Packers OL Jared Veldheer Deserves More Credit for Saving the Day With Almost No Warning

Imagine going from a fan in the stands on opening weekend of the NFL to starting a playoff game at one of the most historic stadiums in football.

That was the experience Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Jared Veldheer had this season. From (literally) watching Aaron Rodgers' first game of the season from the stands of Soldier Field, to being a brick wall in front of him in the playoffs, Veldheer had a rollercoaster campaign in 2019.

Aaron Rodgers said he teased fill-in RT Jared Veldheer during a timeout that he was retired a few weeks ago and now he's starting a playoff game.

Veldheer replies: "I was at your first game this season (at Chicago) in the stands." https://t.co/eVYbomPlcQ
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) January 13, 2020

After playing 12 games for the Denver Broncos last season, Veldheer signed with the New England Patriots this offseason, but retired soon after without featuring in a single game.

Upon realizing he wanted to return to football in November, the Patriots released him, and Veldheer signed with the Packers in Week 14. He took the field in a backup role for Week 16 and 17, but due to an illness to Brian Bulaga, Veldheer ended up starting in the Packers' Divisional Round bout against the Seattle Seahawks.

Jared Veldheer said he found out #Packers RT Bryan Bulaga was sick while watching pregame of Chiefs-Texans. That's right, after spending entire week on scout team, Veldheer found out he'd gone from playing no snaps to playing every snap ... on TV.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 13, 2020

Veldheer might have even been one of the Packers' most valuable players in the game as well. Pro Football Focus reported that Veldheer allowed zero quarterback pressures during the game against a talented Seahawks defensive line, offering elite protection for Rodgers under center.

Backup RT Jared Veldheer was excellent in pass protection vs. Seattle. In fact, there was little to no drop off at the position. His run blocking wasn't nearly as good, but that wasn't his top priority.
— Michael Rodney (@PackersNotes) January 13, 2020

Veldheer is the Packers' unsung hero from their win against the Seahawks on Sunday, as he stepped up in the biggest of moments.