Derek is an exceptionally talented and highly accomplished individual who has garnered immense success throughout his professional football career, with a notable highlight being his selection by the then-San Diego Chargers in the year 2016, marking a significant milestone in his journey as a National Football League player.
Derek, a native of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, hails from a family of three brothers, JJ and TJ, who collectively shared an unwavering enthusiasm for the sport of football, which ultimately led each of them to pursue their collegiate athletic careers at the University of Wisconsin, where they continued to hone their skills and further develop their passion for the game.
Derek's tenure at the University of Wisconsin was marked by a plethora of exceptional achievements, with his contributions playing a pivotal role in the team's astonishing run of success. Notably, his presence on the team coincided with a period of unparalleled dominance, as the squad claimed the prestigious Big Ten Championship title not once, but twice, in both the 2011 and 2012 seasons, a testament to his dedication and skill.
As the calendar flipped to the present day, a pivotal moment in the career of Derek awaited, as he found himself being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the year 2020. This monumental shift would not only have a profound impact on his professional trajectory, but also offer a unique opportunity for him to reconnect with a family member, as he and his brother TJ would soon be sharing the same gridiron together, their paths converging once more as they prepared to take to the field for the 2020-2021 football season.
