The NFL, or National Football League, holds a prominent position as one of the world’s most widely followed sports leagues. Every year, millions of fans watch as their preferred teams and players compete on the field. Some NFL superstars have been drafted right out of high school. Others have had to work hard to progress up through the ranks, starting their careers at college. This article will focus on the top ten NFL players who began their professional careers in college. These athletes have all made considerable contributions to their respective teams and have achieved remarkable success and admiration within the league.
Tom Brady
Tom Brady is the most well-known player on this list. He started his career at the University of Michigan. There he was the backup quarterback for two years before becoming the starter in his junior and senior seasons. Brady was drafted in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots and led the team to six Super Bowl championships throughout his 20-year career.
Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice is regarded as one of NFL history’s most excellent wide receivers. He started his career at Mississippi Valley State University, setting numerous records and winning numerous awards. Rice was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft and went on to win three Super Bowl championships with the team.
Joe Montana
Joe Montana is another quarterback who began his career in college. He played at Notre Dame and led the team to a national championship in 1977. Montana was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 1979 NFL Draft and went on to win four Super Bowl championships with the team.
Obviously, Joe had some problems with his studies because it was challenging to combine sports and studies. If, at his age, he had been able to read Students’ feedback on services that would help him in his assignments, he would have been more comfortable and relaxed about failing some of his papers.
Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders is one of the most elusive running backs in NFL history. He started his football career at Oklahoma State University, where he played from 1986 to 1988. Sanders was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1989 and had a Hall of Fame career, winning the NFL MVP award in 1997.
Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor is considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. He started his football career at the University of North Carolina, where he played from 1977 to 1980. Taylor was drafted by the New York Giants in 1981 and went on to have a legendary career, winning two Super Bowls and being named the NFL MVP in 1986.
Randy Moss
Randy Moss is one of the most dominant wide receivers in NFL history. He started his football career at Marshall University, where he played from 1996 to 1997. Moss was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998 and went on to have a Hall of Fame career, setting numerous records and being named to the Pro Bowl six times.
Ray Lewis
Ray Lewis is one of the most outstanding linebackers in NFL history. He started his football career at the University of Miami, where he played from 1993 to 1995. Lewis was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 1996 and had a Hall of Fame career, winning two Super Bowls and being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice.
Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. He started his football career at the University of Florida, where he played from 1987 to 1989. Smith was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1990 and went on to have a Hall of Fame career, winning three Super Bowls and being named the NFL MVP in 1993.
Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders is the greatest cornerback in NFL history. He started his football career at Florida State University, where he played from 1985 to 1988. Sanders was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1989 and went on to have a Hall of Fame career, winning two Super Bowls and being named to the Pro Bowl eight times.
Derrick Brooks
Derrick Brooks is one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. He started his football career at Florida State University, where he played from 1991 to 1994. Brooks was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995 and had a Hall of Fame career, winning a Super Bowl and being anointed the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2002.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these top 10 NFL players who started their careers in college have proven that hard work and talent can lead to success on the field. From Tom Brady’s late-round draft pick to Derrick Brooks’ dominance at Florida State, these players have left a lasting legacy in the NFL. Their careers inspire football players to never give up on their dreams and continue working hard to achieve their goals. The NFL continues to attract and develop many talented players worldwide. It will be exciting to see who the next generation of great NFL players will be.
Come check out Belly Up Sports on Twitter for more sports and entertainment news and content.
