It’s important to note at the outset that there are two prominent NFL players named Connor McGovern, which can sometimes lead to confusion. This article will focus on the Connor McGovern who plays for the Buffalo Bills as a center/guard, born in 1997. The other Connor McGovern, born in 1993, is primarily a center and has played for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints. To avoid ambiguity, we will refer to the subject of this article as “Connor McGovern (Buffalo Bills)” when necessary to distinguish him.
Connor McGovern (Buffalo Bills), born on November 3, 1997, is a formidable presence on the offensive line. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 318 pounds, his physical attributes are well-suited for the demanding nature of his position.
Early Life and Collegiate Beginnings: The Penn State Nittany Lion
Hailing from Larksville, Pennsylvania, Connor McGovern (Buffalo Bills) established himself as a dominant force early in his football career. He attended Lake-Lehman High School, where his talent was immediately recognized. He earned Wyoming Valley Football Conference first-team All-League honors in 2013, 2014, and 2015, showcasing his consistent performance and leadership on the high school gridiron. His senior year was particularly noteworthy, as he was named the Wyoming Valley Football Conference Most Valuable Player and received first-team All-state recognition. Beyond football, McGovern also demonstrated his athletic prowess in basketball, earning All-conference honors as a junior, and in track and field, where he was the District 2 shot put champion in 2015. His dedication to strength training was evident even then, setting school records in bench press, power clean, squat, and deadlift.
McGovern’s impressive high school resume attracted significant attention from collegiate programs, and he ultimately committed to Penn State University. His time with the Nittany Lions was marked by versatility and rapid development. As a true freshman in 2016, he immediately made an impact, starting nine out of 13 games at right guard. His performance earned him the Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor, a rare achievement for an offensive lineman. This early success set the stage for a distinguished college career.
In his sophomore season, McGovern demonstrated his adaptability by transitioning to the center position, where he started all 13 games. This move highlighted his intelligence and ability to grasp new roles on the offensive line. As a junior, he continued to display his positional flexibility, starting 12 games at right guard and one at center. On January 2, 2019, recognizing his readiness for the next level, McGovern announced his decision to forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft.
The Path to the Pros: NFL Draft and Early Career with the Cowboys
Connor McGovern’s talent and versatility were acknowledged in the 2019 NFL Draft when he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round, 90th overall. This marked the beginning of his professional journey, a path that would test his resilience and commitment.
His rookie season with the Cowboys was hampered by injury, as he missed the entire preseason with a torn pectoral muscle and was subsequently placed on the injured reserve list. However, McGovern’s perseverance shone through, and he returned in 2020. He began the season as a backup guard, but an injury to starting right guard Zack Martin provided him with an opportunity to step up. He made his first career start in Week 7, showcasing his ability to perform at the NFL level. Later in the season, he was named the starting right guard as the Cowboys adjusted their offensive line to improve performance.
Throughout his time with the Cowboys (2019-2022), McGovern continued to be a valuable asset due to his ability to play multiple interior line positions. He started at left guard in the 2022 season opener but suffered a high ankle sprain early in the game, another setback in his promising career. Despite these challenges, McGovern’s consistent effort and reliability were evident.
The Buffalo Bills Chapter: A New Home and Elevated Role
In March 2023, Connor McGovern embarked on a new chapter in his NFL career, signing a three-year, $22.35 million contract with the Buffalo Bills. This move signified a significant investment by the Bills in his talent and potential. He immediately stepped into a crucial role, starting all 17 games at left guard in his first season with the team. His performance was solid, and he proved to be a reliable presence on a highly productive Bills offense. Pro Football Focus (PFF) noted his modest overall grade in 2023 but highlighted his strong pass-blocking performance, allowing just 23 pressures across 695 pass-blocking snaps, a top-20 mark at his position.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, McGovern’s role with the Bills is set to expand even further. Following the release of long-time starting center Mitch Morse, Connor McGovern has been named the consensus choice to replace him at center. This transition speaks volumes about the coaching staff’s trust in his abilities and his fundamental understanding of the offensive scheme. His versatility, having played both guard and center extensively, makes him an invaluable asset to the Bills’ offensive line. The Bills also restructured his contract in February 2024, converting a portion of his base salary into a signing bonus to free up cap space, further solidifying his commitment to the team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Connor McGovern (Buffalo Bills) is known for his versatility, strength, and technical proficiency. He possesses the ability to play both guard and center at a high level, a trait highly valued in the NFL. His transition to center for the Bills in 2024 demonstrates his intelligence and ability to adapt to new responsibilities, including calling out protections and making line adjustments.
His pass blocking is a particular strength. As noted by PFF, his ability to limit pressures on the quarterback is a testament to his footwork, hand placement, and understanding of pass-rushing techniques. In the run game, he is a powerful blocker who can create lanes for running backs. His experience at multiple positions allows him to understand the nuances of various blocking schemes.
While PFF noted a “modest” overall grade in 2023, his impact extends beyond raw numerical scores, as he is consistently present and reliable. His veteran savvy and experience are also significant strengths, providing stability and leadership to the offensive line.
