© 2025 SDPB
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Urge the Senate to Protect Public Media Funding! Click HERE to find out how you can act!

Zach Zenner Makes Detroit Lions Roster

Photo of Lion's Zach Zenner

Follow @Nate_WekSDPB

Tweet

Zach Zenner will play in the National Football League this season, as the Detroit Lions have decided to keep the undrafted South Dakota State grad on their 53-man roster.

During his time as a Jackrabbit, Zenner put together three straight seasons (Sophomore-Senior) of 2,000 yards rushing. He also ended his collegiate career with 61 rushing touchdowns and eight receiving touchdowns.

In April, all 32 NFL teams passed on Zenner during the draft. He was then given an opportunity with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent.

Zenner had the best preseason performance out of any NFL running back by rushing for 183-yards and two touchdowns. All together, the Lions have decided to keep four running backs on their roster; Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah (rookie from Nebraska), Theo Riddick, and Zach Zenner (rookie from SDSU).

My journey as a Lion continues! Thanks to the many people who have sent their support my way.

— Zach Zenner (@zenner31) September 7, 2015

The Detroit Lions will open up their 2015 season next Sunday September 13 in San Diego against the Chargers.

Nate Wek is currently the sports content producer and sports and rec beat reporter for South Dakota Public Broadcasting. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism Broadcasting and a minor in Leadership. From 2010-2013 Nate was the Director of Gameday Media for the Sioux Falls Storm (Indoor Football League) football team. He also spent 2012 and 2013 as the News and Sports Director of KSDJ Radio in Brookings, SD. Nate, his wife Sarah, and three sons, Braxan, Jordy, and Anders live in Canton, SD.