Wisconsin linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (17) pressures Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) during the second quarter of their game on October 6, 2018, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin beat Nebraska 41-24. Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Prized Wisconsin Badgers junior college transfer lands massive NFL payday after breakout season

Originally posted on Wisconsin Badgers on SI
By Lorin Cox | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 4:28 PM ET

The Wisconsin Badgers haven't had a lot of junior college success stories, but one of their shining examples continues to blaze a path forward.

No one was quite sure what to expect when Andrew Van Ginkel transferred to UW from Iowa Western Community College in 2017, but two strong seasons in Madison made him an NFL draft pick.

Now, he's really cashing in.

The Minnesota Vikings signed Van Ginkel to a one-year contract extension on Tuesday worth $23 million.

A raise in Minnesota: Vikings reached agreement today on a one-year $23 million extension that includes $22.4 million guaranteed for LB Andrew Van Ginkel, per his agents Drew and Jason Rosenhaus. pic.twitter.com/CHvbOo9sBN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2025

He's coming off of a breakout 2024 season when he made the Pro Bowl with 11.5 sacks and two interceptions returned for touchdowns.

Van Ginkel signed with Minnesota as a free agent last year on a two-year, $20 million deal, and now the team is more than doubling his salary to reward his big year.

$23 million on his new deal would make him one of the Top 10 highest paid edge rushers in the NFL. For comparison, former Badger T.J. Watt makes around $28 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The short length of Van Ginkel's new contract could land him another big payday soon, if he continues to produce at a top level for the Vikings.

Not bad for a kid who was playing at a junior college less than 10 years ago.