbacks on third downs, and van den Berg’s athletic profile suggests he has the tools to develop into that role. However, his timeline will be dictated by factors such as injury resilience, coaching feedback, and organizational confidence in his projection.

For the Chicago Bears, van den Berg represents a calculated risk in the late rounds—a player with the physical foundation to develop into a quality pro if given the right developmental environment. His success would reinforce the Bears’ scouting philosophy of mining value in overlooked corners of the draft while contributing to the broader narrative of international talent infusion into the league.

In the context of South African football history, van den Berg’s career could mark the beginning of a new chapter. Should he achieve sustained success, he may pave the way for other African athletes to transition to American football, diversifying the player pool and enriching the cultural fabric of the NFL.

For now, Jordan van den Berg’s legacy remains a blank page—one that he will write through grit, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. His journey from Johannesburg to Soldier Field is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the increasingly global nature of professional sports. As he progresses, the football world will watch not only his production but the story he represents—one of perseverance, potential, and the belief that greatness can emerge from unexpected places.