Marshal Yanda is a retired American football guard best known for his successful career with the Baltimore Ravens, including a Super Bowl championship victory.
Marshal John Yanda was born on September 15, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Ruth and John Yanda. Raised in the nearby town of Anamosa, he attended Anamosa High School, where he earned letters in football, basketball, and track and field. During his time in track and field, Yanda competed in shot put and discus events. After high school, he began his collegiate football journey at North Iowa Area Community College, playing two seasons before transferring to the University of Iowa. There, he completed his degree in economics and further honed his skills as an offensive lineman, setting the stage for his NFL career.
In July 2011, Marshal Yanda married Shannon Hunt. That same year also marked a pivotal point in his professional life when he signed a five-year contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens. Together, the couple has three children—one daughter and two sons. Yanda is known to keep his personal life private, but he often credits his family as an essential source of support throughout his football career and retirement.
Marshal Yanda was selected in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Recognized early for his performance at the college level, he was named a third-team All-American by The NFL Draft Report and received second-team All-Big Ten honors. During his rookie season, Yanda played in all 16 games, starting 12. He continued to be a reliable asset on the offensive line, starting nine games in 2009 and 14 in 2012.
Yanda’s career peaked in the 2012 season when the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, earning him his first and only Super Bowl ring. Known for his physicality and technique, he became a cornerstone of Baltimore’s offensive line.
Throughout his career, Yanda earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s premier offensive linemen. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the top offensive guard in 2014, 2015, and 2016. He was consistently praised for his ability to adapt, even under physical duress. After suffering a shoulder injury, Yanda adjusted by relying more on his left arm—a change in technique that allowed him to maintain a high level of performance despite the setback.
Persistent shoulder issues eventually forced him to miss a portion of the 2017 season. Nevertheless, his resilience kept him at the top of his game until his retirement. Yanda officially concluded his NFL career in January 2020 after 13 seasons, all of them with the Ravens.
At the time of his retirement, Yanda weighed approximately 312 pounds. Just four months later, he had dropped 60 pounds, returning to his high school weight of about 245 pounds. This change resulted from a disciplined exercise routine and healthier diet, showcasing his ongoing commitment to wellness post-career. He also shaved his iconic facial hair, presenting a noticeably different appearance in retirement.
Outside of football, Marshal Yanda was actively involved in charitable efforts, many of them organized by the Baltimore Ravens. He took part in various community events, including one where he served as a celebrity shopper for underprivileged families. Yanda also helped distribute hot meals to the homeless during Thanksgiving and participated in programs providing essential supplies to those in need. His actions off the field highlighted his commitment to giving back to the community.
| Birth Date: | 15 Sep, 1984 |
| Age: | 35 yrs |
| Occupations: | American football player |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Cedar Rapids |
| residence: | Cedar Rapids Iowa |
| Education: | North Iowa Area Community College University of Iowa |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American football player, offensive lineman |
| Net Worth 2021: | 51 million |
