Van Buren is from St. Louis, Missouri and in 1998 graduated from Ladue Horton Watkins High School, where he played football and was a two-time Missouri state track finalist in the shot put, placing as high as third.
Van Buren was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the 3rd round (80th overall) of the 2003 NFL draft.
[2] In 2006, he signed with the Detroit Lions for one year and sustained another severe injury to his knees, which (along with his back) were problematic throughout his career, subsequently forcing him into retirement.
[3] Van Buren has made occasional appearances on television and radio as a color commentator, and is also very involved in various social and political causes.
A Spring '00 initiate of the Gamma Sigma chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.