Introduction
In a league dominated by flashy quarterbacks, elite wide receivers, and thundering running backs, the men who work in the trenches rarely get the recognition they deserve. Max Scharping is one of those men. A big, tough, fundamentally sound offensive guard, Scharping has spent the better part of a decade grinding through the NFL — switching teams, recovering from injuries, and constantly proving himself worthy of a roster spot. His story is not one of overnight stardom. It is the story of quiet perseverance, professional dedication, and the kind of work ethic that coaches quietly appreciate even when fans don’t always notice.
Early Life and High School Days
Max Scharping was born on August 10, 1996, and grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin — a fitting hometown for someone who would go on to dedicate his life to football. He attended Green Bay Southwest High School, where he quickly stood out as a dominant force on the offensive and defensive lines.
During his high school years, Scharping earned all-state honors after his senior season, was a three-time all-conference and two-time all-area honoree, and even managed to contribute on the defensive side of the ball, posting 13 tackles and a fumble recovery. He was clearly a multi-dimensional athlete with the size, athleticism, and football IQ that scouts at the next level would eventually take notice of.
College Career at Northern Illinois
Despite receiving approximately ten scholarship offers, Scharping chose Northern Illinois University, home of the Huskies and a program with a solid track record of developing offensive linemen. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of his life.
At NIU, Scharping was nothing short of exceptional. He started for four straight years, lining up mostly at tackle positions on either side of the line but also seeing time at guard. He played every single offensive snap — all 998 of them — during the 2018 season, a testament to his durability and consistency. He earned First-Team All-Mid-American Conference honors in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, becoming one of the most decorated offensive linemen in program history.
Beyond the football field, Scharping proved he was more than just an athlete. He earned his undergraduate degree in kinesiology and completed his master’s degree in December 2018, all while being one of the most demanding players to prepare against in the MAC. He was a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete, a Google Cloud Academic All-American, and a Wuerffel Trophy semifinalist. His combination of brains and brawn made him one of the more intriguing prospects heading into the 2019 NFL Draft.
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The 2019 NFL Draft and Life with the Houston Texans
Scharping was invited to the 2019 Senior Bowl, an honor reserved for top draft-eligible prospects. He turned heads there, further solidifying his stock. But he had a personal goal he wanted to accomplish before fully shifting his focus to the draft — winning the MAC Championship with his Northern Illinois teammates. He accomplished that, then turned his attention to the next chapter.
The Houston Texans selected him in the second round, 55th overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft. It was a strong endorsement from a franchise that needed reliable offensive line help.
Scharping started the 2019 season as a backup, but by Week 3, he had earned the starting left guard job and held it for the final 14 games of the year. It was an impressive rookie campaign for a player making the jump from the MAC to one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
The 2020 season brought challenges. Scharping was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in late October before being activated in November. He finished the year appearing in 15 games and played nearly 50% of the team’s offensive snaps. The 2021 season saw him appear in all 17 games, but it would be his last with Houston. The team’s interim coach at the time noted that a lack of a normal offseason had contributed to regression in his play — a fair assessment given the disrupted circumstances that affected so many players league-wide. The Texans waived him on August 30, 2022.
A New Chapter with the Cincinnati Bengals
Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what a player needs. The Cincinnati Bengals claimed Scharping off waivers on August 31, 2022, just one day after he was released by Houston. He quickly settled into a depth role for a team that was riding high after its Super Bowl run the previous year.
His most memorable contribution with Cincinnati came during the 2022 playoffs. When starting right guard Alex Cappa suffered an ankle injury in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens, Scharping was thrust into the starting lineup for the team’s postseason run. He stepped in without missing a beat, showcasing the kind of veteran reliability that keeps coaches confident in their depth. He re-signed with the Bengals in March 2023 and appeared in their Week 18 victory over the Cleveland Browns before entering free agency again.
The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders
In the summer of 2024, Scharping signed with the Philadelphia Eagles — another team with playoff ambitions and a need for quality offensive line depth. He was released on August 26, 2024, during final roster cuts, but did not stay unemployed for long.
