Courtney Van Buren


Courtney Van Buren is a former American football offensive tackle who played for the San Diego Chargers and the Detroit Lions. He played college football at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and graduated from Ladue Horton Watkins High School. Van Buren was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 3rd round of the 2003 NFL Draft. In 2006, he signed with the Detroit Lions for one year and sustained another severe injury to his knees, which were problematic throughout his career, subsequently forcing him into retirement.

Off the field

Van Buren has made occasional appearances on television and radio as a color commentator, and is also very involved in various social and political causes.
A Spring '00 initiate of the Gamma Sigma chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
Courtney's parents are famed radio personality Doug Banks and Michelle Van Buren an executive with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.