Jared Gaither facts for kids
Gaither during Ravens camp in 2009
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| No. 71, 78 | |||||
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| Position: | Offensive tackle | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | March 18, 1986 White Plains, Maryland, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 350 lb (159 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | Chatham (VA) Hargrave Military | ||||
| College: | Maryland | ||||
| Supplemental draft: | 2007 / Round: 5 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||
Jared Dwight Gaither (born March 18, 1986) is an American former professional football player. He played as an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). An offensive tackle is a player who blocks defenders to protect the quarterback and help the running backs.
Jared was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2007 supplemental draft. This is a special draft for players who become eligible after the main draft. He played college football at the University of Maryland. Gaither also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Diego Chargers.
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Early Life and High School Sports
Jared Gaither started his high school sports career playing basketball. He played basketball for three years at Eleanor Roosevelt High School.
In his senior year, he switched to playing football. He played at Hargrave Military Academy. He first planned to play basketball for the University of South Carolina. However, he later decided to play football instead. In football, he played as a defensive tackle and tight end. He made 89 tackles, 9 sacks, and forced 1 fumble. He also blocked 4 passes.
College Football Career
Jared Gaither joined the University of Maryland in 2005 as a first-year student, also known as a true freshman. He played in all 11 games that season. He started in 8 of those games. He was recognized as a top freshman player.
He played as a left tackle and did not allow any sacks during his 583 plays. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. He also committed only 2 penalties.
In his second year, Gaither played in twelve games. He helped the team's offensive line. They only allowed 19 sacks all season. He was considered one of the best offensive tackles in the country.
Professional Football Journey
Playing for the Baltimore Ravens
Jared Gaither had some academic issues in 2007. Because of his grades, he could not play for Maryland that year. So, he decided to enter the NFL's supplemental draft. The Baltimore Ravens picked him in the fifth round on July 12.
After Jonathan Ogden, a famous player, retired, Gaither took over his starting left tackle position. At 6 feet 9 inches tall, Gaither was one of the tallest players in the NFL at that time.
In 2008, Gaither became the starting left tackle for the Ravens. He played very well, even with an early ankle injury. He helped make the Ravens' offensive line much better.
In October 2009, he got a head injury during a game. He was taken to the hospital. Luckily, x-rays showed no serious neck or shoulder injuries. Gaither missed the entire 2010 season due to an injury. He was placed on the Injured Reserve (IR) list. This list is for players who are too injured to play.
Time with the Kansas City Chiefs
On August 11, 2011, Gaither signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. He played for them for a few months. The Chiefs released him on November 29, 2011.
Joining the San Diego Chargers
The very next day, on November 30, 2011, the San Diego Chargers picked up Gaither. They signed him to a four-year contract in March 2012. However, the Chargers released him on March 27, 2013.
Life Outside Football
Jared Gaither has supported the FIT Kids Act. This is a federal law that would ask schools to report on how much physical activity students get. It would also give kids information about health and nutrition. He believes in helping children stay healthy and active.
