Chad Wheeler
Chad Wheeler (born January 19, 1994) is a former American football offensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL).[1] Undrafted out of the University of Southern California, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent in 2017 and later played for the New York Giants.[1] Over three seasons, Wheeler appeared in 32 games, starting 19.[1] His professional career concluded following his arrest in January 2021 for the assault of his then-girlfriend Alleah Taylor, for which a jury convicted him in November 2023 of first- and second-degree domestic violence assault; he was sentenced to 81 months in prison in March 2024.[2][3][4]
Early life
Upbringing and family background
Chad Wheeler was born on January 19, 1994, in Santa Monica, California.[1] He grew up in Santa Monica and attended Santa Monica High School, where he competed in football as both an offensive tackle and defensive end.[5][6] In his senior year of 2011, Wheeler sustained a shoulder injury requiring surgery, causing him to miss part of the season.[5] Public records provide no detailed information on his parents or siblings.High school career
Chad Wheeler attended Santa Monica High School in Santa Monica, California, where he competed in football.[1][7] He primarily played offensive tackle but also contributed on defense as an end.[8] As a senior in 2011, Wheeler measured 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 255 pounds, earning recognition as a two-way standout.[8] However, he sat out the final three games of the season after separating his shoulder during practice.[9] Recruiting services evaluated Wheeler as a mid-tier prospect. 247Sports rated him a two-star offensive tackle, ranking him No. 136 nationally at the position, No. 155 in California, and No. 1638 overall.[10] ESPN assigned him a scout grade of 75, placing him No. 141 among offensive tackles, No. 129 in California, and No. 200 in the West region.[6] He committed to the University of Southern California and graduated high school a semester early to enroll there in spring 2012.[10][7]College career
Junior college transfer and USC performance
Wheeler enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC) in January 2012 after graduating a semester early from Santa Monica High School, allowing him to participate in spring practices as a true freshman. He redshirted the 2012 season to develop further as an offensive tackle, preserving a year of eligibility.[7] In 2013, as a redshirt freshman, Wheeler appeared in just one game, gaining limited experience on the Trojans' offensive line. His role expanded in 2014, where he started all eight games he played, contributing to USC's ground game and pass protection amid a transitional season for the team. By 2015, as a junior, he earned All-Pac-12 second-team honors after starting all 12 games at left tackle, anchoring an improved unit that supported a balanced offense.[11][12][11] Wheeler's senior year in 2016 marked his peak performance, starting all 12 games and earning first-team All-Pac-12 recognition, as well as first-team All-American honors from multiple outlets. He was named the MVP of USC's offensive line, allowing just one sack on 492 pass-blocking snaps, and helped the unit become a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award as the nation's top offensive line. Wheeler also received the Bob Chandler Award in 2014 for excellence in athletics, academics, and character, and was placed on the Outland Trophy watch list in 2016; however, a shoulder injury limited him late in his college career. Over four seasons, he accumulated 33 appearances and 34 starts, solidifying his status as one of USC's most experienced linemen.[13][12][13][14][15][16][12][11]Professional career
Draft selection and New York Giants
Wheeler went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft following his college career at USC, where injuries and off-field issues diminished his draft stock despite his athleticism as an offensive tackle prospect ranked 12th at his position by NFLDraftScout.com.[1][17] On April 29, 2017, he signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent, receiving a $20,000 signing bonus—the largest among the team's UDFA offensive linemen—and $10,000 guaranteed base salary.[18][19] As a rookie in 2017, Wheeler made the Giants' initial 53-man roster and debuted on October 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers, appearing in 11 games with 5 starts primarily at tackle amid injuries along the offensive line.[1][20] In 2018, he earned the starting right tackle role after the midseason benching of Ereck Flowers, playing all 16 games and starting 14 while logging 857 offensive snaps.[1][21] Overall with the Giants from 2017 to 2018, he appeared in 27 games and recorded 19 starts, with 3 penalties (including 1 holding and 1 false start).[1]| Year | Team | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | NYG | 11 | 5 |
| 2018 | NYG | 16 | 14 |
| Total | 27 | 19 |