Drew Dalman is an American football center who, as of March 2025, plays for the Chicago Bears in the NFL. Born on October 15, 1998, in Salinas, California, Dalman comes from a football family; his father, Chris Dalman, was a former center for the San Francisco 49ers.
Early Life and Education
Dalman attended Palma High School in Salinas, where he began to develop his skills in football. He continued his education and athletic career at Stanford University, starting 22 of 25 games over four years as a center and guard. In his senior year, he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors and served as team captain.
Professional Career
In the 2021 NFL Draft, Dalman was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round (114th overall). He signed a four-year rookie contract with the team and became the starting center in 2022, playing all 17 games that season. Known for his elite run-blocking abilities, he contributed significantly to the Falcons’ offensive line.
In March 2025, Dalman signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Chicago Bears, making him the second-highest-paid center in the NFL. This move aims to bolster the Bears’ offensive line, particularly to improve protection for quarterback Caleb Williams, who faced a high number of sacks in his rookie year.
Personal Life
Drew Dalman’s mother, Yanne, is an elementary school teacher, and he has a sister, Kate, who serves as the operations and recruiting assistant for the Stanford football program.