Matt Vanderbeek Sport: NFL Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys & Washington Redskins
Vanderbeek attended West Ottawa High School, where he practiced football and track. He received All-state honors as a senior. He accepted a football scholarship to play for Michigan State University. While at Michigan State University he was named an honorable mention All-Big Ten in 1989. As a junior, he became a starter at defensive end. As a senior, he posted 60 tackles (11 for loss), 2 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten. He finished his college career with 119 career tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 5 quarterback sacks. Vanderbeek's NFL career began when he signed as a free agent in 1990 with the Indianapolis Colts. As rookie, he was converted into an inside linebacker, appearing in 16 games with 7 starts, while resitering 46 tackles. He started the last 4 games at left inside linebacker in place of a injured Fredd Young.
In 1991, Vanderbeek was signed by the Indianapolis Colts and became a special teams standout. He started at left inside linebacker in place of an injured Scott Radecic against the Cleveland Browns. He finished the season with 11 tackles.
In 1993, Vanderbeek was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys. He registered 22 special teams tackles (second on the team) and contributed to the team winning Super Bowl XXVIII. In 1994, He finished with 16 special teams tackles.