Wisconsin Badgers: NFL's Andrew Van Ginkel Announcement Stirs Emotions 1 DUPLICATE***Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (17) reacts after sacking Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nathan Stanley (4) during the Wisconsin vs. Iowa Big Ten football game in Madison, Wisconsin, Saturday, November 11, 2017. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo by Rick Wood/RWOOD@JOURNALSENTINEL.COMORG XMIT: 00094078AUwgrid 11 Ofx Spt Wood

Wisconsin Badgers: NFL’s Andrew Van Ginkel Announcement Stirs Emotions

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 6:34 AM ET

Former Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel is coming off a breakout season in the NFL.

After playing his first five seasons in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, Van Ginkel took his talents to the NFC North, signing a two-year contract worth $20 million with the Vikings in 2024. Because of what he showed Minnesota on the field last season, he earned a one-year, $23 million extension deal with the team.

In just his first game with the Vikings, a Week 1 meeting with the New York Giants on the road, Van Ginkel made his presence felt, as he racked up two quarterback hits, a pass defended, four combined tackles and an interception, perfectly setting the tone for his 2024 campaign.

Ex-Wisconsin Badgers star earns place on NFL’s Top 100 list for 2025

Van Ginkel, who posted a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2024, was revealed as the player on the No. 88 post on the Top 100 for 2025. He had never cracked the list before, but his stint with the Vikings has seemingly unlocked his potential to be an even more effective asset on defense.

NFL Top 100 Players of 2025:@Vikings LB Andrew Van Ginkel earns the No. 88 spot! @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/K24EblLTAO

— NFL (@NFL) July 8, 2025

Fans can’t help but react to the honor Van Ginkel just had heading into the 2025 season.

“He should be top 70,” said a fan on X.

Another one said: “It will never not be painful for Dolphins fans seeing AVG perform so well for another team.Chris Grier really messed up by not retaining Gink.”

From a commenter: “Underrated sleeper, mark my words Van Ginkel’s a dawg ”

“Wow… congratulations to him. His hard work and dedication has brought his this far. Super proud of you,” a social media user posted.

Via a different commenter: “Becoming one of my favorite Vikings.”

Said another: “Keep the ball running and the fire burning.”

Wisconsin Badgers: NFL's Andrew Van Ginkel Announcement Stirs Emotions 2 Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) looks on before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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