Ben Bordelon: From LSU Football Captain to Shipbuilding Industry Leader

The journey of Ben Bordelon is a remarkable story that blends athletic determination, business leadership and a deep family legacy. Known today as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bollinger Shipyards, Bordelon first gained recognition as a talented American football player. His transition from college football captain to the leader of one of the United States’ most respected shipbuilding companies illustrates dedication, resilience and strong leadership.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Bordelon built his reputation both on the football field and in the maritime industry. His career path reflects the values of discipline, teamwork and long-term vision. This article explores his life, education, football career, business achievements and family life while examining how he became a prominent figure in the American shipbuilding sector.

Early Life and Background

Childhood and Family Roots

Ben Bordelon was born on 9 April 1974 in Mathews, Louisiana, United States. Growing up in a region closely connected to maritime industries, he was surrounded by the culture of shipbuilding from an early age. His family had deep roots in the industry, particularly through Bollinger Shipyards, a company founded by his grandfather Donald Bollinger in 1946.

The family business would later play an important role in Bordelon’s professional life. However, during his early years his main focus was athletics, particularly American football. His physical stature and competitive spirit quickly made him stand out among his peers.

Education

Bordelon attended Central Lafourche High School in Louisiana, where he developed his skills as a football player. His performance on the field attracted attention from college scouts, leading to an opportunity to continue his education and sporting career at Louisiana State University.

Ben Bordelon at Louisiana State University

College Education

Bordelon enrolled at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. The university is well known for its strong academic programmes as well as its competitive athletics, particularly in American football.

Football Career at LSU

While studying at LSU, Ben Bordelon played as an offensive lineman for the LSU Tigers football team. His size, strength and technical skill made him a valuable asset to the team’s offensive line.

Key achievements during college

• Played on the offensive line from 1992 to 1996

• Started multiple seasons as a key player

• Named team captain in 1996

• Earned All-SEC recognition in his senior year

Serving as captain of the LSU football team demonstrated Bordelon’s leadership abilities. His teammates respected his commitment and determination, qualities that would later influence his business career.

Professional Football Career

Entering the NFL

After graduating from LSU in 1996, Bordelon pursued a professional football career. Although he was not selected in the NFL Draft, he signed with the San Diego Chargers and joined the team as an offensive tackle.

Playing for the San Diego Chargers

Bordelon played for the San Diego Chargers from 1997 to 1999. During his time with the team, he competed against some of the strongest defensive players in the league.

Professional highlights

• Position: Offensive tackle

• Height: approximately 6 feet 5 inches

• Weight: around 301 pounds

• Played several seasons in the NFL

Although his professional football career was relatively short, it provided him with valuable experiences in teamwork, discipline and high-performance environments.

Retirement from Football

In December 1999, Bordelon retired from professional football. Rather than continuing in sports, he decided to return to Louisiana and become involved in the family shipbuilding business.

Business Career at Bollinger Shipyards

Joining the Family Company

In 2000, Ben Bordelon joined Bollinger Shipyards as a project manager. The company had already built a strong reputation in the maritime sector, specialising in ship construction, repair and marine engineering services.

Working in various operational roles allowed Bordelon to gain a deep understanding of shipyard operations and industrial management.

Career Progression

Over the years, Bordelon held several leadership positions within the organisation:

Project Manager (2000–2002)

He began by overseeing operational projects across different Bollinger facilities. This role allowed him to develop management experience and learn the technical aspects of shipbuilding.

Executive Vice President of Repair (2002–2013)

Bordelon later became Executive Vice President of Repair. In this position, he supervised repair operations across multiple shipyards and helped expand the company’s services.

Chief Operating Officer (2013–2014)

In September 2013 he was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. This role involved managing day-to-day operations and strategic planning for the entire company.

President and Chief Executive Officer (2014–Present)

In December 2014 Bordelon became President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. As the third generation of his family to lead the company, he took responsibility for guiding its long-term growth and maintaining its reputation for quality.

Leadership in the Maritime Industry

Beyond his work at Bollinger Shipyards, Bordelon has been actively involved in various professional organisations related to the maritime and shipbuilding industries.

Shipbuilders Council of America

One of his most significant leadership roles was serving as Chairman of the Shipbuilders Council of America from 2020 to 2024. This organisation represents the interests of shipyards and marine manufacturers across the United States.

During this period, Bordelon helped address industry challenges, including workforce development and the impact of the global pandemic on shipbuilding operations.

