| Number: | 83, 47 |
| Position: | Tight end |
| Birth Date: | 5 January 1980 |
| Birth Place: | Dickinson, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Height Ft: | 6 |
| Height In: | 5 |
| Weight Lbs: | 260 |
| College: | Michigan |
| Draftyear: | 2003 |
| Draftround: | 2 |
| Draftpick: | 41 |
| Pastteams: | |
| Highlights: |
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| Pfr: | JoppBe00 |
Benjamin Paul Joppru[1] (born January 5, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, earning All-American honors. Joppru was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft, [2] He was also a member of the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears.
In 2002, his senior season at Michigan, Joppru had 53 receptions for 579 yards and 5 touchdowns, setting a single-season school record for receptions by a tight end. For his efforts he was named a first-team All-American by Pro Football Weekly, and a third-team selection by the AP.[3] [4] In his career at Michigan Joppru started 24 games, ending his career with 85 receptions for 800 yards and eight touchdowns.
After being drafted, Joppru spent his first four NFL seasons with the Texans. Following his tenure in Houston, the Chicago Bears signed Joppru to their practice squad on October 10, 2006. However in November 2006, the Seattle Seahawks signed Joppru from the Bears' practice squad. Joppru was a career special teams specialist in his six NFL seasons.
Joppru's father, Sheldon played in the World Football League for the Shreveport Steamer and the Detroit Wheels. His brother, J. J., played defensive line at Fullerton College before going to the University of Arizona. Another brother, Chris, was the starting tight end for the undefeated 2008 Utah Utes football team.