Vern Den Herder: Iowa Time Machine November 28, 1948

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On November 28, 1948, Vern Den Herder was born in Le Mars. A standout basketball and football player at Sioux Center High School and Central College, Den Herder spent 12 seasons in the NFL.

An exceptional athlete from a young age, Den Herder excelled at basketball during his first and second years. However, he did not appear on the gridiron because Sioux Center did not have a team. During his junior year, the school added football, and Den Herder shone.

Vern Den Herder headed to Pella to attend Central College. He went on to graduate cum laude while majoring in chemistry. The 6’6” Dunking Dutchman started at center on Central's basketball team for four years and set the school scoring record. He also dominated while playing defensive end for the Dutchmen.

Drafted with the 230th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 9th round, Vern Den Herder proved a fierce run-stopper and menace to opposing quarterbacks. During his time with the Dolphins, Den Herder unofficially recorded 64.5 sacks, good for 4th all-time in franchise history, while helping the team reach three Super Bowls and win two championships. Following retirement, Den Herder returned to northwestern Iowa to settle into a life of farming. #Iowa #OTD #History #Football #NFL