LB Nick Niemann Featured in Chargers 90-in-90

Nick Niemann is set to continue as a key special teams contributor for the Chargers, offering dependable depth at linebacker for another season. Growing up in Sycamore, Illinois, Niemann became a standout at Sycamore High School under head coach Joe Ryan.

As a senior, he earned first-team all-state and all-conference honors while also being named Defensive Player of the Year in the Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference. Additionally, Niemann played tight end and was an honorable mention all-conference selection during his junior year.

Following his brother Ben’s footsteps, who now plays for the Tennessee Titans, Niemann committed to the University of Iowa. Late in his college career, his father Jay joined the Hawkeye staff as assistant defensive line coach for the 2019 season after serving as Rutgers’ defensive coordinator for three years.

As a redshirt freshman, Niemann appeared in all 13 games in a backup role before securing his first five starts in 2017, recording 43 tackles and 2.5 for loss. His junior year saw him tally 32 stops and score a touchdown on an interception return.

Niemann concluded his college tenure by earning Third-Team All-Conference recognition after posting a career-best 77 tackles in just eight starts during the shortened 2020 season.

Selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Niemann recorded 22 tackles and an interception as a rookie, primarily on special teams. His 2022 season saw limited action, with only three tackles and minimal defensive snaps.

However, this past season marked his career high in playing time, notching 40 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery while earning his first three career starts due to an early injury to Erick Kendricks.