In the Athletic Hall of Fame at West Ottawa High School, where plaques and photos commemorate generations of athletic achievements, one name carries a unique distinction: Matt VanderBeek. Of all the talented athletes to pass through the program, VanderBeek remains the only graduate to win a Super Bowl. But his story isn’t just about trophies or titles—it’s about heart, determination, and the people who believed in him along the way.
VanderBeek’s journey from a small-town high school to the pinnacle of professional football began on the fields of West Ottawa, where he was just another student looking for his place. It was Coach Paul Osburn who first recognized VanderBeek’s potential, encouraging the sophomore to give football a shot. From there, the young athlete found himself under the guidance of Head Coach Roger Chiaverini and assistant coaches Jack Carlson and Steve Lyncher.
“My journey to the NFL started at West Ottawa,” VandeBeek said. “I was fortunate to have amazing coaches who shaped me not just as a player but as a person. They created an environment that was tough but fun, teaching me to love the game and embrace being part of a team.”
Coach Jack Carlson remembers those days fondly. To him, VanderBeek wasn’t just a good football player—he was a natural leader. 
“Matt was very coachable, which made my job easy,” Carlson said. “He listened, he learned, and he performed. But what stood out most to me was how he treated everyone on the team. Whether it was a star player or someone who rarely got on the field, Matt treated them as equals. He encouraged teammates when they made mistakes and motivated those who didn’t play much to keep working hard in practice. There was never a put-down or negative word from him.”
Carlson shared a story that he never told VanderBeek at the time.
“One day, during practice, I was giving Matt a little extra coaching. During a water break, Coach Chiaverini pulled me aside and said, ‘Don’t over-coach Matt. He’s a natural, and he’s good.’ And he was right. That season, we won the O.K. Red Conference Championship in 1984—the first in West Ottawa’s history. A big reason for that was Matt.”
Under the guidance of his coaches, VanderBeek blossomed into an outstanding player, earning a full-ride scholarship to Michigan State University. The leap from high school to college was no small challenge, but VanderBeek thrived by embracing the same values he learned at West Ottawa: hard work, resilience, and adaptability.
“The jump from high school to college football was intense,” VanderBeek said. “I had to redefine my game to keep up with the competition. But it was those lessons from my West Ottawa coaches—mental toughness, adaptability, and a strong work ethic—that helped me succeed.”
At Michigan State, VanderBeek transitioned from linebacker to defensive end, earning a starting position in his final two years. His college success eventually led to an invitation to the NFL Combine. Though he went undrafted, VanderBeek didn’t let that deter him. Instead, he signed as a free agent with the Indianapolis Colts.
Once again, he faced a steep learning curve, transitioning from defensive end to middle linebacker during his rookie season. But VanderBeek rose to the challenge, just as he always had.
“Those early lessons from West Ottawa—how to be coachable, how to adapt—were critical in the NFL,” VanderBeek said. “Without that foundation, I don’t think I would have had the resilience to succeed.”
VanderBeek’s NFL career spanned multiple teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, and Dallas Cowboys. His time with the Cowboys proved to be the highlight of his career, as the team won Super Bowl XXVIII in his fourth season. VanderBeek played a crucial role in the defense that helped secure the championship.
“I’ll never forget the feeling of standing on the field under the bright lights, knowing the whole world was watching,” VanderBeek said. “The energy, the adrenaline—it’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”
But for VanderBeek, the Super Bowl wasn’t the defining moment of his life. That moment came years earlier, on the fields of West Ottawa, surrounded by coaches and teammates who shaped him into the man he would become.
“Those years at West Ottawa are what made me who I am,” VanderBeek said. “My NFL career gave me incredible memories, but nothing compares to the foundation built with my coaches and teammates during the 1983 and 1984 seasons.”
Today, VanderBeek’s name shines brightly in the Athletic Hall of Fame at West Ottawa, serving as an inspiration to current and future athletes. His story is more than just a journey to the NFL—it’s a reminder of the power of mentorship, the importance of teamwork, and the value of treating everyone with respect.
“From a high school sophomore trying out for football to standing on the biggest stage in sports, my story started at West Ottawa,” VanderBeek said. “That’s where I learned that success isn’t just about talent. It’s about the people who believe in you, the lessons you take to heart, and the hard work you’re willing to put in. That’s the legacy I carry with me.”