Contract and Earnings
Connor McGovern (Buffalo Bills) signed a three-year, $22.35 million contract with the Buffalo Bills in March 2023, including an $8 million signing bonus and $11 million guaranteed. His average annual salary is $7.45 million. In 2025, he is set to earn a base salary of $5.35 million, a roster bonus of $1 million, and a workout bonus of $100,000. His career earnings through 2025 are projected to be over $22.5 million, a testament to his consistent performance and value in the league. The restructuring of his contract in early 2024 further demonstrated the Bills’ commitment to him.
Injury History
Like many NFL players, Connor McGovern has had his share of injuries throughout his career. While he has demonstrated remarkable durability in recent seasons, playing all 17 games in 2023, his past includes:
Torn pectoral muscle: Missed his entire rookie preseason in 2019.
Hamstring strain: Week 2 (2020)
Knee sprain: Week 9 (2020)
MCL sprain: Week 16 (2021)
High-ankle sprain: Week 1 (2022)
Despite these setbacks, McGovern has consistently worked to return to the field and maintain a high level of play, a testament to his resilience and dedication.
Off-Field Interests and Philanthropy
Beyond the football field, Connor McGovern is actively involved in community initiatives, particularly those focused on individuals with special needs. He is the founder and face of the Able Games, a fitness competition held in Fargo, North Dakota, that provides a platform for people of all abilities to compete physically. This initiative stems from his involvement with Special Olympics in college and his desire to showcase the capabilities of special needs athletes.
The Able Games has expanded to include a physical education curriculum in schools around North Dakota, and an offshoot program, Able Vocations, aims to help individuals with special needs find fulfilling employment. McGovern’s commitment to these causes demonstrates his compassionate nature and desire to make a positive impact beyond the realm of professional sports. He and his wife, Devin Dilling, whom he married in 2020, are deeply involved in these endeavors.
Furthermore, McGovern comes from an affluent family in Fargo, North Dakota. His grandfather, Ron Offutt, is a prominent figure in the agriculture industry, known as “The Sultan of Spuds” and one of North Dakota’s wealthiest individuals, whose company, R.D. Offutt Farms, is a primary supplier of frozen french fries for McDonald’s. This background highlights a strong foundation and support system that likely contributed to his success.
FAQs
Who is Connor McGovern?
Connor McGovern is a professional American football offensive lineman currently playing for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. Born on November 3, 1997, in Larksville, Pennsylvania, he played college football at Penn State University. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 318 pounds, McGovern has been a versatile player on the offensive line, contributing significantly to his teams.
What position does Connor McGovern play?
McGovern primarily plays as a guard. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated versatility by playing both left and right guard positions, adapting to team needs and showcasing his skills in various offensive line roles.
Which NFL teams has Connor McGovern played for?
Connor McGovern was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He played with the Cowboys until 2022, after which he signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills in March 2023.
How has Connor McGovern performed in his NFL career?
McGovern has been a reliable presence on the offensive line. In the 2024 season, he started all 17 games at left guard for the Bills. His performance earned him a spot in the 2025 Pro Bowl, marking his first selection to the prestigious event.
What is Connor McGovern’s contract with the Buffalo Bills?
In March 2023, McGovern signed a three-year, $22.35 million contract with the Buffalo Bills. The deal includes $11 million in guaranteed money, with $9.9 million guaranteed at signing. He also received an $8 million signing bonus, and the contract includes up to $750,000 in Pro Bowl incentives.
Has Connor McGovern faced any injuries during his career?
Yes, McGovern has dealt with injuries. Notably, in the 2022 season, he suffered a high ankle sprain during the season opener, causing him to miss subsequent games. Despite these setbacks, he has consistently worked to return to the field and contribute to his team’s success.
What is known about Connor McGovern’s background and family?
Connor McGovern comes from a family with a strong agricultural background. His grandfather, Ron Offutt, is known as the “Sultan of Spuds” and is the founder of R.D. Offutt Company, a major supplier of potatoes to fast-food chains like McDonald’s. Despite this affluent background, McGovern chose to pursue a career in professional football.
What are Connor McGovern’s career statistics?
As of the end of the 2024 NFL season, McGovern has played in 109 games, starting in 96 of them. His consistent presence on the offensive line has been a significant asset to his teams.
What is Connor McGovern’s college football background?
McGovern played college football at Penn State University, where he was a key player on the offensive line. His performance at the collegiate level showcased his skills and versatility, leading to his selection in the NFL Draft.
What is Connor McGovern’s outlook for the 2025 NFL season?
Heading into the 2025 season, McGovern is expected to continue his role as a starting guard for the Buffalo Bills. His experience and performance make him a valuable asset to the team’s offensive line as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
To conclude
Connor McGovern’s journey in the NFL reflects dedication, resilience, and adaptability. From his college days at Penn State to his professional career with the Dallas Cowboys and now the Buffalo Bills, he has consistently demonstrated his capabilities on the offensive line. His selection to the 2025 Pro Bowl underscores his impact and recognition in the league. Despite facing injuries, McGovern’s commitment to recovery and performance has kept him as a mainstay in the NFL. Off the field, his unique family background adds an intriguing dimension to his story, highlighting a blend of athletic prowess and rich heritage. As he continues his career, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how McGovern further cements his legacy in professional football.
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