Revealed: Why Gophers LB is Sitting Out NFL Combine Drills

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Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota Gophers
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It is NFL Combine week in Indianapolis, which is a very important part of the NFL offseason. As teams continue their draft preparation for the marquee April event, front offices and coaching staffs also get face time with prospects and agents. That includes players coming from the Minnesota Golden Gophers squad.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in future NFL stars choosing to skip drills at the Draft Combine. In the current sports landscape, self-preservation is key as athletes are increasingly focused on avoiding injuries that could jeopardize their careers. Naturally, top quarterbacks often prefer showcasing their skills in the familiar, controlled setting of their university’s Pro Day. Meanwhile, players at other positions have their own compelling reasons for bypassing the Combine’s drill sessions, also opting instead to shine at their Pro Day events.

Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota Gophers
Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Cody Lindenberg is among the new school record, of six Minnesota Gophers attending the NFL Combine. Lindenberg had a very nice showing during the Senior Bowl, but he won’t be participating during the drills portion in Indianapolis.

Minnesota Gophers Cody Lindenberg underwent surgery

Standout MN Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg was invited to the NFL Combine, after capping a strong collegiate career. He will talk with evaluators and undergo physical testing, but hernia surgery keeps him out of individual drills, reports Star Tribune journalist Andrew Krammer.

“Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg will not run drills Thursday with other linebackers at the NFL scouting combine. Lindenberg, the Gophers’ leading tackler last season as a redshirt senior, is recovering from Dec. 2 sports hernia surgery, his agent, Blake Baratz, told the Star Tribune on Wednesday. Lindenberg said he plans to run every drill at Gophers pro day March 19.”

Krammer on Lindenberg’s participation (Star Tribune)

It’s pretty impressive that Lindenberg was able to play in the Senior Bowl, despite still recovering from his surgery. The Mobile, Alabama Senior Bowl spectacle took place on February 1, which means that Lindenberg was playing just two months after going under the knife.

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The Anoka, Minnesota native honed his skills over five years as a standout linebacker for the Minnesota Gophers. This isn’t Lindenberg’s first brush with injury, though. His ability to bounce back time and again showcases the kind of grit and determination that’s sure to catch the attention of NFL reps this week. As he meets with them, he’ll likely highlight that resilience, while working to ease any concerns about his injury history.

Last season Lindenberg played 12 games for P.J. Fleck’s 7-5 Gophers squad, but he sat out of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory to prepare for the Draft. He led the team in tackles over the season with 94, and he generated five tackles for loss. He also picked up just the second sack of his career, along with his first interception.

2023 was a tough season for Lindenberg, as he played just four games for the Minnesota Gophers during his junior season. The difficult part for Lindenberg is that was after starting 13 games the year prior, as a sophomore. Lindenberg understands what he has been through, and knows it will help him to push through this injury, avoiding a setback.

“The hardships, the good times, everything has prepared you for this whether you know it or not or whether you’re being intentional with it or not. It all builds up to this moment…It’s the work that really sets you apart.”

Lindenberg on his journey (Star Tribune)

Minnesota has remained home for Lindenberg as he played college football just minutes from where he took the field in high school. The Vikings don’t necessarily have a pressing need at linebacker, but it would be neat to see him paired up with another former Gopher and Minnesota native Blake Cashman.

Wherever Lindenberg winds up, an NFL team will get a battle-tested prospect who holds 38 games of college experience under his belt. He helped to elevate the Minnesota Gophers defense this past season, and should have a good shot to contribute at the next level.

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