A former Northern Illinois defensive tackle whose Miami Dolphins tenure began with an unusual position switch, from defensive line to offensive guard.
James Ester is a Detroit native and Cass Tech product who spent his college career wrecking games as a defensive tackle at Northern Illinois before beginning his pro career on the other side of the ball with Green Bay. After the Dolphins claimed him off waivers, Miami's coaching staff moved him to guard, betting that his power and athleticism would translate to the offensive line.
Path to the league
Ester started 43 games over five seasons at Northern Illinois, playing his high school football at Cass Tech in Detroit. He went undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft and signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent that April.
Career highlights
In his college career at Northern Illinois, Ester totaled 121 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one interception, seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick as a defensive tackle. He spent time on Green Bay's practice squad while working on the defensive line before the Dolphins identified him as a potential fit at guard.
2025 season recap
Ester spent the 2025 season on the Green Bay Packers' roster and practice squad as a defensive tackle before Miami claimed him off waivers. The Dolphins then moved him to guard on the offensive line, with general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley citing his power, movement skills, strength and athleticism as reasons for the switch.
Sources
- Wikipedia: James Ester
- Pro Football Reference: James Ester
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Guard
- Group
- offense
- College
- Northern Illinois
- Hometown
- Detroit, MI, USA
- Age
- 24
- Status
- active
