Devin Jacobs
Across the nation, each state claims a remarkable football player who leaves a lasting impact on the NFL. These athletes are recognized for where they developed their talent and made their mark in high school football. While some of them may have been born elsewhere, it was in these states that they embraced their dreams and carried them to the NFL.
Alabama: Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens, born in Alexander City, became one of the NFL’s ultimate electrifying wide receivers. With a career spanning over 15 years, Owens built a name for himself with his incredible athleticism and tenacity on the field. Alabama has produced many football greats, but Owens stands out for his consistent performances and numerous records.
Alaska: Mark Schlereth
Alaska isn’t known for many NFL players, but Mark Schlereth’s grit and resilience set him up as a standout state representative. This guy from Anchorage became a stalwart as a reliable offensive line guard. He has played for Washington and Denver and has won three Super Bowl titles during his career.
Arizona: Randall McDaniel
One of the NFL’s most remarkable offensive linemen, Randall McDaniel, has roots in Phoenix, where his legendary career began. Esteemed for his versatility, he was a 12-time Pro Bowl selection, significantly contributing to the Minnesota Vikings’ success during the 1990s. Arizona may not have a profound football legacy, but McDaniel’s contributions are hard to overlook.
Arkansas: Bobby Mitchell
Bobby Mitchell was a dynamic running back and wide receiver who crafted a significant impact with both the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins. As one of the pioneering African American players in the NFL, Mitchell’s influence extended far beyond his impressive stats. He passed away in 2020, leaving a lasting heritage in Arkansas and the league.
California: Tom Brady
Tom Brady, raised in San Mateo, is often considered the greatest quarterback in the NFL. With seven Super Bowl victories, Brady’s success is unparalleled. California has a rich football tradition, but Brady’s relentless pursuit of excellence and unmatched career achievements have firmly established him as the state’s top football icon.
Colorado: Dutch Clark
In the early days of professional football, Dutch Clark emerged as a trailblazing quarterback from Fowler, Colorado. A six-time All-Pro selection, Clark led the Detroit Lions to an NFL Championship in 1935. With his dual-threat ability, Clark built an unmatched legacy that earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His death in 1978 brought an era to a close.
Connecticut: Steve Young
Brought up in Greenwich, Steve Young’s journey to becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks began in Connecticut. Young, a two-time NFL MVP, and three-time Super Bowl champion, revolutionized the quarterback position with his mobility and pinpoint accuracy. Connecticut might not be a football powerhouse, but Young’s dynamic play and leadership skills set a new standard in the NFL.
Delaware: Randy White
Gaining the formidable nickname “The Manster” (half man, half monster), Randy White’s defensive prowess can be traced back to his tenacious roots in Wilmington. A dominant force for the Dallas Cowboys, White was named Super Bowl XII co-MVP and secured nine Pro Bowl selections. Delaware’s contribution to the NFL may be small, but White’s impact as a fearsome defensive tackle is unforgettable.
Florida: Ray Lewis
Ray Lewis became a football legend in Florida with his intense leadership and ferocious tackling skills. Born in Bartow, he matured into the cornerstone of the Baltimore Ravens’ defense and played a pivotal role in their two Super Bowl wins. His exceptional leadership on the field earned him MVP honors in Super Bowl XXXV. Lewis is among Florida’s most iconic NFL figures, distinguished for his motivational speeches and game-changing plays.
Georgia: Fran Tarkenton
Known for his scrambling ability, Fran Tarkenton revolutionized the quarterback position in the NFL. Hailing from Athens, Georgia, Tarkenton was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, leading the Minnesota Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances. Georgia has produced many talented players, but Tarkenton is something else with his innovative style and relentless drive.
Hawaii: Olin Kreutz
Honolulu-born Olin Kreutz made his mark as one of the NFL’s ultimate formidable centers. His 14-year career, primarily with the Chicago Bears, included six Pro Bowl selections. Kreutz’s uncompromising, no-nonsense style on the field helped anchor the Bears’ offensive line, making him a standout player from Hawaii and the entire league.
Idaho: Larry Wilson
In 2020, Larry Wilson, a product of Rigby, Idaho, passed away after establishing himself as one of the foremost innovative safeties in the NFL. Playing his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Wilson is credited with popularizing the safety blitz. His eight Pro Bowl appearances and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame highlight his influence as Idaho’s outstanding football player.
