The 1983 NFL Draft marked a new era for the National Football League, as teams selected amateur college football players to join their ranks. On April 26 and 27, 1983, the NFL held its Annual Player Selection Meeting at the New York Sheraton Hotel in New York City.
With no teams electing to pass on their draft choices, the 1983 draft was an exciting and significant event that helped shape the future of the league.
1. Jim Kelly
Quarterback
Career
- First-team All-Pro (1991)
- Second-team All-Pro (1992)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1987, 1988, 1990–1992)
- NFL passing touchdowns leader (1991)
- NFL passer rating leader (1990)
- NFL completion percentage leader (1990)
- Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame
- Buffalo Bills No. 12 retired
- Peach Bowl champion (1980)
- Peach Bowl Offensive MVP (1980)
- University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame
- NCAA Inspiration Award (2018)
Jim Kelly was a dominant quarterback in the NFL for over 15 years. He won five Pro Bowls and was twice named to the All-Pro team. Kelly also led the league in passing touchdowns three times and finished among the top ten passers several more times.
His career ended prematurely due to injuries, but he remains one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of all time. Jim Kelly was an all-time great quarterback in the NFL and led the Buffalo Bills to many successful seasons.
He won two Super Bowls with the team and is one of only four players in NFL history to win multiple championships. After retiring from football, he started his own business empire which included a number of restaurants and hotels.
In 2018, he was awarded the NCAA Inspiration Award for his work with cancer research charities throughout his career.
Also Played For: buffalo bills
2. Darryl Talley
Linebacker
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1990, 1993)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1990, 1991)
- Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame
- Consensus first-team All-American (1983)
Darryl Talley was a linebacker for the Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons from 1983 to 1994. He helped lead both teams to playoff appearances, with the Bills making it to the playoffs in 1984 and 1988 and the Falcons reaching the postseason in 1990, 1992, 1996, and 1998.
In 1989, he was named to The Sporting News All-American First Team after recording 117 tackles (third on the team) and two interceptions while helping Buffalo reach its first Super Bowl appearance since 1981.
Talley also played in three Pro Bowls during his career – all as part of Bill Belichick's Patriots dynasty – earning Second-Team honors in 1993, 1994, and 1995.
After retiring from football following a 14-year playing career that saw him earn seven Pro Bowl selections (and one Third-Team), Darryl now works as an NFL analyst for ESPN+. Darryl Talley is a two-time first-team All-Pro and consensus first-team All-American.
He played for the Buffalo Bills from 1983 to 1992, amassing over 1,252 tackles and 38.5 sacks during his career.
Darryl was inducted into the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame in 1993 and is currently a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Darryl has been involved with coaching both at the collegiate level and professional levels since retiring from football in 1992.
Also Played For: west virginia mountaineers football
3. Richard Dent
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XX, XXIX)
- Super Bowl MVP (XX)
- First-team All-Pro (1985)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1984, 1988, 1990)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1984, 1985, 1990, 1993)
- 2× NFL forced fumbles leader (1984, 1985)
- NFL sacks leader (1985)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
Dent was a dominant defensive end in the NFL for over a decade, playing for the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, and Indianapolis Colts. He is best known for his performance in Super Bowl XXIII when he helped lead the Bears to victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Dent has also been inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. Dent was a two-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Second Team All-Pro.
Dent was one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL and led the league in forced fumbles twice.
He is also one of only six Bears to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining Mike Ditka, Lee Roy Selmon, Dick Butkus, Walter Payton and Dan Hampton.
Also Played For: chcago bears, chicago bears
4. Jim Covert
Tackle
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XX)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1985, 1986)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1985, 1986)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Consensus All-American (1982)
- Walter Camp Alumni of the Year (1995)
- Pittsburgh Panthers No. 75 retired[1]
Jimbo Covert was an offensive tackle who played for the Chicago Bears from 1983 to 1991. He was a two-time first-team All-Pro and twice made the Pro Bowl.
Jimbo Covert is most famous for his time with the Bears during their Super Bowl championship run in XX, but he also had success earlier in his career with them.
After playing eight years of professional football, including three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jimbo Covert retired in 1991 at age 36 due to injury. He currently resides in Pennsylvania and works as a financial advisor.
Jim Covert was a standout player at the University of Pittsburgh where he won four varsity letters. He was selected in the first round (13th overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears and went on to play eleven seasons with them, winning three titles ('84-'85, '88-'89).
After retiring from football in 1992, Covert went into coaching and led his alma mater (the University of Pittsburgh) to two consecutive Big East championships before being fired after just one season as head coach in 2001.
Jim Covert is now an athletic director at his alma mater and has overseen several renovations to Alumni Stadium including a new video board that features footage from all Pitt sports teams.
Also Played For: pittsburgh panthers football, university of pittsburgh football
5. Willie Gault
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XX)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- All-American (1982)
Willie Gault was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 1st round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He played for the Bears from 1983 to 1987 and then joined the Los Angeles Raiders in 1988.
In 1993, he retired after a career that saw him win two Super Bowls with the Oakland Raiders (1988, 1990). Willie Gault was one of the most explosive players in Bear's history and led the team to their only Super Bowl victory.
He was a key part of the 1983 Bears offense that averaged over thirty points per game. Willie Gault also had an impressive career as a return specialist, returning kickoffs and punts for Chicago for several seasons.
His athletic ability and versatility made him a valuable member of the Bears squad during his time there, and he is still fondly remembered by fans today.
6. John Albert Elway Jr.
Quarterback
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
- Super Bowl MVP (XXXIII)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1987)
- NFL Man of the Year (1992)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1987, 1993, 1996)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1986, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996–1998)
- NFL passing yards leader (1993)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
- Denver Broncos No. 7 retired
- Unanimous All-American (1982)
- Sammy Baugh Trophy (1982)
- 2× Pac-10 Player of the Year (1980, 1982)
- Stanford Cardinal No. 7 retired
John Elway is a retired professional football player and consultant. He played for the Denver Broncos from 1983 to 1998, winning three Super Bowls with the team.
After retiring as a player, he became an executive with the Broncos organization, serving in various capacities including vice president of football operations and general manager.
In 2011, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his playing career and subsequent work in coaching and management.
John Albert Elway Jr. is a former professional American football quarterback who played his entire 17-year career with the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL).
He was also a two-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Second Team All-Pro. Elway started out playing for the Colorado Crush in 2003, before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 1996 where he won his first championship ring as QB of that team.
After four years with Indy, he was traded back to Denver where he led them to their third Super Bowl win against Green Bay in 1998.
In 1999, he retired from active play but returned to lead Denver to another Super Bowl victory over Carolina in 2013 at age 48 – making him one of only two players (the other being Tom Brady) ever to achieve this feat twice (the others were Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw).
Since retiring from playing professionally, Elway has served as executive vice president of football operations for the Broncos - overseeing all player personnel decisions on both sides of the ball - as well as a consultant for various NFL teams including Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders.
Also Played For: denver broncos, stanford cardinal football
7. Jim Jeffcoat
Career
- Dallas Cowboys (DL) (1998–2004)
- Houston (DL, 2008–2010)
- San Jose State (DL, 2011–2012)
- Colorado (DL, 2013–2017)
- Orlando Apollos (DL, 2019)
- Dallas Renegades (DL, 2020)
Jeffcoat played defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys from 1983 to 1994. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and made it to three Super Bowls with the Cowboys. Jeffcoat then played for the Buffalo Bills from 1995 to 1997 before retiring in 1998.
Jeffcoat has since worked as an NFL analyst on television broadcasts and is currently retired from football altogether. Jim Jeffcoat played defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys from 1998-2004, before playing for the Houston Texans from 2008-2010 and then joining the San Jose State Spartans in 2011.
