Michigan State University Football Best Players of All Time

John Rizzo

Michigan State University has a long and proud tradition of excellence in college football. The Spartans have been playing since the late 1800s, and their program boasts six national championships in the past 70 years. As members of the Big Ten Conference, Michigan State regularly competes against some of the best teams in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). With its combination of top-tier talent and strong coaching staff, MSU continues to be one formidable opponent both on and off the field.

Table of Contents

1. Kirk Cousins

Quarterback

Kirk Cousins Career

  • 4× Pro Bowl (2016, 2019, 2021, 2022)
  • NFL completion percentage leader (2015)
  • Bart Starr Award (2022)
  • Second-team All-Big Ten (2011)

Cousins started his NFL career with the Washington Redskins. In 2018, Cousins joined the Minnesota Vikings and has been a key player for them this season.

Cousins is one of the most experienced players in the league and has led teams to playoff appearances in each of his four seasons as a starter. He has excellent passing skills and can make plays with both his arm and legs on offense.

His consistency over the past few years makes him an attractive option for any team looking for a quarterback prospect or veteran backup player. Despite being 34 years old, he still possesses some elite qualities that could lead him to success in future seasons if he continues to play at a high level.

Kirk Cousins has had a successful NFL career, having been named to four Pro Bowls and leading the league in completion percentage twice. 

He also holds several records, including most fourth-quarter comebacks and game-winning drives in a single season. Cousins is known for his accurate passing and strong work ethic both on and off the field.

2. Jack Conklin

Offensive lineman

Jack Conklin Career

  • Tennessee Titans (2016–2019)
  • Cleveland Browns (2020–present)

Jack Conklin is a talented offensive tackle who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2016. He played college football at Michigan State and was highly successful there, earning All-American honors in 2015.

Jack has been very durable throughout his career, playing all 16 games in each of his four seasons with the Browns so far. He is known for being an excellent run blocker and able to control defenders on the ground.

If he continues working at his current level, it's likely that Jack will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day. Jack Conklin was drafted in the first round by the Titans in 2016 and has since been one of their best players.

He's a powerful offensive lineman who can move people at will. In 2018, he led all NFL linemen with 9 sacks and was voted to his second consecutive Pro Bowl. Jack Conklin is an important part of the Titans' future and should continue to have success throughout his career.

3. Mel Tucker

Mel Tucker Career

  • 1990–1992, 1994: Wisconsin
  • Position(s): Defensive back
  • 1997–1998: Michigan State (GA)
  • 1999: Miami (OH) (DB)
  • 2000: LSU (DB)
  • 2001–2003: Ohio State (DB)
  • 2004: Ohio State (co-DC)
  • 2005–2007: Cleveland Browns (DB)
  • 2008: Cleveland Browns (DC)
  • 2009–2011: Jacksonville Jaguars (DC)
  • 2011: Jacksonville Jaguars (interim)
  • 2012: Jacksonville Jaguars (AHC/DC)
  • 2013–2014: Chicago Bears (DC)
  • 2015: Alabama (AHC/DB)
  • 2016–2018: Georgia (DC/DB)
  • 2019: Colorado
  • 2020–present: Michigan State

Mel Tucker is the current head coach of Michigan State and has led the team to a record of 18–14 in his two seasons at the helm. Tucker started his coaching career as an assistant with Michigan State under Mark Dantonio from 1997-1998.

He then served as Miami's defensive coordinator for three years before becoming Ohio State's DB coach in 2001. In 2003, he was hired by LSU where he remained for three seasons before returning to Ohio state in 2007 to become their defensive coordinator and eventually their head coach in 2013.

As a head coach, Mel Tucker has compiled a record of 44–37 including postseason appearances in back-to-back bowl games (2013 Orange Bowl, 2015 Cotton Bowl). Outside of football, Tucker is also active on social media where he regularly posts motivational messages and interacts with fans online via.

4. Flozell Adams

Offensive lineman

Flozell Adams Career

  • High school: Hillside (IL) Proviso West
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 1998 / Round: 2 / Pick: 38
  • Dallas Cowboys (1998–2009), Pittsburgh Steelers (2010)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2007), 5× Pro Bowl (2003, 2004, 2006–2008), Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (1997)
  • Games played: 198, Games started: 194, Fumbles recovered: 10
  • Games played: 198
  • Games started: 194
  • Fumbles recovered: 10

A 6'7", 338-pound offensive tackle, Flozell Adams played college football at Michigan State. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1998 and spent six seasons with the team before moving on to play for the Oakland Raiders (2002–2005), Miami Dolphins (2006) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2007).

