Michael Jasper

Leslie Michael Jasper (born October 8, 1986) is an American football offensive guard and defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Bethel (TN), playing two ways both as a defensive tackle and an offensive guard. Jasper, during his college career, was extremely large even by defensive tackle standards, weighing approximately 450 pounds; he reduced his weight to 375 pounds at the behest of Bills coach Chan Gailey. As of the 2016 NFL Draft, Jasper is the most recent NFL draft selection from the NAIA.

Professional career

Buffalo Bills (2011)

Jasper was released prior to the start of the 2011 season in final cuts and was placed on the practice squad. The Bills activated Jasper on December 27, 2011 when tight end Mike Caussin was placed on the injured reserve list. He was waived again by the Bills on August 13, 2012.

Tennessee Titans (2012)

Jasper was signed by the Tennessee Titans on August 15, 2012 but was waived shortly thereafter.

Omaha Nighthawks (2012)

The Nighthawks signed Jasper in September 2012, where he played both ways as a starter on the offensive line and as a nose tackle in the goal-line package on 3rd and 1 situations.

New York Giants (2013)

The Giants signed Jasper to a future contract for 2013. On August 25, 2013, he was cut by the Giants.

Carolina Panthers (2014)

The Panthers signed Jasper to their practice squad on September 11, 2013 and then signed him as a free agent on January 14, 2014.

Coaching career

Since 2016, Jasper has served as the offensive line coach at his alma mater, Bethel University.