Former Stratford Standout Signs with Giants Practice Squad

Former Stratford and Wisconsin Badger standout Ben Barten has signed with the practice squad for the New York Giants for the 2026 NFL season after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent back in May.

Barten began his football journey in Stratford, becoming a major part of a Tiger program that made two state appearances in 2018 and 2019, helping anchor the 2019 team that didn't allow a single point until the State semifinals. For his career Barten played on both the offensive and defensive lines, recording 211 total tackles with 43 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions.

Barten would then attend the University of Wisconsin, first as an offensive lineman before switching to the defensive line in 2022. He would play in 44 games for the Badgers with 62 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, and 8 passes defended as the primary nose tackle. Barten also made the Academic All-Big Ten team for four consecutive seasons (2022-2025) while majoring in Elementary Education.

After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, Barten would sign with the Giants in May and stayed with the team throughout the preseason before getting let go during final cutdowns and re-signing with the practice squad.