The son of Chicago Bears great Olin Kreutz, Josh Kreutz built his own resume as a three-year starting center and captain at Illinois before signing with the Colts.
Josh Kreutz grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, in the shadow of his father Olin's decorated Chicago Bears career, and set out to forge his own path in the trenches at Illinois. After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts, hoping his center experience and bloodlines translate into a roster spot.
Path to the league
Kreutz, born March 2, 2003, starred at Loyola Academy in Wilmette before enrolling at Illinois, where he spent five seasons in the program. He went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft and signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent.
Career highlights
Kreutz made 36 career starts at center for Illinois across his five seasons, earning back-to-back All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition and serving as a team captain in 2025. His father, Olin Kreutz, started 182 regular-season games at center for the Chicago Bears, made six Pro Bowls and was named to the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team.
2025 season recap
In his final season at Illinois in 2025, Kreutz started at center and served as a team captain, capping a three-year run as the Fighting Illini's primary starter at the position. His steady anchor play at the line earned him All-Big Ten honorable mention honors for the second straight year.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Josh Kreutz
- ESPN: Josh Kreutz player page
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Center
- Group
- offense
- College
- Illinois
- Hometown
- Bannockburn, IL, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
