Arrowhead grad Max Bredeson picked by Minnesota, joins brother in the NFL

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Arrowhead grad Max Bredeson picked by Minnesota, joins brother in the NFL

Mark Stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel · Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Sat, Apr 25, 2026 ·

2 min read

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Max Bredeson's story just keeps getting better.

The former standout at Arrowhead High School began his college career as a walk-on at Michigan and left as a two-time captain who helped the program win a national championship in 2023. Saturday, April 25, the fullback was taken with the 19thpick of the fifth round (159thoverall) of the NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings . He was the first fullback selected.

Bredeson joins his brother, Ben, a guard with Tampa Bay, in the NFL.

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Max Bredeson goes from Arrowhead High School to Vikings draft pick

The Minnesota Vikings picked Arrowhead High School graduate Max Bredeson in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

He was the first fullback taken in the draft.

Scroll through this gallery for highlights of Bredeson's playing days at Arrowhead and five-year college career at Michigan.

Read more on Bredeson

(Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images)

Blue Team tight end Max Bredeson (44) celebrates a first down against Maize Team during the first half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)

Arrowhead quarterback Max Bredeson leaves a defender behind as he looks for running room during a game against Mukwonago on October 9, 2020.
(Curt Hogg / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Michigan Wolverines tight end Max Bredeson (82) runs after a catch against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during second-half action at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.
(Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press)

Arrowhead quarterback Max Bredeson eyes his receiver as he airs out a pass during a game against Mukwonago on October 9, 2020.
(Curt Hogg / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Jan 6, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Max Bredeson (44) looks on during a practice session before the College Football Playoff national championship game against the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Arrowhead running back Jordan Reneau (3) takes a handoff from quarterback Max Bredeson (7) during the season opener at home against Muskego on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020.
(Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Max Bredeson (82) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Arrowhead senior Max Bredeson takes a swing against Catholic Memorial during a game on May 1, 2021.
(Curt Hogg / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan running back Max Bredeson (RB02) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
(Jacob Musselman, Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images)

Arrowhead quarterback Max Bredeson (7) races for the corner with Muskego's Caden Lawonn (28) in pursuit during the season opener at Arrowhead on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020.
(Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Max Bredeson (44) and wide receiver Keith Reynolds (89) celebrate after a play against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

From left, Michigan tight end Max Bredeson (44), defensive end Joey Klunder (93) and offensive lineman Trente Jones (53) celebrate U-M's 30-3 win on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Michigan Stadium.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK)

Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) locks up with Michigan Wolverines tight end Max Bredeson (44) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Michigan won 13-10.
(Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatch)

Sep 13, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Justice Haynes (22) receives congratulations from tight end Max Bredeson (44) after scoring in the first half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)

Oct 25, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Justice Haynes (22) reacts with tight end Max Bredeson (44) after scoring a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images
(Brendan Mullin, Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images)

Nov 22, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Max Bredeson (44) runs by Maryland Terrapins defensive back La'Khi Roland (27) after a first half catch at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
(Tommy Gilligan, Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)

Michigan tight end Max Bredeson (44) warms up ahead of the Purdue game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Michigan tight end Max Bredeson shakes hands with tight ends coach Steve Casula during warmups at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Michigan tight end Max Bredeson (44) warms up at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Nov 23, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Max Bredeson (44) runs the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)

Arrowhead quarterback Max Bredeson (7) races down the sideline during the season opener at home against Muskego on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020.
(Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Michigan tight end Max Bredeson speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
(Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images)

Max Bredeson's draft grade: B-C

Fullbacks generally don't excite draft experts, so it should be no surprise that the pick didn't receive high marks. USA Today gave it a B-. CBS Sports gave it a C-.

Where did Max Bredeson play in college?

Bredeson played his entire college career at Michigan.

What are Max Bredeson's highlights

Bredeson and his brother, Ben, are the only pair of brothers in Michigan history to serve as a two-time captain. Big Ten coaches voted Bredeson a third-team all-conference selection in 2025, while the media gave him honorable mention. He was a five-time letterwinner who played in 54 games.

Michigan tight end Max Bredeson (44) warms up ahead of the Purdue game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

What is Max Bredeson's height, weight?

Bredeson measured at 6-2, 252 pounds at the NFL Combine.

What were Max Bredeson's stats?

Bredeson served primarily as a blocker, but he occasionally was thrown the ball. He caught 12 passes for 132 yards during his career. Pro Football Focus, listing him as a tight end, gave him a grade of 76.2 that ranked 26thin the country at the position.

What did Max Bredeson do at the NFL combine?

Bredeson did not do any of the drills at the combine due a right foot injury, The Athletic reported. At Michigan's pro day, The Athletic said he bench pressed 225 pounds, 22 times.