Last Updated on November 5, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Max Bredeson is an American professional football fullback for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 4, 2002, in Hartland, Wisconsin, Bredeson played college football at the University of Michigan before being selected by the Vikings in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Beyond his football career, Max Bredeson comes from a family with strong athletic traditions. His parents are Mike and Debra Bredeson, and he has two older brothers, Ben Bredeson and Jack Bredeson. Ben is an NFL offensive lineman, while Jack played college baseball at Michigan before pursuing a career in professional baseball operations.
Although his parents and siblings have been extensively featured in sports publications, Max has maintained a relatively private personal life, particularly regarding romantic relationships and children.
Max Bredeson’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Max Bredeson has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. Despite attracting attention during his college football career at Michigan and after joining the Minnesota Vikings, he has kept his romantic relationships outside the public spotlight.
His interviews and official biographies have focused primarily on football, his parents, his brothers and his development as an athlete.
There are no sufficiently reliable public reports identifying a current girlfriend or confirming that he is in a romantic relationship.
Bredeson has also not publicly announced an engagement or marriage.
Therefore, his relationship status remains undisclosed. Without a verified statement or credible reporting, it would be inaccurate to identify anyone as his girlfriend.
Max Bredeson’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
Max Bredeson has not publicly confirmed having any children. His official Minnesota Vikings and University of Michigan biographies do not identify a son or daughter.
Most available information about his family focuses on his upbringing in Wisconsin and the relationships he maintains with his parents and two older brothers.
Although Bredeson has discussed the importance of family in interviews, he has not made any verified public announcements about becoming a father.
Consequently, there is no reliable evidence establishing that he has children.
Max Bredeson’s Parents
Max Bredeson was born to Mike Bredeson and Debra Bredeson, who raised three sons in Hartland, Wisconsin.
Both parents emphasized athletics, discipline, education and personal responsibility throughout their children’s upbringing.
Their influence helped Max and his older brothers achieve success in competitive sports, with all three eventually attending the University of Michigan.
Max Bredeson’s Father: Mike Bredeson
Mike Bredeson is Max Bredeson’s father and a former college football player who represented Illinois State University.
He played on the offensive line at Illinois State between 1986 and 1989, gaining experience in the sport that his sons would later pursue.
Following his college football career, Mike worked in the construction industry, including building houses and selling insulation.
His sporting background played an important role in creating a competitive household where his children were encouraged to participate in multiple activities.
Mike also built a hockey rink in the family’s backyard, allowing his sons to practice and compete together during Wisconsin winters.
Although football eventually became the main sport for Max and Ben, hockey was an important part of their childhood.
Mike encouraged his sons to develop their athletic abilities but also emphasized that enjoying sports was more important than simply chasing professional success.
His influence became particularly important when Max received an opportunity to join Michigan’s football program as a preferred walk-on in 2021.
Because Max initially lacked an athletic scholarship, his parents explained that he would need to earn financial assistance or take responsibility for his tuition.
They gave him a year to demonstrate that he could succeed in Michigan’s football program and secure a scholarship.
Max eventually earned that scholarship after his first season, rewarding both his determination and his parents’ support.
Mike continued following his son’s progress through college and attended important football events as Max developed into a team captain and eventual NFL draft selection.
Max Bredeson’s Mother: Debra Bredeson
Debra Bredeson, also known as Deb Bredeson, is Max Bredeson’s mother and another significant influence on his upbringing.
She has been described as a highly competitive person who encouraged her three sons to work hard and pursue their goals.
Debra is involved in retriever field trials, competitive events that evaluate the abilities of trained hunting dogs.
Her dedication to dog training reflects the discipline and competitive spirit she encouraged within her family.
In a 2020 interview published by the Baltimore Ravens, Max’s older brother Ben explained that he inherited much of his competitive nature from their mother.
The article also revealed a meaningful family tradition involving Debra and her three sons.
Every Mother’s Day, Max, Ben and Jack write personal letters to their mother expressing appreciation for the sacrifices she made while raising them.
