Rod Milstead facts for kids

Roderick Leon Milstead, Jr. (born November 10, 1969) is an American football coach and former player. He played as a guard in the National Football League (NFL). His teams included the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Redskins. He played college football for the Delaware State Hornets. After his playing career, he became the head coach at Delaware State.

Rod Milstead's Early Life and College Football

Milstead went to Lackey High School. There, he was a top offensive line player. He helped his team win a state championship in 1986. He also played basketball and was part of the track and field team. That team won a state championship in 1987.

He earned a football scholarship to Delaware State University. He became a starting player at left guard for four years. In his junior year, he helped his team have a strong running game. They averaged almost 300 rushing yards per game. This was one of the best rushing offenses in the NCAA Division I-AA.

Milstead never missed a game or practice during his college career. He started 42 games in a row. He was chosen as a first-team All-MEAC player three times. In 1991, he also received Division I-AA All-American honors.

In 2003, he was honored by being added to the Delaware State Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Hall of Fame in 2021.

Rod Milstead's Professional Football Career

Rod Milstead played for several teams in the NFL. He was known for his strong play on the offensive line.

Playing for the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns

The Dallas Cowboys picked Milstead in the fifth round of the 1992 NFL draft. Soon after, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns. He spent time with the Browns in 1992 and 1993.

Time with the San Francisco 49ers

Milstead joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1994. The next year, he started 12 games, which was the most in his career. He was part of the 49ers team that won Super Bowl XXIX. This was a major highlight of his playing career.

Playing for the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos

In 1998, Milstead signed with the Washington Redskins. He started 11 games for them that season. He played for the Redskins through 1999. In 2000, he briefly joined the Denver Broncos before ending his playing career.

Rod Milstead's Coaching Career

After his time as a player, Rod Milstead became a football coach. He coached at both high school and college levels.

He coached the football team at Lackey High School. He led them to two state championship appearances. He also coached the offensive line at Delaware State University. In 2016, he became the head football coach at La Plata High School.

On January 30, 2018, Milstead was named the head football coach at Delaware State University. He coached the Delaware State Hornets until 2022.

College Head Coaching Record