He was a two-time Super Bowl champion with Dallas (XXVII, XXVIII) and made 2 interceptions during his NFL career.
Jim Jeffcoat finished his career at Colorado Buffaloes where he racked up 102 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and one sack over 4 years of play. Jeffcoat is now an assistant coach with the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football (AAF).
Also Played For: dallsa cowboy, dallas cowboys
8. Chris Hinton
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1987, 1993)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1985, 1988, 1989)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1983, 1985–1989, 1991)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983)
- Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor
- First-team All-American (1982)
Chris Hinton was an offensive tackle who played in the NFL for nine seasons. He began his career with the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts and stayed there until he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 1990.
He spent two more seasons with Atlanta before moving on to play for the Minnesota Vikings from 1994 to 1995. After playing two more seasons with Minnesota, Chris Hinton retired from professional football in 1996 at the age of 34 years old.
Chris Hinton was a key member of the Indianapolis Colts defense in the 1980s. He was an All-Pro three times and played in seven Pro Bowls. After leaving the NFL, Hinton became a college football coach at his alma mater, San Diego State University.
Also Played For: indianapolis colts
9. Albert Lewis
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1989, 1990)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1987–1990)
- Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
Albert Lewis was a cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1983 to 1993. He helped lead the team to an appearance in Super Bowl XXIII and a win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Lewis also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders, and New Orleans Saints during his career. In 1988 he was named to the Pro Bowl after recording 10 interceptions that season.
Albert Lewis is currently retired and living in Louisiana with his wife and two children Albert Lewis was a three-time first-team All-Pro selection and four-time Pro Bowl player with the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 1994, he joined the Los Angeles Raiders as an unrestricted free agent and helped lead them to their first playoff appearance in 17 years. He finished his career with the Oakland Raiders in 1998 before retiring after 13 seasons in the NFL.
Albert Lewis is a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
Also Played For: kansas city chiefs
10. Greg Townsend
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XVIII)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1990, 1991)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1990, 1991)
- NFL forced fumbles leader (1989)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983)
Greg Townsend was born on November 3, 1961, in Los Angeles, California. He attended high school at Dominguez and played college football for TCU. After playing with the Raiders (1983-1993) and Eagles (1994), he signed with the Oakland Raiders in 1997.
He retired from professional football after playing 11 seasons with three different teams. Greg Townsend was a 3-time Pro Bowler and 2-time Super Bowl champion with the 49ers. He played college football at UCLA, where he was an All-American linebacker in 1982.
In 1983, Townsend became the NFL's first rookie to be named First Team All-Pro and led the league with 15 forced fumbles on defense that year.
After being selected by San Francisco in the first round of the 1983 draft, Townsend spent 14 seasons with the 49ers before retiring after their 1996 season finale due to injury.
Also Played For: las vegas raiders, tcu horned frogs football
11. Billy Ray Smith Jr.
Career
- Second-team All-Pro (1989)
- San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team
- Knute Rockne Memorial Trophy (1982)
- 2× Unanimous All-American (1981, 1982)
Smith was selected in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He played for the Chargers for 11 seasons, before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 1995.
Smith is best known for his time with the San Diego Chargers, where he made an impact as a linebacker.
He recorded over 1,000 tackles during his career and helped lead San Diego to two Super Bowl appearances (1984 and 1990).
After retiring from football, Smith began working as a broadcaster for Fox Sports Midwest. In 2013, he became co-host of "The Vertical" on ESPN2 alongside Jay Bilas.
Smith has also authored two books – one about his life story and another which focuses on sports psychology – both of which have been successful sellers.
Billy Ray Smith Jr. was a standout defensive lineman for the San Diego Chargers and earned 2 unanimous All-American honors in 1981 and 1982.
He won the NFL's prestigious Knute Rockne Memorial Trophy in 1982, which is given to the most outstanding player on the team that season.
After retiring from football, he went into broadcasting where he currently works as an analyst for ESPN and Fox Sports 1.
Also Played For: los angeles chargers, san diego chargers
12. Dan Marino
Quarterback
Career
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1984)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1984)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1994)
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (1998)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1984–1986)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1983, 1994, 1995)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1983–1987, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995)
- 5× NFL passing yards leader (1984–1986, 1988, 1992)
- 3× NFL passing touchdowns leader (1984–1986)
- NFL passer rating leader (1984)
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983)
- George Halas Award (1995)
- Miami Dolphins Honor Roll
- Miami Dolphins No. 13 retired
- Bert Bell Award (1984)
- First-team All-American (1981)
- Pittsburgh Panthers No. 13 retired
Dan Marino is a retired professional American football quarterback who played his entire career with the Miami Dolphins. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 and is also a three-time Super Bowl champion (1985, 1987, and 1995).
Born on September 15, 1961, Marino attended Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh before playing college football at Pitt. After being selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 27th overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, he spent 14 seasons as their starting quarterback.
In total, he completed 5236 passes for 46000 yards and 309 touchdowns while leading his team to 9 division titles and 4 conference championships. 3. Following his retirement from playing in 1999, Dan Marino became an advisor for the Miami Dolphins organization.
His work focuses on developing young players within the team's system and aiding them on their way to becoming successful pros themselves Dan Marino is one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history.
He was a 3-time First-team All-Pro and 5x Pro Bowl selection, as well as a leader on both sides of the ball. In 1984, he led the Dolphins to their first-ever Super Bowl championship.
His MVP performance that year helped cement his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. After retiring from football following the 1987 season, Marino became an executive with Miami Dolphins where he continues to serve today.
Also Played For: miami dolphins
13. Joey Browner
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1987, 1988, 1990)
- Second-team All-Pro (1989)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1985–1990)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- 50 Greatest Vikings
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
- Minnesota Vikings 40th Anniversary Team
- Minnesota Vikings All-Mall of America Field Team
Browner was a safety for the Minnesota Vikings from 1983 to 1991. He was a two-time Pro Bowler with the Vikings and also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1992.
Browner is best known for his play on defense, where he recorded over 1,000 tackles during his career. After retiring from football, Browner worked as an analyst with NFL Network from 2002 to 2007 before taking up a coaching role at USC in 2008.
Browner was one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history and helped lead the Vikings to a pair of Super Bowl appearances. Browner's 37 interceptions are second most all-time and his 465 INT yards rank sixth all-time.
He also has six Pro Bowl appearances, three First-Team All-Pro selections, two Second-Team All-Pro nods and two NFC Championship Game berths on his resume.
In 1984, Browner was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons but he never played for them because they traded him to the Vikings before their first game together (which ended up being Joe Montana's last game as a starting quarterback).
After spending nine seasons with Minnesota, he signed with Seattle Seahawks in 1997 where he spent four more years before retiring at 33 years old. Browner is now an analyst for ESPN and Fox Sports 1 covering NFL games.
Also Played For: minnesota vikings, usc trojans football
14. Ken O'Brien
Career
- New York Jets (1983–1992)
- Green Bay Packers (1993)*
- Philadelphia Eagles (1993)
Ken O'Brien was an NFL starting quarterback for the Jets and Packers over a ten-year career. He is best known for leading the Jets to victory in Super Bowl III, which remains their only championship.
He also led the Packers to an NFC Championship game in 1992 but lost to the Redskins. After leaving football, he started his own business empire and served as president of Fox Sports Networks from 2003 until his retirement in 2014.
In 2016, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and has since been working as a commentator for professional sports events on FS1 TV channel Ken O'Brien played quarterback at the University of California, Davis from 1977-1979.
He was drafted in the third round by the San Francisco 49ers in 1980 and spent three seasons with them before being traded to the Cleveland Browns. In 1984, he led the NFL in passer rating and completed 66% of his passes that year.