Debra has kept these letters over the years, preserving them as treasured reminders of their family relationships.
During their childhood, she frequently transported the boys to practices, games and sporting events, helping them develop their abilities in football, baseball and hockey.
She also supported Max’s decision to pursue football at Michigan, even though his path was more uncertain than that of his older brother Ben, who had been a highly recruited high school prospect.
In interviews published in 2026, Debra explained that she encouraged Max to consider different opportunities rather than feeling obligated to attend Michigan simply because his brothers had studied there.
Nevertheless, Max remained determined to follow his brothers to the university.
His eventual success as a Michigan football captain and NFL player became another proud chapter in the family’s sporting history.
Max Bredeson’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Max Bredeson has two older brothers, Ben Bredeson and Jack Bredeson. He is the youngest of three sons born to Mike and Debra Bredeson.
Both brothers attended the University of Michigan and pursued successful athletic careers.
Ben became a professional football player, while Jack played college baseball and later entered the professional baseball industry.
The three brothers have maintained close relationships, with Max frequently acknowledging their influence on his athletic development.
Max Bredeson’s Brother: Ben Bredeson
Ben Bredeson is Max Bredeson’s older brother and a professional football offensive lineman for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Born on February 20, 1998, Ben grew up in Hartland, Wisconsin, and attended Arrowhead High School, where he became one of the nation’s leading offensive line prospects.
During his senior year, he earned significant recognition, including the 2015 Wisconsin Gatorade Football Player of the Year award.
He subsequently attended the University of Michigan, where he played college football from 2016 through 2019.
Ben established himself as one of the Wolverines’ most reliable offensive linemen and served as a team captain during his junior and senior seasons.
His performances helped him earn All-Big Ten honors and national recognition as an offensive guard.
In the 2020 NFL Draft, Ben was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round with the 143rd overall pick.
He began his professional career in Baltimore before joining the New York Giants in 2021.
After spending three seasons with the Giants, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024.
Ben has played an important mentoring role in Max’s football journey.
In interviews, Max has explained that his older brother helped him understand football techniques, offensive schemes and the demands of playing at a high level.
Ben also provided guidance during Max’s preparations for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The brothers share a notable achievement in Michigan football history: they became the first pair of brothers to each serve as two-time team captains for the Wolverines.
Ben held that distinction in 2018 and 2019, while Max received the honor in 2024 and 2025.
The achievement demonstrates the leadership qualities that both brothers developed through their family’s competitive upbringing.
Max Bredeson’s Brother: Jack Bredeson
Jack Bredeson is Max Bredeson’s eldest brother and a former college baseball player at the University of Michigan.
He attended Arrowhead High School in Wisconsin before continuing his education and athletic career at Michigan.
Jack played as a pitcher for the Michigan Wolverines baseball program and contributed to the team that reached the NCAA College World Series championship series in 2019.
After completing his college baseball career, he pursued professional opportunities in baseball analytics and player evaluation.
He subsequently joined the New York Mets organization, working in baseball operations with responsibilities related to pitching analysis and player evaluations.
Jack has also been an important influence on Max’s development.
Because Jack was the first of the three brothers to attend Michigan, his experiences helped establish the family’s connection to the university.
He supported Ben throughout his college football career and later provided guidance to Max when the youngest brother followed them to Ann Arbor.
In a 2025 interview with Michigan football writer Steve Kornacki, Max described Jack as someone who helped him develop mental toughness.
He explained that Jack’s leadership and personal discipline influenced his approach to training and competition.
Jack has also spoken publicly about how their parents encouraged the three brothers to compete while maintaining strong family relationships.
Although the brothers pursued different sports, their shared experiences at Michigan remain an important part of the family’s identity.
Max Bredeson’s Childhood and Family Background
Max Bredeson grew up in Hartland, Wisconsin, alongside his two older brothers.
From childhood, he was surrounded by competitive sports, with football, hockey and baseball forming important parts of family life.
His father had played college football, while his mother participated in competitive dog-training events.