Other Professional Organisations

Bordelon has also served as a board member or leader in several organisations, including:

• Offshore Marine Service Association

• Tiger Athletic Foundation

• Young Presidents’ Organisation

• United States Coast Guard Foundation

His involvement in these organisations reflects his commitment to both the maritime industry and community development.

Ben Bordelon Age

Bordelon was born on 9 April 1974. As of 2026, he is 51 years old. Despite being relatively young compared with many corporate leaders, he has already accumulated decades of leadership experience within the shipbuilding sector.

Ben Bordelon Wife

Bordelon is married to Gemi Bordelon, who became widely known online following a viral LSU celebration video in 2020. The couple has been active supporters of LSU athletics and various charitable initiatives. Gemi Bordelon is known for her strong involvement in family life and community activities. Together, the couple maintains close ties with Louisiana and the LSU community.

Ben Bordelon Children

Ben and Gemi Bordelon have three children.

Bo Bordelon

Their son Bo Bordelon followed his father’s path by playing football at Louisiana State University. He joined the LSU Tigers as an offensive lineman, continuing the family tradition.

Brett Bordelon

Another son, Brett Bordelon, also committed to playing football for LSU. His decision further strengthened the Bordelon family’s connection to the university’s football programme.

Brooke Bordelon

The couple also has a daughter named Brooke Bordelon. Unlike her brothers, who gained attention through football at Louisiana State University, Brooke has largely stayed outside the public spotlight. She studied at LSU and graduated around the Class of 2024.

After university, Brooke pursued opportunities in government and communications, working in Washington, D.C. She has gained experience through internships and policy-related roles while maintaining a private lifestyle and staying closely connected to her family and Louisiana roots.

Ben Bordelon Net Worth

Public interest in ben bordelon net worth has grown because of his leadership role in a major shipbuilding company. However, Bollinger Shipyards is a privately owned company, and detailed financial information about its executives is not publicly disclosed. As a result, Bordelon’s exact net worth has not been officially confirmed.

Nevertheless, as the CEO of a prominent maritime company and a member of a well-established business family, he is considered to have significant financial resources.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy

Bordelon is widely recognised for supporting community initiatives in Louisiana. His work often focuses on education, athletics and charitable organisations.

He contributes to various schools, churches and community programmes. Through his involvement with the Tiger Athletic Foundation, he also helps support student-athletes and the LSU athletics programme. His leadership emphasises not only business success but also social responsibility and community engagement.

Legacy and Future Outlook

The career of Ben Bordelon demonstrates how leadership skills developed in sports can translate into success in business. His experience as a football captain helped shape his approach to teamwork, strategy and resilience.

Today, as the CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, he continues to guide the company through changing economic and technological conditions. Under his leadership, the organisation has maintained its reputation for quality construction, engineering excellence and strong industry partnerships.

With decades of experience already behind him, Bordelon remains an influential figure in the maritime industry and an important representative of Louisiana’s shipbuilding heritage.

Conclusion

The story of Ben Bordelon is one of determination, leadership and family tradition. From his days as an LSU football captain to his role as President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, he has demonstrated the ability to succeed in very different fields.

His achievements in athletics, business and community leadership have earned him respect across both the sports and maritime sectors. As the third generation to lead his family’s shipbuilding company, Bordelon continues to build on a legacy that began nearly eighty years ago.

Through dedication to excellence and strong ties to his community, Ben Bordelon remains an inspiring example of how discipline and leadership can shape a successful and meaningful career.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Ben Bordelon?

Ben Bordelon is an American business executive and former professional American football player. He played offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers in the late 1990s after a successful college career at Louisiana State University, where he served as team captain in 1996. After retiring from football, he joined his family’s company, Bollinger Shipyards, and later became its President and Chief Executive Officer.

2. Is Ben Bordelon married?

Yes, Ben Bordelon is married to Gemi Bordelon. She became widely known on social media after appearing in a viral LSU celebration video in 2020. The couple has been long-time supporters of LSU athletics and community initiatives in Louisiana.

3. How many children does Ben Bordelon have?

Ben Bordelon and his wife Gemi have three children: Bo Bordelon, Brett Bordelon, and Brooke Bordelon. Bo and Brett both followed their father’s path into football and have been associated with Louisiana State University’s football programme. Brooke Bordelon keeps a relatively low public profile, focusing on her professional career and personal life rather than public attention.