O'Brien also won a Pro Bowl and an MVP award during his career as a player; he retired after winning another Super Bowl with Pittsburgh in 1991.
After retirement, Ken became coach of UC Davis where he stayed for six seasons before being fired due to poor team performance in 1997 (his final season). Since then, Ken has worked as a football analyst for ESPN and NBC Sports. He is married with two children and currently resides near Boston.
Also Played For: new york jets
15. Roger Craig
Running back
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XIX, XXIII, XXIV)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1988)
- First-team All-Pro (1988)
- Second-team All-Pro (1985)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1985, 1987–1989)
- NEA NFL MVP (1988 - Chosen By NFL Players & Coaches)
- First Player To Score 3 Touchdowns in a Superbowl, and Still Shares the Record for Most Touchdowns in a Superbowl
- NFL receptions leader (1985)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame
Roger Craig was a running back for the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Raiders from 1983 to 1990. He is best known for rushing for 2,105 yards in his career and scoring 13 touchdowns.
In 1991, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings where he played until 1993. He then returned to play with the Oakland Raiders from 1994 to 1996 before retiring after the season finale of his second stint with that team.
Craig was inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame as a member of their Halls of Fame in 2005 and 2008 respectively Craig was one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history, leading the league in rushing yards four times and scoring 38 touchdowns during his 15-year career.
He is perhaps best known for his performance in Super Bowl XXIII, where he rushed for a record 204 yards and three touchdowns to help lead the 49ers to victory over the Raiders.
Craig also won several awards throughout his career, including being named MVP of the 1988 season and first-team All-Pro five times.
Also Played For: san francisco 49ers, nebraska cornhuskers football
16. Curt Warner
Career
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1983, 1986, 1987)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1983, 1986, 1987)
- 2× UPI AFC Offensive Player of the Year (1983, 1986)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983)
- Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor
- First-team All-American (1981)
- Second-team All-American (1982)
- State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame (2017)
Curt Warner was a running back for the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams during his NFL career. He was drafted by the Seahawks in the 1983 NFL Draft and played with them from 1983 to 1989.
He then moved on to play for the Rams from 1990 to 1993. Warner is a two-time Pro Bowler who ended his playing career with 1,489 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 93 games played over nine seasons Curt Warner was one of the most prolific running backs in college football history.
He rushed for over 6,000 yards and 63 touchdowns during his three-year career at Southern California.
Warner was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft, and he quickly became one of the league's best running backs. He played on three Pro Bowl teams and won two UPI AFC Offensive Player of the Year awards.
Warner retired from professional football after the 1987 season, but he continues to be recognized as one of the sport's all-time greats. He has inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor in 2017.
Also Played For: penn state nittany lions football, seattle seahawks
17. Bruce Matthews
Career
- 7× First-team All-Pro (1988–1990, 1992, 1998–2000)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1991, 1993)
- 14× Pro Bowl (1988–2001)
- Bart Starr Award (2001)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983)
- Titans/Oilers Ring of Honor
- Tennessee Titans No. 74 retired
- Morris Trophy (1982)
- Consensus All-American (1982)
- 2× First-team All-Pacific-10 (1981, 1982)
- Texas Sports Hall of Fame
Bruce Matthews was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 1983 NFL Draft. He played for them from 1983 to 1988 and then spent two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks before retiring.
Bruce Matthews is best known for his time with the Bills, where he helped lead that team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances (1984–1987). His play on both sides of the ball made him one of the most versatile players in NFL history.
After retirement, Bruce Matthews served as long snapper for several teams before eventually retiring in 2007.
Throughout his career, he showed incredible resilience and determination, qualities that have led him to be considered one of the greatest guards in NFL history.
Bruce Matthews was an All-Pro offensive lineman for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans from 1988 to 2001.
He played 14 seasons in the NFL, earning seven first-team accolades and two second-team selections. After retiring as a player, Matthews served as the head coach of the Texans from 2010 to 2013.
In his short tenure with Houston, he led the team to win records in each of his four seasons at the helm.
Matthews is also known for his work as an assistant coach with both teams after retirement - most notably with stints on staff with offenses that produced back-to-back Super Bowl championships (the Titans in 2003 and 2004).
Also Played For: tennessee titans
18. Terry Kinard
Career
- High school: Sumter (SC)
- College: Clemson
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10
- New York Giants (1983–1989), Houston Oilers (1990)
- Super Bowl champion (XXI), Pro Bowl (1988), PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983), 2× Consensus All-American (1981, 1982)
- Interceptions: 31, Sacks: 3.0, Fumble recoveries: 7
- Interceptions: 31
- Sacks: 3.0
- Fumble recoveries: 7
- Player stats at PFR
- College Football Hall of Fame
Terry Kinard was a safety for the New York Giants and Houston Oilers in his NFL career. Kinard was born in Bitburg, West Germany, on November 24, 1959. He attended high school at Sumter (SC) and Clemson before being drafted by the Giants in the 1983 NFL Draft.
After playing for the Giants from 1983 to 1989, he spent time with the Oilers before retiring after nine seasons in the league. Terry is currently an assistant coach with Clemson's football team where he has worked since 1996 Kinard played college football for the University of Arkansas.
Kinard was drafted in the 1st round (24th overall) by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1983 NFL Draft. Kinard played 13 seasons with the Colts and won two Super Bowls with them.
Playing alongside Hall of Famers Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis on defense. After his retirement from football, Kinard became a television analyst for games involving his former team, the Colts, as well as other NFL teams such as Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals.
He also served as an assistant head coach at Arkansas State University from 2003-2006 before retiring again in 2013 due to health concerns related to diabetes mellitus.
Terry Kinard is one of only six players ever to win both a Super Bowl MVP award and an Associated Press Defensive Player of The Year Award...the others being Jim Brown (1961), Lawrence Taylor (1986), Derrick Thomas (1993), Ray Lewis (2001) & Suh(2011).
Also Played For: clemson university, clemson tigers football
19. Dave Rimington
Career
- High school: Omaha (NE) South
- College: Nebraska (1979–1982)
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983), 2× Outland Trophy (1981, 1982), Lombardi Award (1982), UPI Lineman of the Year (1982), Nebraska Cornhuskers Jersey No. 50 retired
- Games played: 86, Games started: 80
- Games played: 86
- Games started: 80
- College Football Hall of Fame
Rimington was a dominant center in the NFL for 13 seasons. He is best known for being a key member of the Cincinnati Bengals teams that won two Super Bowls (XI and XVI).
Rimington also played for Philadelphia Eagles, where he was an All-Pro selection in 1988. Rimington has since served as the Director of Football Operations for both the University of Nebraska and Ohio State University football programs, respectively.
Rimington was a two-time All-American at Nebraska and the first player in college football history to be named both the Butkus and Lombardi Award winners.
Rimington was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000, becoming only the fourth Cornhusker great to enter that hall (along with Tom Osborne, Tommie Frazier and Randy White).
Rimington made an immediate impact as a professional after being drafted by Detroit in the first round of 1982 NFL Draft. He played for nine seasons for Detroit before joining Baltimore for one final season in 1990.
Rimington is widely considered one of the greatest punters in NFL history, ranking third all-time with 3,583 yards on 214 punts.
He also ranks second all time with 81 touchbacks on his punt returns (tied with Jerry Rice) Rimington's 83 starts are fifth most among quarterbacks behind Peyton Manning (167), Brett Favre (150), Dan Marino (145) and Drew Brees (143).