Illinois: Dick Butkus
Few players exemplified the spirit of tough, hard-nosed football like Dick Butkus from Chicago, Illinois. As a linebacker for the Chicago Bears, Butkus secured eight Pro Bowl selections and a reputation as one of the most feared defenders in NFL chronicle. He died in 2023, but his aggressive play and relentless pursuit of ball carriers defined him as a symbol of the gritty style of football Illinois fans admire.
Indiana: Rod Woodson
A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rod Woodson is regarded as one of the most versatile defensive backs in NFL history. Woodson excelled as a cornerback and safety, achieving 11 Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl XXXV victory. His speed, intelligence, and ability to read the game shaped him into a key player on every team he represented.
Iowa: Kurt Warner
Iowa’s Kurt Warner has one of the most inspirational stories in the NFL timeline. Starting as an undrafted free agent, Warner Directed the St. Louis Rams to a triumph in Super Bowl XXXIV, reaping MVP honors. Recognized for his exceptional accuracy and quick delivery, Warner’s journey from grocery store worker to NFL legend shows the importance of perseverance and talent.
Kansas: Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders, who grew up in Wichita, Kansas, is lauded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. His elusive running style and unmatched quickness led to ten Pro Bowl selections and an MVP award in 1997. Kansas has a strong football tradition, and Sanders’ legendary career only added to the state’s rich legacy in the sport.
Kentucky: Dermontti Dawson
Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, Dermontti Dawson emerged as one of the NFL’s most dominant centers. Having dedicated his whole career to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dawson obtained seven Pro Bowl selections and revolutionized the center position with his athleticism and leadership. Kentucky might be noted more for basketball, but Dawson’s NFL career brought pride to the football community.
Louisiana: Peyton Manning
With his origins in New Orleans, Peyton Manning has won a reputation as one of the preeminent cerebral quarterbacks in NFL history. His illustrious career includes five MVP awards and two Super Bowl victories. Louisiana, identified for its deep football roots, produced a true icon in Manning, whose precise passing and leadership set new standards in the NFL.
Maine: Trevor Bates
Trevor Bates, from Westbrook, made his mark in the NFL as a linebacker. After excelling at the University of Maine, he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2016. Bates was part of the New England Patriots roster when they won Super Bowl LI in 2017. His journey has just begun, but it’s a significant part of Maine’s football narrative.
Maryland: Chuck Foreman
Rooted in Frederick, Maryland, Chuck Foreman made his mark as a dynamic running back and receiver with the Minnesota Vikings. His versatility is revered and helped him earn five Pro Bowl selections and was also critical in leading the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s. Maryland’s football footprint is enriched by Foreman’s ability to change the game with his dual-threat capabilities.
Massachusetts: Nick Buoniconti
Springfield, Massachusetts, produced one of the NFL’s most feisty linebackers in Nick Buoniconti. Celebrated for his leadership and fierce play, Buoniconti was a vital member of the Miami Dolphins’ “No-Name Defense,” contributing to their perfect season in 1972. His passing in 2019 marked the end of a life dedicated to football and advancing spinal cord research. Brute and brain, both!
Michigan: Paul Krause
Paul Krause, from Flint, Michigan, holds the NFL record for career interceptions with 81. His ball-hawking skills as a safety for the Minnesota Vikings won him eight Pro Bowl selections and an honorable place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Michigan has a storied football background, and Krause’s achievements on the field add to the state’s rich tradition.
Minnesota: Larry Fitzgerald
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Larry Fitzgerald is celebrated as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL’s history. Famous for his exceptional hands and route-running precision, Fitzgerald has been selected to the Pro Bowl eleven times and ranks among the top in career receptions and yards. His connection to Minnesota runs deep, making him a hometown hero.
Mississippi: Jerry Rice
Acclaimed as an excellent wide receiver of all time, Jerry Rice was nurtured in Starkville, Mississippi. Rice’s unmatched work ethic and precision on the field led to 13 Pro Bowl selections, three Super Bowl titles, and nearly every significant receiving record. Mississippi has yielded many great athletes, but Rice’s mark in the NFL stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Missouri: Roger Wehrli
The NFL’s record of elite cornerbacks includes Roger Wehrli, whose skills were honed in King City, Missouri. During his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Wehrli earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was revered for his exceptional coverage skills and instincts. Wehrli’s standout career and eventual induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame highlight Missouri’s football culture.