Two days later, the Washington Commanders added him to their practice squad. It was a professional reset of sorts, but Scharping remained focused. He worked hard, stayed ready, and waited for his next opportunity — which came sooner than expected.
Finding a Home in Pittsburgh
On October 1, 2024, the Pittsburgh Steelers claimed Scharping off the Commanders’ practice squad and added him to their 53-man roster. The move came at a critical time — starting guard James Daniels had suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 4, and Pittsburgh needed someone they could trust to step in at a moment’s notice.
Scharping appeared in two games during the 2024 season, mostly remaining inactive as the team managed its depth. But he did enough to convince the organization that he was worth keeping around. On April 15, 2025, the Steelers re-signed him to a one-year contract worth $1.17 million, bringing him back into the fold heading into the 2025 season.
However, the 2025 season brought another setback. Scharping suffered a knee injury during practice in September 2025 and was placed on injured reserve. He was eventually activated from IR in February 2026 before entering free agency in March 2026.
Who Is Max Scharping as a Player?
At 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing in around 325–327 pounds, Scharping has always had the physical tools to compete in the NFL. His college coaches noted his strength as a standout quality, and that power has translated to the professional level, where he has shown the ability to anchor against interior pass rushers and open holes in the running game.
He is not the flashiest player on any roster, and he will never be mistaken for a Pro Bowl lock. But Max Scharping is exactly the type of player that good teams need — a veteran who can fill multiple positions along the offensive line, who takes his job seriously, and who comes prepared every single day. He has played in 81 career games over his NFL journey, appearing in starts for the Texans, contributing in playoff games for the Bengals, and providing depth for the Steelers.
The Bigger Picture
Max Scharping’s career is a lesson in resilience. He has been waived, claimed off waivers, placed on injured reserve, shuffled between active rosters and practice squads, and still found a way to keep playing professional football. Every time a door has closed, he has found another one to open.
In an NFL landscape where careers can end in an instant, his ability to stay relevant across multiple organizations and nearly seven years in the league says everything about his character, his work ethic, and his love for the game. The fact that he earned two advanced degrees while becoming an elite college player shows that his dedication extends far beyond the football field.
Whether Scharping finds himself back on an NFL roster for the 2026 season or transitions into the next phase of his life, one thing is certain — he gave everything he had to the game. And for any football fan who truly appreciates the grind that comes with life in the trenches, that is more than enough to respect.
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What team does Max Scharping currently play for?
Max Scharping most recently played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He re-signed with them on a one-year deal in April 2025 but was placed on injured reserve in September 2025 with a knee injury. He was activated in February 2026 and entered free agency in March 2026, meaning his next team is yet to be determined as of mid-2026.
What round was Max Scharping drafted in?
Max Scharping was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 55th overall. It was a strong vote of confidence from Houston, who saw him as a long-term piece of their offensive line after his dominant four-year career at Northern Illinois University.
How many NFL teams has Max Scharping played for?
Max Scharping has played for five NFL teams throughout his career — the Houston Texans (2019–2021), the Cincinnati Bengals (2022–2023), the Philadelphia Eagles (2024), the Washington Commanders (2024), and the Pittsburgh Steelers (2024–2025). Each stop has added to his experience as a versatile and dependable depth offensive lineman.
Did Max Scharping play college football, and where?
Yes, Max Scharping played college football at Northern Illinois University, where he was a four-year starter for the Huskies. He earned First-Team All-Mid-American Conference honors in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. He also earned his undergraduate degree in kinesiology and completed his master’s degree in December 2018, making him one of the more academically accomplished players to enter the NFL draft that year.
What position does Max Scharping play?
A: Max Scharping plays offensive guard in the NFL, though he has experience at both tackle positions as well. He lined up primarily at left guard during his time with the Houston Texans and shifted to right guard duty during his stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, including during their 2022 playoff run. His versatility along the offensive line makes him a valuable depth option for any team.