Also Played For: college football
20. Leonard Marshall
Career
- High school: Franklin (LA)
- College: LSU
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 2 / Pick: 37
- New York Giants (1983–1992), New York Jets (1993), Washington Redskins (1994)
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXI, XXV), 2× Second-team All-Pro (1985, 1986), 2× Pro Bowl (1985, 1986), New York Giants Ring of Honor
- Games played: 177, Sacks: 83.5, Tackles: 714
- Games played: 177
- Sacks: 83.5
- Tackles: 714
Leonard Marshall played defensive end for the Giants, Jets and Redskins in the NFL. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and made the All-Pro team in 1992. Marshall was a member of the Redskins team that won the 1992 Super Bowl.
Marshall was inducted into the Redskins' Hall of Fame in 2007. He is currently the defensive coordinator for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Marshall is married and has two children. He is a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Army.
Leonard Marshall is a Louisiana Tech alumna. He is a member of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. Marshall was a two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Second-team All-Pro. He was a Pro Bowler twice and is a member of the New York Giants' Ring of Honor.
Marshall was known for his pass coverage abilities and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. After retiring from the NFL, Marshall served as the head football coach at Howard University. Marshall was born on February 6, 1962, in Washington, D.C.
21. Todd Blackledge
Penn State Nittany Lions football
Career
- High school: Hoover (North Canton, Ohio)
- College: Penn State (1979–1982)
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7
- Kansas City Chiefs (1983–1987), Pittsburgh Steelers (1988–1989)
- Davey O'Brien Award (1982)
- TD–INT: 29–38, Yards: 5,286, Passer rating: 60.2
- TD–INT: 29–38
- Yards: 5,286
- Passer rating: 60.2
Todd Blackledge was a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He was drafted by the Steelers in the 1983 NFL Draft.
He played for the Steelers from 1983 to 1992. He then played for the Cleveland Browns from 1993 to 1995. He retired from the NFL in 1995. He currently works as a football analyst for ESPN.
He has two children. He was born on February 25, 1961. He is 61 years old. Todd Blackledge was drafted in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Blackledge spent the majority of his career with the Chiefs, playing from 1983 to 1987.
He then spent one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring. Blackledge was a three-time Pro Bowler and was named to the All-Pro team in 1984. He finished his career with 38 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. Blackledge is currently the Director of Player Personnel for the Miami Dolphins.
Blackledge is a member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame and the Steelers Hall of Fame. Blackledge was born in Johnson City, Tennessee. Blackledge is married and has two daughters.
22. Don Mosebar
Career
- High school: Visalia (CA) Mt. Whitney
- College: USC
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 26
- Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders (1983–1995)
- Super Bowl champion (XVIII), First-team All-Pro (1991), Second-team All-Pro (1991), 3× Pro Bowl (1986, 1990, 1991)
- Games Played: 173, Games Started: 159
- Games Played: 173
- Games Started: 159
Don Mosebar was a dominant center for the Raiders for many years. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and was selected to the All-Pro team six times. Mosebar was also a valuable member of the Raiders' playoff teams in the early 1990s.
After leaving the Raiders, Mosebar played for the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. Mosebar retired from the NFL in 1995. He now works as an analyst for NFL Network. Don Mosebar is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. Mosebar was born on September 11, 1961, in Yakima, Washington.
He is married and has two children. Mosebar is known for his strong blocking and his ability to runblock. Don Mosebar was born on September 11, 1961, in Yakima, Washington. He is married and has two children. He is known for his strong blocking and his ability to runblock.
23. Gill Byrd
Career
- High school: Lowell (San Francisco, California)
- College: San Jose State
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 22
- First-team All-Pro (1989), 2× Second-team All-Pro (1990, 1992), 2× Pro Bowl (1991, 1992), Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame, San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team, San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team, Bart Starr Award (1993)
- Interceptions: 42, INT yards: 546, Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 42
- INT yards: 546
- Touchdowns: 2
Gill Byrd was a cornerback for the San Diego Chargers from 1983 to 1992. Byrd made the Pro Bowl in 1984 and 1985. He also won a Super Bowl ring with the Chargers in 1984.
Byrd was inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame in 2002. He is currently a radio analyst for the Chargers. Gill Byrd was born on February 20, 1961 in San Francisco, California.
He attended Lowell High School in San Francisco and played college football at San Jose State. Byrd was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 1st round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He spent his entire professional career with the Chargers, retiring in 1992.
Gill Byrd is a former NFL assistant coach who currently serves as the defensive backs coach for the University of Illinois.
Gill Byrd was a standout defensive back for the Los Angeles Chargers during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Byrd was named to the first-team All-Pro squad twice and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection.
He later worked as an assistant coach with the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, before joining the Buffalo Bills in 2017. Byrd is widely respected within the NFL coaching community, and his work with the University of Illinois' defensive backs has been particularly successful so far.
Also Played For: tecmo super bowl
24. Tony Eason
Illinois Fighting Illini football
Career
- High school: Clarksburg (CA) Delta
- College: Illinois
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15
- New England Patriots (1983–1989), New York Jets (1989–1990)
- Pass attempts: 1,564, Pass completions: 911, Percentage: 58.2, TD–INT: 61–51, Passing yards: 11,142, QB Rating: 79.7
- Pass attempts: 1,564
- Pass completions: 911
- Percentage: 58.2
- TD–INT: 61–51
- Passing yards: 11,142
- QB Rating: 79.7
Tony Eason was a quarterback in the NFL for over a decade and had a successful career. Eason was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 1983 NFL Draft and played for them for four seasons before moving to the Washington Redskins.
Eason played for the Redskins for nine seasons and had a record of 71-72-1. In 1995, Eason signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played for them for two seasons before retiring. Eason is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Eason has been a television analyst for NFL games since 2007. Eason was born in Blythe, California, in 1959. Eason is married and has three children. Eason is a Christian and has served as the quarterback coach for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League.
Tony Eason was a future NFL quarterback who was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 1983 NFL Draft.
He played for the Patriots from 1983 to 1989, and then the New York Jets from 1989 to 1990. Eason had a successful career in the NFL, completing 911 passes for 58.2 percent and 61 touchdowns to 51 interceptions.
After playing in the NFL, Eason became a successful broadcaster, working for ESPN and Fox. In 2015, Tony Eason was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Eason is currently a color commentator for the New England Patriots on NESN.
Eason is a popular figure in New England, and is well-known for his catchphrase, "Goodnight, sweet prince." Eason was born on September 5, 1954, in Memphis, Tennessee.
25. Tony Hunter
Career
- High school: Archbishop Moeller, (Cincinnati, Ohio)
- College: Notre Dame
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12th
- Buffalo Bills (1983–1984), Los Angeles Rams (1985–1986)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983)
- Receptions: 134, Receiving yards: 1,501, Receiving TDs: 9
- Receptions: 134
- Receiving yards: 1,501
- Receiving TDs: 9
- Player stats at PFR
Tony Hunter played tight end for the Indianapolis Colts from 1983-1989. He was a first-round draft pick by the Colts in 1983 and was a key player on their teams that made three AFC championship games.
Hunter was named to the NFL All-Decade Team for the 1980s. Hunter retired after the 1989 season. He is a two-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro. He is the father of former NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez.
Hunter is a member of the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor. He is currently an analyst for the NFL Network. Hunter is a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana. Tony Hunter was drafted in the 8th round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
Hunter played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1985-1986. Hunter had 134 receptions for 1,501 yards and 9 touchdowns in his career. Hunter is a two-time All-Rookie Team selection and was inducted into the Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame in 2003. Hunter currently works as an analyst for the NFL Network.
Tony Hunter is a retired NFL player and analyst.
26. Leonard Smith
Career
- High school: Baton Rouge (LA) Robert E. Lee
- College: McNeese State
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 17
- St. Louis / Phoenix Cardinals (1983–1988), Buffalo Bills (1988–1991)
- Second-team All-Pro (1986)
- Interceptions: 14, Sacks: 14, Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 14
- Sacks: 14
- Touchdowns: 2
- College Football Hall of Fame
Leonard Smith was a cornerback and safety for the St. Louis and Phoenix Cardinals in the NFL. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft and played with the team for four seasons.
