5. Mechanicsburg Football Best Players of All Time

John Rizzo

Welcome to Mechanicsburg Football. We are an experienced football program that has been around since the 1940s. We are proud to have a long, successful history of providing a great atmosphere for our student-athletes and fans. Our team is made up of dedicated individuals who strive to do their best and build a successful program.

We believe in hard work, dedication and sportsmanship, and strive to bring out the best in everyone we work with. Our goal is to be the best football program in the area and to provide an environment where our players can grow and develop as individuals and as part of a team. We strive to create a culture of excellence and a commitment to our community.

Table of Contents

1. Kevin Snyder

Rutgers Scarlet Knights football

Career

  • High school: Cumberland Valley, (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania)
  • College: Rutgers
  • Undrafted: 2015
  • Detroit Lions (2015)*, San Francisco 49ers (2015)*, New England Patriots (2015), Denver Broncos (2016–2017), Arizona Cardinals (2017)*
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only

Kevin Snyder played linebacker at Rutgers and was undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. Snyder played in all 16 games for the Scarlet Knights in his sophomore season and registered 51 tackles, one sack, and two passes defended.

In his junior season, Snyder played in 12 games and registered 43 tackles, one sack, and one interception. Snyder was suspended for the first two games of the 2017 season for violating the NCAA's substance abuse policy. Snyder was released by the Redskins on October 10, 2018.

Snyder is a free agent and is currently looking for a new team. Snyder is a physical player who can play in any linebacker position. Snyder is an excellent run defender and has the ability to make plays on the ball. Snyder is a hard worker who is always looking to improve his game.

2. Matt Lengel

Eastern Kentucky Colonels football

Career

  • High school: Cumberland Valley, (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania)
  • College: Eastern Kentucky, Northeastern
  • Undrafted: 2015
  • Cincinnati Bengals (2015–2016)*, New England Patriots (2016–2017), Cleveland Browns (2017), Houston Texans (2018)*, Cincinnati Bengals (2018), Indianapolis Colts (2019)
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • Super Bowl champion (LI)
  • Receptions: 5, Receiving yards: 39, Receiving touchdowns: 2
  • Receptions: 5
  • Receiving yards: 39
  • Receiving touchdowns: 2

Matt Lengel was undrafted in 2015 but was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals. He made the team and played in two games before being released. Lengel was signed by the New England Patriots in 2016 and played in 14 games.

He had one reception for 11 yards. In 2017, Lengel was injured and did not play in the season opener. He was later released by the Patriots. Lengel was signed by the New York Giants in September 2017 but was released in October.

Lengel was signed by the Baltimore Ravens in November 2017 but was released in December. Lengel was signed by the Cleveland Browns in December 2017 but was released in March. Lengel was signed by the New Orleans Saints in March 2018 but was released in May.

Lengel was signed by the Arizona Cardinals in May 2018 but was released in August. Lengel is currently a free agent.

3. Jon Ritchie

Jon Ritchie Career

  • High school: Cumberland Valley, (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania)
  • College: Stanford
  • NFL Draft: 1998 / Round: 3 / Pick: 63
  • Oakland Raiders (1998–2002), Philadelphia Eagles (2003–2004)
  • Rushing attempts: 15, Rushing yards: 36, Rushing touchdowns: 0, Receptions: 150, Receiving yards: 1,148, Receiving touchdowns: 7
  • Rushing attempts: 15
  • Rushing yards: 36
  • Rushing touchdowns: 0
  • Receptions: 150
  • Receiving yards: 1,148
  • Receiving touchdowns: 7

Jon Ritchie was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1998 NFL Draft. He played for the 49ers for four seasons before being released in 2002. Ritchie then signed with the Dallas Cowboys and played for them for two seasons before being released in 2004.

Ritchie then signed with the Oakland Raiders and played for them for three seasons before being released in 2007. Ritchie then signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and played for them for three seasons before being released in 2011. 

Ritchie then signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played for them for one season before being released in 2012.

Ritchie then signed with the Arizona Cardinals and played for them for one season before being released in 2013. Ritchie then signed with the Denver Broncos and played for them for one season before being released in 2014. 

Ritchie then signed with the Carolina Panthers and played for them for one season before being released in 2015. Ritchie then retired from the NFL after playing in just six games in 2015.

4. Charlie Adams

Charlie Adams Career

  • High school: Cumberland Valley, (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania)
  • College: Hofstra
  • Undrafted: 2002
  • Denver Broncos (2002–2005), Houston Texans (2006)
  • Receptions: 21, Receiving yards: 203, Return yards: 393, Total touchdowns: 0
  • Receptions: 21
  • Receiving yards: 203
  • Return yards: 393
  • Total touchdowns: 0
  • Player stats at PFR

Charlie Adams was a wide receiver at Hofstra and played professionally in 2002. He is married and has two children. In 2019, he was No. 12 on the Eagles' depth chart at wide receiver.

Adams has played in the NFL for the Eagles, Bills, and Rams. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Hofstra Hall of Fame in 2018. Adams is a highly respected player in the NFL and is known for his speed and elusiveness.

He is a highly skilled receiver who is known for his acrobatic catches. Adams is a versatile player who can play both wide receiver and cornerback. Adams is a hard worker and is always looking to improve his skills. Adams played for the Houston Texans from 2006-2007.

He had a productive career with the Broncos, but never hit the heights that he could have. Adams is a reliable receiver who can make plays down the field. He is a good blocker, and has the ability to make big plays. Adams is a valuable member of any team, and has the ability to make a difference.

Adams will be an asset to any offense that he joins. He is a hard worker and is always looking to improve. Adams is reliable, and will be a valuable asset on any team. Adams is a versatile player who can be used in a variety of ways.

5. Chris Hakel

Career

  • High school: Mechanicsburg (PA) Area
  • College: William & Mary
  • Position: Quarterback
  • NFL Draft: 1992 / Round: 4 / Pick: 112
  • Washington Redskins (1992), Atlanta Falcons (1993)*, Kansas City Chiefs (1994)
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only

Chris Hakel was born in Rand, West Virginia on August 9, 1969. Hakel attended Mechanicsburg Area High School and played football there. He then attended William & Mary and played football there.

Hakel was drafted in the fourth round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Hakel played for the Eagles for six seasons before he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 1999. Hakel played for the 49ers for three seasons before he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2003.

Hakel played for the Cardinals for two seasons before he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2005. Hakel played for the Seahawks for six seasons before he was traded to the St. 

Louis Rams in 2011. Hakel played for the Rams for three seasons before he retired in 2014. Chris Hakel was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 1992 NFL Draft.

He played for the Redskins for two seasons before moving on to the Atlanta Falcons. He spent two seasons with the Falcons before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1994. 

Hakel played for the Chiefs for two more seasons before retiring in 1996. He has since worked as a broadcaster for the NFL Network. He was inducted into the Redskins Ring of Honor in 2009.

Hakel is a four-time Pro Bowler and is considered one of the best punters in NFL history. He will be inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor in 2020. Hakel is a native of Atlanta and attended the University of Georgia.

Final Words

Mechanicsburg Football has had some great players throughout the years. Some of the most notable players include Tony Banks, Todd McNair, and Terrell Owens.

They have consistently produced great players and have had a lot of success.

Photo of author

John Rizzo

I am a professional rugby player in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. I have been playing rugby for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to play in many different countries. I am also a coach for both youth and adult rugby teams. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. I am currently working on my MPA from American University and plan to pursue this career path after graduating next year. LinkedIn

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