David Bakhtiari

David Afrasiab Assad Bakhtiari was born on September 30, 1991, in San Mateo, California. He grew up in the area and eventually attended the University of Colorado, where he played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes. Bakhtiari hails from a diverse background, with Persian and Icelandic ancestry. His family was supportive of his sports interests from a young age, which helped him develop into a highly skilled and motivated athlete.

On April 27, 2013, David Bakhtiari was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, with the 109th overall pick. He quickly became a key player for the team due to his agility, pass protection skills, and leadership on the field. Bakhtiari's selection provided the Packers with a reliable offensive tackle, and he became an integral part of their offensive line strategy.

On September 13, 2016, David Bakhtiari signed a four-year contract extension with the Green Bay Packers worth $48 million, making him one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL at the time. His performance on the field, marked by effective blocking and consistent protection of the quarterback, earned him this lucrative deal and solidified his role as a leader on the Packers' offensive line.

On December 19, 2018, David Bakhtiari was named to his first Pro Bowl, signifying his recognition as one of the elite offensive tackles in the NFL. Despite battling injuries throughout the season, his exceptional performance was evident in his ability to protect the quarterback and stabilize the offensive line, earning him accolades from peers, coaches, and fans.

On November 29, 2019, David Bakhtiari was named to the NFL's Second-Team All-Pro. His designation was a testament to his outstanding skills and consistency at the left tackle position, a crucial role in protecting the quarterback's blind side. His technical skills in pass protection and run blocking contributed significantly to the Packers' strong offensive performance during the season.

On November 15, 2020, David Bakhtiari signed a record-breaking four-year, $105.5 million contract extension with the Green Bay Packers. This deal made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history at that time. Bakhtiari's contract reflected his value to the team and the league, bolstering the team's offensive line with his leadership and elite skill level.

On January 7, 2021, it was reported that David Bakhtiari had torn his ACL during practice, which significantly affected his availability for the rest of the season. The injury dealt a significant blow to the Packers, who relied heavily on his protection of their quarterback and his stability on the offensive line. His absence was keenly felt during crucial playoff games.

After a long recovery from ACL surgery, David Bakhtiari made his return to the field on November 14, 2021. His comeback was highly anticipated by fans and teammates, as his skills and presence on the offensive line were greatly missed. Bakhtiari's rehabilitation process was extensive, but his determination and hard work enabled him to return to his starting role.

On December 26, 2022, David Bakhtiari received the NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor for his outstanding performance during the Packers' victory over the Miami Dolphins. His excellent blocking and leadership on the offensive line were pivotal in the team's victory, illustrating once again why he is regarded as one of the top tackles in the league.

On August 5, 2023, David Bakhtiari underwent another surgery on his knee, which had been troubling him with ongoing issues since his major ACL injury. This surgery was aimed at addressing lingering problems and improving his future performance and health on the field. The Packers have shown great support for Bakhtiari, ensuring he receives the best medical care possible.