Smith was primarily a cornerback, but he was also able to play safety. He was a part of the Cardinals' 1985 and 1987 Super Bowl-winning teams. Smith is best known for his play in the 1985 Super Bowl. He recorded three interceptions in the game, including one that led to a St.
Louis touchdown. Smith also had a notable career in the playoffs. He was a part of the Cardinals' 1986, 1988, and 1990 Super Bowl-winning teams. After his playing career was over, Smith worked as a commentator for the Cardinals and other NFL teams. He is also a color commentator for the Tigers' broadcasts.
Smith was inducted into the Cardinals' Ring of Honor in 2016.
27. Tim Lewis
Career
- High school: Pennridge (PA)
- College: Pittsburgh
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11
- Games played: 51, Games started: 42, Interceptions: 16
- Games played: 51
- Games started: 42
- Interceptions: 16
Lewis began his coaching career as a defensive assistant with the Green Bay Packers in 1983. He moved on to the Cleveland Browns in 1985, serving as the team's defensive line coach for three seasons.
Lewis then spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers, before joining the Redskins in 1999. He served in that role for eight seasons, before being named co-defensive coordinator of the Arlington Renegades in 2013.
Lewis has also served as a college football analyst for ESPN since 2006. He was named the co-recipient of the 2005 Vince Lombardi Award, given to the nation's top coach. Lewis was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. He and his wife have two children.
Lewis is a graduate of Pennridge High School in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.
28. Mike Pitts
Career
- High school: Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, (Baltimore, Maryland)
- College: Alabama
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 16
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983)
- Tackles: 814, Sacks: 48.5, Fumble recoveries: 15
- Tackles: 814
- Sacks: 48.5
- Fumble recoveries: 15
- Player stats at PFR
Pitts was a standout player at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, where he was a two-time All-American and the school's first-ever recipient of the Jim Brown Award.
He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the 16th pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, and spent five seasons with the team before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1987.
In Philadelphia, Pitts was a key member of the Eagles' defense during their run to the NFC Championship Game in 1991 and their appearance in Super Bowl XXIX. He retired from the NFL after the 1992 season, and later played for the Las Vegas Posse of the XFL.
Pitts died on November 4, 2021, at the age of 61 after a long battle with cancer. He was posthumously inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame in April 2022. Mike Pitts was a linebacker with the Cleveland Browns in 2000. Pitts was drafted by the Browns in the fourth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.
Pitts played college football at Virginia. Pitts has played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns (2000-2001), the New England Patriots (2002-2003), and the Miami Dolphins (2004).
Pitts has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles (2005) and the Indianapolis Colts (2006). Pitts has appeared in 98 games in the NFL, recording 814 tackles, 48.5 sacks, and 15 fumble recoveries.
Pitts has also played in two playoff games, recording one tackle. Mike Pitts was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1983. Pitts is currently a linebackers coach with the Miami Dolphins.
29. Michael Haddix
Career
- High school: Walnut (MS)
- College: Mississippi State
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8
- Philadelphia Eagles (1983–1988), Green Bay Packers (1989–1990)
- Rushing yards: 1,635, Average: 3.0, Rushing TDs: 3
- Rushing yards: 1,635
- Average: 3.0
- Rushing TDs: 3
- Player stats at PFR
Michael Haddix was born in Walnut, Mississippi on December 27, 1961. He attended high school at Walnut and played college football at Mississippi State.
Haddix was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1983 NFL Draft and spent 11 seasons with the team. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Hall of Fame in 2001.
He was also a three-time All-American and was the MVP of the 1984 Cotton Bowl. Haddix retired from the NFL in 1989 and began a successful career as a coach. He served as the head coach at Southern Mississippi from 1996 to 2001 and at the University of Utah from 2002 to 2006.
He was named the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2007 and led the team to the playoffs in his first season. Haddix was fired from the Cardinals in 2010 after a disappointing season. He has since been hired as the running backs coach for the Detroit Lions.
30. Gabriel Rivera
Career
- High school: San Antonio (TX) Jefferson
- College: Texas Tech
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round
- Pittsburgh Steelers (1983)
- SWC Defensive Player of the Year (1982), SWC All-Decade Team, Consensus All-American (1982)
- Games played: 6, Sacks
- Games played: 6
- Sacks: 2.0
- College Football Hall of Fame
Gabriel Rivera was a nose tackle for the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Cowboys. He was drafted by the Cowboys in the 1st round of the 1983 NFL Draft. Rivera played in the NFL for 10 seasons and was a part of the Cowboys' Super Bowl XII and XXVII teams.
Rivera was born in Crystal City, Texas, in 1961. He attended San Antonio's Jefferson High School and played college football at Texas Tech. Rivera made his NFL debut with the Cowboys in 1983. He was a part of the team that won Super Bowl XII in 1993 and Super Bowl XXVII in 1995.
Rivera retired from the NFL in 1998 after playing for the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He later became a football coach and was the head coach of the San Antonio Silver Stars of the WNBA. Rivera died on July 16, 2018, at the age of 57. He was survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Also Played For: texas tech red raiders football
31. James Jones
Green Bay Packers
Career
- High school: Gunderson (San Jose, California)
- College: San Jose State
- NFL Draft: 2007 / Round: 3 / Pick: 78
- Green Bay Packers (2007–2013), Oakland Raiders (2014), New York Giants (2015)*, Green Bay Packers (2015), San Diego Chargers (2016)*
- * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
- Super Bowl champion (XLV), NFL receiving touchdowns leader (2012), Second-team All-WAC (2006), New Mexico Bowl Offensive MVP (2006)
- Receptions: 433, Receiving yards: 5,861, Receiving touchdowns: 51
- Receptions: 433
- Receiving yards: 5,861
- Receiving touchdowns: 51
James Jones is a former wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders. Jones was drafted by the Packers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft.
Jones played for the Packers from 2007-2013, before signing with the Oakland Raiders in 2014. Jones had a breakout season with the Oakland Raiders in 2014, catching 91 passes for 1,331 yards and six touchdowns.
Jones was released by the Oakland Raiders in 2015, and signed with the New York Giants later that year. Jones appeared in all 16 games for the Giants in 2015, catching 54 passes for 758 yards and four touchdowns.
Jones has not played in the NFL since the 2015 season, and is currently a free agent. Jones is a three-time Pro Bowler, and was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2014. Jones is currently an analyst for NFL Network.
32. Henry Ellard
Career
- High school: Herbert Hoover, (Fresno, California)
- College: Fresno State
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 2 / Pick: 32
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1984, 1988), 3× Pro Bowl (1984, 1988, 1989), NFL receiving yards leader (1988)
- Receptions: 814, Receiving yards: 13,777, Receiving average: 16.9, Receiving touchdowns: 65
- Receptions: 814
- Receiving yards: 13,777
- Receiving average: 16.9
- Receiving touchdowns: 65
Henry Ellard was a wide receiver in the NFL for thirteen seasons, playing for the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Redskins, and New England Patriots. Ellard was a highly productive player during his career, amassing over 1,000 receiving yards and ten touchdowns in each of his thirteen seasons.
Ellard was a member of the Rams' 1983 Super Bowl team, and he was inducted into the Rams' Hall of Fame in 1995. Ellard currently works as a football analyst for ESPN.
Henry Ellard was a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time First-team All-Pro with the St. Louis Rams. Ellard played college ball at Fresno State, where he was a member of the Bulldogs' 1990 National Championship team.
Ellard was drafted in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Rams and spent his entire 10-year career with the team. Ellard was traded to the Jets in 2011 and spent four seasons with the team before signing with the Saints in 2014.
