He played college football for the Northern Iowa Panthers and was selected by the Washington Redskins in the third round with the 96th overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft.

[3] Rinehart returned from the injury and began to improve[4] however the Redskins decided to part ways with the veteran on September 4, 2010, during the final round of roster cuts prior to the start of the season.

[5] On September 29, 2010, the New York Jets signed Rinehart to their practice squad following the promotion of wide receiver Patrick Turner.

On January 20, 2010 at 2:00 A.M., Rinehart was arrested on public intoxication charges in Cedar Falls, Iowa after he pulled on a locked door at Mojo's Pizza House, thus triggering an alarm, and refused to take a breath test.

[14] Rinehart now works at Waverly-Shell Rock High School in Waverly, Iowa as a strength and conditioning coach.