Overview
Brad Lekkerkerker (born May 8, 1978) is an American former professional football offensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL). From Chino, California, he grew up on his family's dairy farm and did not play high school football. He played college football for the Chaffey Panthers and UC Davis Aggies. After going unselected in the 2004 NFL draft, Lekkerkerker signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent. He later was a member of the Oakland Raiders from 2004 until his retirement in 2006, appearing in one NFL game. His younger brother, Cory Lekkerkerker, also played as an offensive tackle in the NFL.
Early life
Lekkerkerker was born on May 8, 1978, in Chino, California. His grandparents were immigrants from the Netherlands. He grew up in Chino and has a younger brother, Cory, who also played in the NFL. His father died of cancer when he was age nine. In 1996, he graduated from Damien.
College career
In 2000, following after his brother, Lekkerkerker enrolled at Chaffey College and began playing football for the first time. The brothers received attention from several NCAA Division I schools, but they both transferred to the NCAA Division II-level UC Davis Aggies in 2002. The Bee described them as like twins and noted, "They sound alike, in tone and in beliefs. They are quiet and shy by nature, but brutish and unforgiving in shoulder pads." At the conclusion of his collegiate career, he played in the East–West Shrine Bowl.
Professional career
Lekkerkerker was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and worked out with the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots prior to the 2004 NFL draft; some sources projected him as a potential sixth- or seventh-round pick. He appeared in only one game, a Week 17 loss to the New York Giants. During the 2005 season, the Raiders twice played against the San Diego Chargers, who had Brad's brother Cory on their roster, although the brothers did not play in the games.