Ellard retired in 2015 after a brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens. Ellard is a member of the NFL Alumni Hall of Fame and the Fresno State Athletic Hall of Fame.
Ellard currently serves as a color commentator for the Rams on their television broadcasts. Ellard and his wife, Kim, have three children. Henry Ellard was a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time First-team All-Pro with the St. Louis Rams.
Ellard played college ball at Fresno State, where he was a member of the Bulldogs' 1990 National Championship team. Ellard was drafted in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Rams and spent his entire 10-year career with the team.
Ellard was traded to the Jets in 2011 and spent four seasons with the team before signing with the Saints in 2014. Ellard retired in 2015 after a brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens. Ellard and his wife, Kim, have three children.
Also Played For: st louis rams
33. Dave Duerson
Chicago Bears
Career
- High school: Muncie Northside
- College: Notre Dame
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 3 / Pick: 64
- Chicago Bears (1983–1989), New York Giants (1990), Phoenix Cardinals (1991–1993)
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XX, XXV), NFL Man of the Year (1987), 2× Second-team All-Pro (1986, 1987), 4× Pro Bowl (1985–1988), 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Interceptions: 20, INT yards: 226, Sacks: 16
- Interceptions: 20
- INT yards: 226
- Sacks: 16
Duerson was an all-pro safety with the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants. Duerson was killed in a car accident in Florida in 2011. Duerson was a relentless tackler who led the league in tackles twice.
Duerson was a three-time All-Pro and was voted to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1990s. Duerson was known for his hard hitting and his ability to read the play. Duerson was a member of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.
Duerson was posthumously inducted into the Chicago Bears Hall of Fame in 2012. Duerson's death was a shock to the NFL and to the football community as a whole.
Duerson's death has left a lasting impact on the game of football. Duerson was an All-Pro safety for the Chicago Bears from 1985-1988 and won two Super Bowls with the team.
Duerson was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in 2009 and died less than a year later at the age of 43. Duerson's death sent shockwaves throughout the NFL and serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and treatment of brain cancer.
Duerson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Duerson's death helped to raise awareness about the dangers of brain cancer and motivate people to get screened.
Duerson's story serves as a powerful reminder that no one is invincible and that everyone should get screened for brain cancer. Duerson's death is an unfortunate reminder that cancer can strike at any age, and that everyone should take steps to prevent it.
Duerson's story is an inspiration to others who are battling cancer and reminds them that they are not alone. Duerson's story reminds us that no matter what happens in life, there is always something to be proud of.
34. Jim Arnold
Career
- High school: Dalton (GA)
- College: Vanderbilt
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 5 / Pick: 119
- Kansas City Chiefs (1983–1985), Detroit Lions (1986–1993), Miami Dolphins (1994)
- First-team All-Pro (1987), Second-team All-Pro (1988), 2× Pro Bowl (1987, 1988), Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team, Golden Toe Award (1987), Unanimous All-American (1982)
- Punts: 866, Punting yards: 36,637, Punting average: 42.3
- Punts: 866
- Punting yards: 36,637
- Punting average: 42.3
- Player stats at PFR
Jim Arnold was drafted in the fifth round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Arnold played for the Chiefs from 1983 to 1985 and then the Detroit Lions from 1986 to 1993.
Arnold was a three-time Pro Bowler and was a part of the Lions' 1987 and 1993 Super Bowl winners. Arnold was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Arnold is currently the punter for the Miami Dolphins.
Arnold was born on January 31, 1961 in Dalton, Georgia. Arnold was a two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro. He was a standout as a kicker and punter for the Detroit Lions. Arnold was inducted into the Detroit Lions Hall of Fame in 2002.
He currently works as a football analyst for ESPN. Arnold is a popular speaker and has given presentations on kicking and punting techniques around the country. He currently resides in Connecticut.
35. Walker Lee Ashley
Career
- High school: Jersey City (NJ) Snyder
- College: Penn State
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 3 / Pick: 73
- Minnesota Vikings (1983–1988), Kansas City Chiefs (1989), Minnesota Vikings (1990)
- Interceptions: 2, Fumble recoveries: 1, Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 2
- Fumble recoveries: 1
- Touchdowns: 1
Walker Lee Ashley played linebacker for six seasons in the NFL. Ashley was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He played for the Eagles, the Green Bay Packers, and the Oakland Raiders.
He was a two time All-Pro and was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1988 and 1989. Ashley was inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2002. He currently resides in Bayonne, New Jersey. Walker Lee Ashley has a long and successful NFL career.
Walker Lee Ashley started out with the Minnesota Vikings and played for them for three seasons. Walker Lee Ashley then moved to the Kansas City Chiefs and played for them for two seasons. Walker Lee Ashley was then traded to the Minnesota Vikings and played for them for one more season.
Walker Lee Ashley then retired from the NFL. Walker Lee Ashley has had a long and successful NFL career. Walker Lee Ashley is a great player and has many accolades to his name.
Walker Lee Ashley was a great player for the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs. Walker Lee Ashley is a great player and has many accolades to his name.
36. George Achica
Career
- High school: Andrew Hill (San Jose, California)
- College: USC
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 3 / Pick: 57
- Los Angeles Express (1983–1985), Indianapolis Colts (1985), San Francisco 49ers (1986)*
- * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
- Consensus First-team College Football All-American (1982), Morris Trophy (1982)
- Games played: 4
- Games played: 4
- Player stats at PFR
Achica was a three-time All-American at USC, where he was a member of the 1981 Rose Bowl team. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Express in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft.
He played for the Express and the New Orleans Saints before retiring in 1987. Achica was a member of the American Samoa national football team and played in the 1983 Pan American Games.
Achica is now a coach at his alma mater, USC. Achica was a consensus First-team College Football All-American in 1982 and was named to the Morris Trophy (1982) as the nation's most outstanding college football player.
Achica was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft and spent four seasons with the team. Achica was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 1986 and played two seasons with the team. Achica was released by the 49ers in 1988 and spent the remainder of his NFL career with the Detroit Lions.
Achica finished his NFL career with 266 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 sacks. Achica is currently a football analyst for NFL Network. George Achica was a consensus First-team College Football.
All-American in 1982 and was named to the Morris Trophy (1982) as the nation's most outstanding college football player. After being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft, Achica spent four seasons with the team.
Achica was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 1986 and played two seasons with the team. He was released by the 49ers in 1988 and spent the remainder of his NFL career with the Detroit Lions.
Achica finished his NFL career with 266 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 sacks. Achica is currently a football analyst for NFL Network.
37. Sid Abramowitz
Career
- Position(s): Offensive Tackle
- College: Tulsa and Air Force
- NFL draft 1983 / Round: 5 / Pick 113
Sid Abramowitz was a standout offensive tackle at Tulsa and Air Force, and he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 7th round of the 1985 NFL Draft.
He played for the Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before ending his career with the Buffalo Bills in 2000. Abramowitz was a four-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
He was also named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1990s. Abramowitz is currently the offensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns, and he was also the offensive line coach for the Rams from 2001 to 2003. Abramowitz and his wife, Terri, have two children, a daughter and a son.
They live in Cleveland, Ohio. Abramowitz was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 1983 NFL draft. He played for the Colts from 1983-1987. Abramowitz then played for the Seattle Seahawks from 1988-1990. In 1991, he signed with the New York Jets. He played for the Jets from 1991-1993.
Abramowitz then played for the Indianapolis Colts from 1994-1995. He then retired in 1996. Abramowitz was inducted into the Colts Hall of Fame in 2000. Abramowitz currently works as a football analyst for ESPN.