Montana: Vic Lindskog
A product of Roundup, Montana, Vic Lindskog became pivotal in the NFL during the 1940s. He played as a center and linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles and contributed to their back-to-back NFL championships in 1948 and 1949. After retiring, Lindskog continued to impact football as a scout, earning two Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers before passing away in 2003.
Nebraska: Verne Lewellen
Football is special in Nebraska, and Verne Lewellen pioneered the NFL in its early days. As a versatile halfback for the Green Bay Packers in the 1920s and 1930s, Lewellen helped the team secure multiple championships. He died in 1980, carving out a timeless contribution that remains part of Nebraska’s rich football history.
Nevada: Steven Jackson
Despite Nevada’s smaller footprint in the NFL scene, Steven Jackson generated a significant impact as a running back. Raised in Las Vegas, Jackson became the centerpiece of the St. Louis Rams’ offense for nearly a decade, amassing over 11,000 rushing yards in his career. Lauded for his powerful running style, Jackson remains one of the prominently successful players out of Nevada.
New Hampshire: Greg Landry
A state better known for its scenic beauty than its football prowess became the backdrop for Greg Landry’s successful NFL career. A native of Nashua, Landry played quarterback for the Detroit Lions in the 1970s, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1971. His dual-threat exceptional skill as a passer and runner defined him as a valuable asset and a standout from New Hampshire.
New Jersey: Jim Ringo
As one of New Jersey’s finest, Jim Ringo was a shining example of the state’s deep connection to football and the NFL. Ringo, a Hall of Fame center, anchored the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line in the 1950s and 1960s, helping the team to two NFL championships. His toughness and leadership on the field had positioned him as one of the most respected linemen of his era.
New Mexico: Jim Everett
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Jim Everett became one of the NFL’s notable quarterbacks. Leading the Los Angeles Rams’ offense, Everett topped the league in touchdown passes in 1988 and 1989. The Albuquerque player’s career also included stints with the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers, solidifying his status as a top quarterback from New Mexico.
New York: Jim Brown
Any discussion of New York’s football legacy must include Jim Brown, widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs ever. Brought up in Manhasset, Brown dominated the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, garnering three MVP awards and leading the league in rushing yards eight times. Brown died on May 18, 2023, forging a path that set new standards for power and speed in the game.
North Carolina: Bobby Bell
A journey that began in Shelby, North Carolina, saw Bobby Bell emerge as one of the NFL’s most versatile and dominant linebackers. Bell achieved nine Pro Bowl selections throughout his career with the Kansas City Chiefs thanks to his athleticism and versatility. His remarkable contributions on the field enrich North Carolina’s football tradition.
North Dakota: Pete Retzlaff
In North Dakota, Pete Retzlaff stood out as a football legend. Hailing from Ellendale, Retzlaff became an all-purpose star for the Philadelphia Eagles, earning five Pro Bowl selections and an NFL Championship in 1960. Retzlaff died on April 10, 2020, but his impact on the game continues to be remembered.
Ohio: Roger Staubach
Ohio’s rich football heritage has produced many greats, but Roger Staubach remains among the most celebrated. Born in Cincinnati, Staubach led the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories and garnered the nickname “Captain America” for his leadership and clutch performances. His poise under pressure and ability to deliver in big moments make him an icon in Ohio football lore.
Oklahoma: Steve Largent
With its deep-rooted football culture, Oklahoma proudly counts Steve Largent as a prime example of its influence on the sport. Growing up in Tulsa, Largent became one of the most reliable wide receivers in the NFL’s heritage, spending his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Largent was the first Seahawk to have his number retired.
Oregon: Bob Lilly
Known as “Mr. Cowboy,” Bob Lilly was born in Olney, Texas, but grew up in Pendleton, Oregon, where his football talents first came to light. Lilly emerged as a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys defense with 11 Pro Bowl selections, helping lead the team to a Super Bowl VI victory. Post-retirement, Lilly pursued photography and became a successful businessman, adding to his legacy both on and off the field.
Pennsylvania: Aaron Donald
Aaron Donald represents Pennsylvania’s proud tradition of producing dominant defensive players. Raised in Pittsburgh, Donald’s relentless work ethic and extraordinary strength have made him a force on the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line, earning three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. Still active in the NFL, Donald continues to set the standard for defensive excellence, symbolizing the toughness that Pennsylvania football is known for.