Max’s older brothers also provided examples of athletic dedication, encouraging him to develop his skills and compete against more experienced players.
As the youngest child, Max often participated in games and activities involving his older brothers.
According to family interviews, these experiences helped him develop resilience, confidence and a competitive personality.
He attended Arrowhead High School, where he played quarterback on the football team and participated in baseball as an outfielder.
During his senior football season, he completed 56 of 109 passes for 822 yards and five touchdowns.
He also rushed for 711 yards and nine touchdowns, earning recognition as the Classic 8 Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Despite his achievements, Max did not attract the same level of college recruiting attention as Ben.
Rather than abandoning his ambitions, he accepted an opportunity to join Michigan as a preferred walk-on.
How Max Bredeson’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Max Bredeson’s journey to the NFL was shaped by encouragement and high expectations from his parents and brothers.
When he arrived at Michigan in 2021, he initially played tight end and contributed to special teams.
His position eventually evolved into a blocking-focused fullback role, allowing him to demonstrate his physical abilities and commitment to helping his teammates.
After earning a scholarship, he became an increasingly important member of Michigan’s offense.
During the 2023 season, he helped the Wolverines win the College Football Playoff National Championship.
He subsequently became a team captain in 2024 and retained that leadership responsibility in 2025.
Throughout his college career, Max received support from his brothers, who understood the challenges of competing at Michigan.
Ben provided technical football guidance, while Jack emphasized mental strength and discipline.
Their parents also continued following his development and supporting him through important career decisions.
In April 2026, the Minnesota Vikings selected Max with the 159th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
The achievement allowed him to join Ben as another member of the Bredeson family competing in professional football.
Max has credited his brothers for helping him prepare for the draft process, particularly because Ben had already experienced the transition from Michigan to the NFL.
Max Bredeson’s Family Sporting Legacy
The Bredeson family has an unusual connection to the University of Michigan, with all three sons representing the Wolverines in competitive athletics.
Jack played baseball, Ben became an outstanding offensive lineman, and Max developed into a championship-winning fullback and team captain.
Ben and Max also made school history by becoming the first brothers to each serve as two-time Michigan football captains.
Their father, Mike, contributed to that sporting tradition through his experience playing college football at Illinois State.
The family’s achievements reflect years of dedication, parental encouragement and competition among the brothers.
Despite following different professional paths, Jack, Ben and Max have remained connected through their shared experiences and relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Max Bredeson’s Family
Who is Max Bredeson’s girlfriend?
Max Bredeson has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His current relationship status remains undisclosed.
Is Max Bredeson married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Max Bredeson is married.
Does Max Bredeson have children?
Max Bredeson has not publicly confirmed having any children.
Who are Max Bredeson’s parents?
His parents are Mike Bredeson and Debra Bredeson, who raised him and his two older brothers in Hartland, Wisconsin.
Who is Max Bredeson’s father?
Max Bredeson’s father is Mike Bredeson, a former Illinois State University offensive lineman who later worked in the construction industry.
Who is Max Bredeson’s mother?
His mother is Debra Bredeson, also known as Deb, who participates in competitive retriever field trials and helped support her sons’ athletic development.
How many siblings does Max Bredeson have?
Max Bredeson has two older brothers, Ben Bredeson and Jack Bredeson.
Is Max Bredeson related to Ben Bredeson?
Yes. Ben Bredeson is Max’s older brother. Both played football at the University of Michigan and became NFL players.
Who is Max Bredeson’s oldest brother?
His oldest brother is Jack Bredeson, a former University of Michigan baseball pitcher who later worked in baseball operations for the New York Mets.
Where was Max Bredeson born?
Max Bredeson was born on October 4, 2002, in Hartland, Wisconsin.
Did Max Bredeson’s father play football?
Yes. Mike Bredeson played college football as an offensive lineman at Illinois State University from 1986 to 1989.
What NFL team does Max Bredeson play for?
Max Bredeson plays fullback for the Minnesota Vikings, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
