NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Yale University football All-American Dieter Eiselen has signed a professional contract with the NFL's Chicago Bears. Just minutes after the conclusion of the 2020 NFL Draft, Eiselen made his pro football dream come true as a priority, undrafted free agent.
 
Eiselen, a Stellenbosch, South Africa, native has gone from a former rugby player and Olympic weightlifter with no organized football experience to two-time Ivy League champion and now NFL player in just six years.
 
"Yale has helped form the foundation of my football skills which I now can bring to the NFL," said Eiselen. "I look forward to continuing my football journey and build on those skills in Chicago as a Bear.
 
This past season, Eiselen started every game at left guard and made 34 starts in his Yale career. He is now a three-time All-Ivy honoree after garnering First Team All-Ivy honors. The lineman's work in the trenches anchored an offense that ranked sixth in the nation with 38.7 points per game as well as the No. 4 passing offense in the country and No. 4 team in time of possession.
 

Eiselen helped the Bulldogs to a No. 23/22 national ranking, a 9-1 overall record and his second Ivy League Championship in three years.
 
Additionally, he racked up Associated Press, STATS and Hero Sports All-America accolades, All-ECAC and All-New England honors and a selection to the NFLPA's Collegiate Bowl. He was also a National Football Foundation Hampshire Academic Honor Society member.
 
"I am incredibly excited for Dieter, Team No. 147 and the entire Yale football family," said head coach Tony Reno. "He has earned this opportunity with his unbelievable work ethic and preparation. We are very proud of him and excited to see him attack the NFL with his trademark passion and physicality!"
 
Eiselen joins linebacker Foye Oluokun '17 and tight end Jaeden Graham of the Atlanta Falcons as current Elis in the NFL.