38. Paul Skansi
Career
- High school: Peninsula (Gig Harbor, Washington)
- College: Washington (1979–1982)
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 5 / Pick: 133
- Receptions: 166, Receiving yards: 1,950, Touchdowns: 10
- Receptions: 166
- Receiving yards: 1,950
- Touchdowns: 10
Paul Skansi was a college scout for the Washington Redskins from 1983 to 1991. He played linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks. He was also a coach for the Ottawa Rough Riders.
Paul Skansi is widely regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the NFL. Skansi has spent the majority of his coaching career with the Washington Redskins. He has been a key part of the Redskins' coaching staff for the past 16 years.
Skansi has helped guide several talented receivers to the NFL. His work with the receivers has been instrumental in the Redskins' success. Skansi is known for his coaching abilities and knowledge. He is a valuable asset to any coaching staff.
Skansi is a highly skilled coach and will be a key part of the Redskins for years to come. He is a very talented coach and will be a valuable asset to any team.
39. Boyce Green
Career
- High school: Beaufort, (Beaufort, South Carolina)
- College: Carson-Newman
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 11 / Pick: 288
- Cleveland Browns (1983–1985), Kansas City Chiefs (1986), Seattle Seahawks (1987)
- Rushing yards: 1,561, Average: 3.7, Touchdowns: 8
- Rushing yards: 1,561
- Average: 3.7
- Touchdowns: 8
Boyce Green attended Beaufort High School and played football for the Beaufort Blue Devils. He then played for Carson-Newman and was a running back. Green was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1983 NFL Draft and played for the team for six seasons.
He then played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers before retiring in 2000. Green was inducted into the Carson-Newman Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. He is currently a football analyst for WFAA-TV in Dallas. Green has three children and five grandchildren.
He is a member of the South Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the Beaufort County Sports Hall of Fame. Green is the owner of Boyce Green's Football Camps. Boyce Green was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 1983 NFL Draft.
Green played for the Browns from 1983 to 1985. In 1986, Green was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Green played for the Chiefs from 1986 to 1987. Green then played for the Seattle Seahawks from 1987 to 1988. Green then played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1988 to 1989. Green then played for the Detroit Lions from 1989 to 1990.
Green then played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1990 to 1991. Green then retired from the NFL.
40. Ali Haji-Sheikh
Career
- High school: Arlington (TX)
- College: Michigan
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 9 / Pick: 237
- New York Giants (1983–1985), Atlanta Falcons (1986), Washington Redskins (1987)
- Super Bowl champion (XXII), First-team All-Pro (1983), Pro Bowl (1983), PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983), PFW Golden Toe Award (1983)
- FG / Attempts: 76 / 111, Field goal %: 68.5, PAT / Attempts: 95 / 103, PAT %: 92.2, Long: 56, Career points: 323
- FG / Attempts: 76 / 111
- Field goal %: 68.5
- PAT / Attempts: 95 / 103
- PAT %: 92.2
- Long: 56
- Career points: 323
Ali Haji-Sheikh was born on January 11, 1961 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He played college football at Michigan and was drafted by the New York Giants in the ninth round of the 1983 NFL Draft.
He played for the Giants from 1983 to 1985 and then the Atlanta Falcons from 1986 to 1987. He then went to the Washington Redskins, where he played from 1987 to 1991. He finished his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1992.
Ali Haji-Sheikh is a kicker and has played in the NFL for over 20 years. He has played in multiple playoff games and has also won two Super Bowls. He is currently the kicker for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ali Haji-Sheikh is a veteran of the NFL and is still playing today.
Ali Haji-Sheikh was a standout player in the NFL for over a decade. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion.
He was known for his strong leg and accurate field goal kicking. He is also a two-time winner of the PFWA Golden Toe Award. Ali Haji-Sheikh retired in 2001 after a successful career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
41. Bucky Scribner
Career
- High school: Lawrence High School
- College: Kansas
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 11 / Pick: 299
- Green Bay Packers (1983–1984), Minnesota Vikings (1987–1989)
- Games played: 67, Games started: 0, Punts: 330, Punting Yards: 13543, Punting Avg: 41.0, Longest: 70
- Games played: 67
- Games started: 0
- Punts: 330
- Punting Yards: 13543
- Punting Avg: 41.0
- Longest: 70
Bucky Scribner was a punter in the NFL for over 20 years. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2013, and died from the disease in 2017.
Bucky Scribner was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs team that won the NFL Championship in 1985. He is survived by his wife and two children. Bucky Scribner was a punter for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings in the late 1980s.
He was a standout in college, where he won the Ray Guy Award as the best punter in the NCAA. Scribner had an impressive career in the NFL, averaging 41.0 yards per punt and scoring nine times. He retired in 1992 after spending nine seasons in the league.
Scribner is now a football analyst for ESPN. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Bucky Scribner was a punter for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings in the late 1980s. He was a standout in college, where he won the Ray Guy Award as the best punter in the NCAA.
Scribner had an impressive career in the NFL, averaging 41.0 yards per punt and scoring nine times. He retired in 1992 after spending nine seasons in the league. Scribner is now a football analyst for ESPN. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
42. John Tuggle
Career
- High school: San Jose (CA) Independence
- College: California
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 12 / Pick: 335
- New York Giants (1983)
- Rushing attempts: 17, Rushing yards: 49, Receptions: 3, Receiving yards: 50, Kick returns: 9, Touchdowns: 1
- Rushing attempts: 17
- Rushing yards: 49
- Receptions: 3
- Receiving yards: 50
- Kick returns: 9
- Touchdowns: 1
John Tuggle was a running back in the NFL who played for the Los Angeles Rams, Houston Oilers and San Francisco 49ers. John Tuggle was killed in a car accident in 1986.
John Tuggle was born in 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Tuggle attended San Jose (CA) Independence High School and played college football at California. Tuggle was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1983 NFL Draft and played for them until 1986.
Tuggle died in a car accident in 1986. Tuggle was 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighed 210 pounds. Tuggle was known for his speed and running ability. Tuggle was a running back who was very versatile and could run the ball both on the ground and in the air.
John Tuggle was a Pro Bowler with the New York Giants from 1983 to 1985. He was a three-time All-Pro selection and was a member of the 1985 Giants team that reached the NFC Championship Game. Tuggle was a versatile player, able to line up at running back, receiver and kick returner.
After playing for the Giants, Tuggle spent two seasons with the Cleveland Browns before retiring in 1988. Tuggle is currently the quarterbacks coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Tuggle is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. Tuggle was born in San Diego and attended San Diego State University.
John Tuggle is married and has two children. John Tuggle is a former high school football coach.
43. Johnny Rembert
Career
- High school: DeSoto County (FL)
- College: Clemson
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 4 / Pick: 101
- New England Patriots (1983–1992)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1988, 1989), New England Patriots All-1980s Team
- Sacks: 16, Interceptions: 7, Games: 126
- Sacks: 16
- Interceptions: 7
- Games: 126
Johnny Rembert was a linebacker for the New England Patriots from 1983 to 1988. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and helped the team win two Super Bowls. Rembert was born in Hollandale, Mississippi, in 1961.
He attended DeSoto County High School in Florida and played college football at Clemson. Rembert was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He played for the team for eight seasons and was a four-time Pro Bowler.
Rembert was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 1988 and played for them for two seasons before retiring. He is now a football analyst for ESPN. Rembert is married and has two children. He is a resident of Hollandale, Mississippi. Rembert played linebacker for the New England Patriots from 1983-1992.
He was a two-time Pro Bowler and was an all-time great for the Patriots. He was known for his speed and ability to rush the passer. Rembert was a part of one of the most successful teams in NFL history. He is now a broadcaster for the Patriots. Rembert is a member of the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.
He is a popular figure in the Patriots community. He is currently an analyst for the Patriots preseason games. Rembert has a unique story and will always be remembered by Patriots fans.
