Veldman will make his NFL debut at home Sunday in Minnesota against the Vikings at Mall of America field.

 

Veldman, who played at the Metrodome several times growing up as part of the Becker Bulldogs football squad and as a Bison for NDSU, will don #85 for the visiting team and play against a team he used to cheer for as a child growing up.

 

“Since you’re a kid growing up, you want to play on Sunday,” Veldman said. “You go play 500 in the backyard, you pretend to be Peyton Manning chucking the ball up. You try to be Randy Moss going and catching it. And now all of a sudden you’re playing on Sunday just like those guys. It’s amazing and definitely not something to be taken lightly, and I appreciate just the opportunity to do it.”

 

The Lions promoted Veldman from the practice squad Thursday after placing tight end Dorin Dickerson (concussion) on injured reserve.

 

Veldman originally signed with the Jaguars last year as an undrafted rookie out of North Dakota State, but spent the entire season on IR after tearing his ACL during the preseason. After being waived by Jacksonville in June, the Lions signed him for offseason workouts, but released him after training camp. He spent nine weeks on the Buccaneers’ practice squad before returning to Detroit last week.

 

Veldman said he doesn’t know yet what his role will be, but thinks he’s a threat as a run blocker and receiver. 

 

Matt’s father, Gregg, said although Matt is listed as “active” on the 53-man roster, there’s still a chance he may not be suited up come Sunday.

 

“They go up until about an hour before the game when the teams have to cut eight players to get the roster at 45,” said Gregg. “If they did cut Matt at that time, that would leave them with just one tight end for the game, so I’m pretty sure he’ll be one of the active ones.”

 

Lions coach Jim Schwartz praised Veldman’s hands and size (6-foot-7), and he will be the second tight end option behind Joseph Fauria.

 

Although family and friends will be in the crowd, Veldman is treating Sunday’s game like a business trip. He told family members he may see them after the game, but not before, and isn’t going out of his way to fill a fan club.

 

In addition to some youth games, Veldman played in three state championship games — with one victory — at the Metrodome while at Becker High School.

 

He also played there once in college.

 

Sunday’s game will be the final NFL game at the Metrodome.

 

“When I get there it’s really going to be all about that day on Sunday playing ball, and then afterward we can talk with my family about the emotions and stuff,” Veldman said.