Rhode Island: Mark van Eeghen
Rhode Island might be small, but it yielded a powerhouse fullback in Mark van Eeghen. Growing up in Cranston, van Eeghen became a key player for the Oakland Raiders by helping the team clinch two Super Bowl championships throughout the 1970s. Since retiring, he’s stayed connected to sports and his community, becoming involved in various local charitable organizations in Rhode Island.
South Carolina: Art Shell
Art Shell, from Charleston, South Carolina, created history as a player and a coach. Shell attained eight Pro Bowl selections and won two Super Bowls as a dominant offensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders. After playing, Shell became the first African American head coach in the modern NFL era, continuing to break barriers in the sport. Today, he continues to be a respected figure in the football community.
South Dakota: Pug Manders
From the small town of Milbank, a football star named Pug Manders rose to prominence in South Dakota’s athletic past. Manders played as a fullback in the 1940s, most notably for the Brooklyn Dodgers of the NFL. Reputed for his bruising running style, Manders led the league in rushing yards in 1941. After retiring in 1947, he stayed active in the sport by coaching until his demise.
Tennessee: Reggie White
Tennessee football fans take immense pride in Reggie White, often called “The Minister of Defense.” Chattanooga’s own, White, established himself as a dominant force on the field, earning 13 Pro Bowl selections and contributing to the Green Bay Packers’ Super Bowl triumph. Despite his passing in 2004, his influence on the sport and community continues to be celebrated.
Texas: Forrest Gregg
The tradition of Texas football is exemplified by Forrest Gregg, a lineman famed for his durability and skill. Gregg, who secured nine Pro Bowl selections and six NFL championships, including three Super Bowls, passed away in 2019. His career remains a benchmark of excellence, with Vince Lombardi calling him “the finest player I ever coached.”
Utah: Merlin Olsen
From Logan, Utah, came Merlin Olsen, celebrated as one of the most phenomenal defensive linemen in the NFL’s history. A vital member of the Los Angeles Rams’ “Fearsome Foursome,” Olsen’s career included 14 Pro Bowl selections. After transitioning to a successful career in television, Olsen passed away in 2010, leaving contributions that spanned sports and entertainment.
Vermont: Steve Wisniewski
Steve Wisniewski spent his high school years at Westfield High School in New Jersey, where his football talents began to shine. He became one of the NFL’s top offensive guards with the Oakland Raiders, earning eight Pro Bowl selections. His achievements brought significant recognition to Vermont, a state not commonly associated with producing NFL talent.
Virginia: Lawrence Taylor
Virginia produced one of the most fearsome defenders in NFL records, Lawrence Taylor. Raised in Williamsburg, Taylor revolutionized the linebacker position with his aggressive, game-changing play for the New York Giants. Earning 10 Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl rings, Taylor’s impact on the game is legendary. After football, he’s been involved in various ventures, including charity work and public speaking, sharing his experiences on and off the field.
Washington: Mel Hein
In Washington, Mel Hein remains a legendary figure in football heritage. Born in Burlington, Hein played as a center and linebacker for the New York Giants, receiving two NFL MVP awards—remarkable for a lineman. Recognized for his toughness and durability, Hein played 15 seasons without missing a game. After retiring, he became a successful coach, contributing to the sport in his home state and beyond.
West Virginia: Randy Moss
Personifying West Virginia’s football pride, Randy Moss is admired for his game-breaking speed and incredible leaping ability. Nurtured in Rand, Moss turned into a household name with the Minnesota Vikings with six Pro Bowl selections and for leaving defenders in the dust with his explosive plays. Even after retiring, Moss remains active in football as a TV analyst.
Wisconsin: Mike Webster
Among the prominent figures in Wisconsin football, Mike Webster is remembered as one of the NFL’s greatest centers. Webster helped lead the team to four Super Bowl victories as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line anchor. However, his post-football life was marred by health issues, and he passed away in 2002 from complications related to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), sparking ongoing discussions about player safety.
Wyoming: Jay Novacek
In Wyoming, football fans remember Jay Novacek as one of the state’s finest athletes. Raised in the small town of Gothenburg, Novacek advanced as a standout tight end for the Dallas Cowboys, earning five Pro Bowl selections and winning three Super Bowl titles. His sure hands and precise route-running made him a favorite target for quarterbacks and a key player in the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty.