NFL · Biography
Walter Rouse
Guard · New England Patriots · active · OU 2023
Eagle Scout, Stanford standout, and the grandson of an NCAA title hero
Walter Rouse was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, and attended Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. A three-star recruit, he committed to Stanford.
At Stanford (2019–2022) Rouse was a fixture on the offensive line from day one. He started 11 games as a true freshman, all six in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, all 12 in 2021 and 10 more in 2022, totaling 39 starts in 40 games and earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors. He initially planned to transfer to Nebraska but flipped to Oklahoma, where he started all 12 games in 2023 and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition.
The Minnesota Vikings selected Rouse in the sixth round (177th overall) of the 2024 NFL draft. On August 30, 2026, the Vikings traded him and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the New England Patriots for a 2027 sixth-round selection.
As of October 8, 2026, Rouse is an active offensive lineman for the Patriots, teaming up with fellow Sooner Rhamondre Stevenson. His combination of experience and smarts makes him a valuable piece on any offensive line.