44. Jeff Christensen
Cleveland Browns
Career
- High school: Gibson City
- College: Eastern Illinois
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 5 / Pick: 137
- Cincinnati Bengals (1983), Philadelphia Eagles (1984–1985), Cleveland Browns (1987)
- TD-INT: 1-3, Yards: 297, QB Rating: 42.1
- TD-INT: 1-3
- Yards: 297
- QB Rating: 42.1
Jeff Christensen was born in Gibson City, Illinois on January 8th, 1960. He attended high school in Gibson City and played college football at Eastern Illinois.
Christensen was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 1983 NFL Draft, and he played for the team for six seasons. He was released by the Lions in 1990, and he signed with the Cleveland Browns the following year.
Christensen spent two seasons with the Browns before he was released in 1992. Christensen signed with the Philadelphia Eagles the following year, and he spent three seasons with the team. He was released by the Eagles in 1997, and he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars the following year.
Christensen spent two seasons with the Jaguars before he was released in 1999. Christensen signed with the Cleveland Browns the following year, and he retired from professional football after the 2001 season.
45. Dokie Williams
Career
- College: UCLA
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 5 / Pick: 138
- Los Angeles Raiders (1983–1987)
- Super Bowl champion (XVIII)
- Receptions: 148, Receiving yards: 2,866, Receiving TDs: 25
- Receptions: 148
- Receiving yards: 2,866
- Receiving TDs: 25
Dokie Williams was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1983 NFL Draft. Williams played for the Rams, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the San Francisco 49ers throughout his career.
He was a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. Williams is the Rams' all-time leading receiver with 1,934 yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001. Williams is the father of former NFL wide receiver Dwayne Williams.
Williams was born in 1960 in Oceanside, California. He died in 2018 at the age of 62. Dokie Williams was a standout wide receiver for the Los Angeles Raiders during the early 1980s. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Raiders, and his 25 receiving touchdowns are second all-time in NFL history.
Williams was born in Los Angeles in 1959, and he played college football at the University of Southern California. He was drafted by the Raiders in the third round of the 1982 NFL Draft.
Williams was a key player on the Raiders' 1983 Super Bowl winning team. He caught nine passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns in the game.
After the Super Bowl victory, Williams signed a lucrative contract with the Raiders. He remained a key player on the team for the next few years, and he helped the Raiders win another Super Bowl in Super Bowl XVIII.
Williams retired from the NFL in 1987. He has since continued his involvement in football, working as a television commentator and NFL analyst.
Williams is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he was also named one of the 50 greatest players in NFL history by the NFL Network. Williams is married and has two children. He currently lives in Los Angeles.
46. Michael Walter
Career
- High school: Sheldon (Eugene, Oregon)
- College: Oregon
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 2 / Pick: 50
- Dallas Cowboys (1983), San Francisco 49ers (1984–1993)
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XIX, XXIII, XXIV), Second-team All-Pro (1989), All-Pac 10 (1982)
- Games: 149, Games started: 96
- Games: 149
- Games started: 96
Walter was a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys from 1983 to 1991. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was a part of the Cowboys' Super Bowl XXVII championship team.
Walter was born in Salem, Oregon, in 1960. He attended Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon, and played linebacker for the Ducks. Walter was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1983 NFL Draft, and he played for the team from 1983 to 1991.
He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was a part of the Cowboys' Super Bowl XXVII championship team. Walter was traded to the Buffalo Bills in 1992, and he played for the team until 1995. He then played for the Baltimore Ravens until 2000, and he retired from the NFL in 2001.
Walter has been a football analyst for ESPN since 2002. He also has served as an analyst for NFL on Fox and for college football on Fox Sports 1. Walter is married and has two children.
47. Stephen Starring
Career
- High school: Vinton (Vinton, Louisiana)
- College: McNeese State
- Position: Wide receiver, Kick returner
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 3 / Pick: 74
- New England Patriots (1983–1987), Detroit Lions (1988), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1988)
Stephen Starring was a wide receiver for the Patriots in 1984. He was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1961. He played college football at McNeese State.
He was drafted by the Patriots in the 8th round of the 1984 NFL Draft. He played for the Patriots for three seasons before retiring in 1986. After retiring from the NFL, he became a high school football coach.
He is currently the head football coach at Richland High School in Richland, Louisiana. He has also coached at Nicholls State and McNeese State. He has two sons, one of whom is also a football player.
A talented and versatile player, Stephen starred at running back, wide receiver, and defensive back at the University of Virginia.
After being drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft, Stephen spent three seasons with the team before being traded to the Detroit Lions.
In 1988, Stephen was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and spent three seasons with them before retiring from the NFL in 1992. After retiring from the NFL, Stephen went on to have a successful career in law enforcement, serving as a lieutenant in the Virginia Sheriff's Office.
Stephen is currently a lieutenant in the Norfolk Police Department.
48. Reggie Collier
Southern Miss Golden Eagles football
Career
- High school: D'Iberville (MS)
- College: Southern Miss
- NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 6 / Pick: 162
- Birmingham Stallions (1983), Washington Federals (1984), Orlando Renegades (1985), Dallas Cowboys (1986), Pittsburgh Steelers (1987), Orlando Predators (1991), Albany Firebirds (1993)
- 2× Third-team All-American (1981, 1982), 2× All-South Independent (1981, 1982), Southern Miss Golden Eagles No. 10 retired
- Games played: 6, TD-INT: 3-3, Yards: 206, QB Rating: 86.6
- Games played: 6
- TD-INT: 3-3
- Yards: 206
- QB Rating: 86.6
- TD-INT: 36-9, Yards: 1,923, QB Rating: 83.09
- TD-INT: 36-9
- Yards: 1,923
- QB Rating: 83.09
Reggie Collier is a former NFL quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, and Orlando Predators. Reggie Collier was drafted in the sixth round of the NFL draft in 1983.
Reggie Collier played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1987. Reggie Collier played for the Dallas Cowboys in 1986. Reggie Collier played for the Orlando Predators in 1991. Reggie Collier retired in 1992.
Reggie Collier has two children. Reggie Collier was a two-time All-American and three-time All-South Independent selection at Southern Miss. Collier was drafted in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Albany Firebirds.
Collier played six seasons in the NFL, starting 36 games. He finished his career with 206 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Collier was inducted into the Southern Miss Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. Collier currently works as an offensive coordinator for the Albany Empire of the Arena Football League.
49. Lionel Washington
Career
- 1979–1982: Tulane
- 1983–1986: St. Louis Cardinals
- 1987–1994: Los Angeles Raiders
- 1995–1996: Denver Broncos
- 1997: Oakland Raiders
- Position(s): Cornerback
- 1999–2008: Green Bay Packers (CB/NB)
- 2009–2010: Oakland Raiders (DB)
- 2011: Virginia Destroyers (DB)
- 2012–2017: Tulane (Co-DC/DB)
- 2018–present: Southern (DC/CB)
Lionel Washington is currently the defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach for Southern. Washington played defensive back for the Tulane Green Wave from 1979-1982.
After playing college football, Washington had a successful coaching career, including stops at Southern and Louisiana Tech. Washington has been with Southern since the 2016 season.
Washington is a member of the American Football Coaches Association and the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. Washington is a two-time SWAC Coach of the Year. Washington is known for his defensive coaching abilities, which have helped Southern win two SWAC Coach of the Year Awards.
Washington is a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Washington is 62 years old and will continue coaching at Southern for at least another season.
Final Words
The 1983 NFL Draft marked a new era for the National Football League, as teams selected amateur college players in order to help revitalize the league.
The draft yielded many future stars, including Dan Marino, Dwight Freeney, and Troy Aikman. These players would help lead the league to new heights, including three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s.