In 2007, Adams signed with the Buccaneers as a free agent but only played one game before being released in December of that year. After returning to Chicago where he had been playing for the Bears during their offseason program, Adams retired from professional football after suffering a career-ending knee injury in October 2008.

A two-time All-Pro selection and winner of four divisional titles with Kansas City and Oakland, Adams is considered one of the greatest offensive tackles ever to play in the NFL.

5. Darqueze Dennard

Defensive back

Darqueze Dennard Career

  • High school: Twiggs County (Jeffersonville, Georgia)
  • College: Michigan State (2010–2013)
  • Position: Cornerback
  • NFL Draft: 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24
  • Cincinnati Bengals (2014–2019), Atlanta Falcons (2020), Arizona Cardinals (2021)*, Indianapolis Colts (2021)*, New York Giants (2021), San Francisco 49ers (2021–2022)*
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • Jack Tatum Trophy (2013), Jim Thorpe Award (2013), Unanimous All-American (2013), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2012, 2013), Tatum–Woodson Defensive Back of the Year (2013)
  • Total tackles: 313, Sacks: 3.0, Forced fumbles: 3, Pass deflections: 27, Interceptions: 4, Defensive touchdowns: 1
  • Total tackles: 313
  • Sacks: 3.0
  • Forced fumbles: 3
  • Pass deflections: 27
  • Interceptions: 4
  • Defensive touchdowns: 1

Darqueze Dennard was a standout cornerback at Michigan State and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2014. In his four seasons with the Bengals, Dennard has consistently been one of their best cornerbacks and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2020.

Dennard has also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals over the past two years, but he is likely to return to Cincinnati next season. Darqueze Dennard is known for his aggressive playstyle on defense which helped him rack up many interceptions during his career with the Bengals.

Darqueze Dennard was a consensus All-American in 2013. He won the Jack Tatum Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award as outstanding defensive backs that year. 

Darqueze Dennard has played for three teams during his NFL career: the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers. In 2020 he signed with the 49ers on a six-year contract extension worth $137 million dollars which made him the highest paid cornerback in NFL history at that time.

In 2019 he was selected to play in both the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl LI but did not participate due to an injury sustained earlier in the season against Green Bay Packers.

6. Tony Mandarich

Offensive lineman

Career

  • High school: Theodore Roosevelt, (Kent, Ohio)
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 1989 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2
  • CFL Draft: 1988 / Round: 7 / Pick: 54
  • Green Bay Packers (1989–1992), Indianapolis Colts (1996–1998)
  • Consensus All-American (1988), 2× Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (1987, 1988), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (1987, 1988)
  • Games played: 86, Games started: 63, Fumble recoveries: 2
  • Games played: 86
  • Games started: 63
  • Fumble recoveries: 2

Tony Mandarich was a highly touted offensive lineman out of high school, and he went on to play for Michigan State. In the 1989 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected Mandarich with the second overall pick.

He would go on to have a disappointing career in Detroit, playing just four seasons before being released in 1997. After his release from Detroit, Mandarich signed with the Canadian Football League's Winnipeg Blue Bombers where he had some success playing until 2001.

Since retiring from football, Mandarich has worked as an analyst for ESPN and Fox Sports 1 networks. Mandarich was a dominant player in college and the NFL, amassing tremendous numbers both offensively and defensively. 

He played for three teams over a six-year span, helping each of them to playoff appearances. Mandarich is most remembered for his superb performance in the 1989 NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers which led to Indianapolis' first ever Super Bowl appearance. 

After retiring from football due to injuries, Tony Mandarich has since worked as an analyst on ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcasts.

7. Brian Hoyer

Brian Hoyer Career

  • High school: St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio)
  • College: Michigan State (2004–2008)
  • Undrafted: 2009
  • New England Patriots (2009–2011), Pittsburgh Steelers (2012), Arizona Cardinals (2012), Cleveland Browns (2013–2014), Houston Texans (2015), Chicago Bears (2016), San Francisco 49ers (2017), New England Patriots (2017–2018), Indianapolis Colts (2019), New England Patriots (2020–present)
  • Roster status: Injured reserve
  • Super Bowl champion (LIII)
  • Completion percentage: 59.4%, Passing yards: 10,668, TD–INT: 53–35, Passer rating: 82.9
  • Completion percentage: 59.4%
  • Passing yards: 10,668
  • TD–INT: 53–35
  • Passer rating: 82.9

Hoyer was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009 but did not sign with them. He played for the Arizona Cardinals from 2012-2013 and then signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2013.

Hoyer led the Browns to an 8-8 record as their starting quarterback in 2014, before being replaced by Josh McCown midway through the season. Hoyer is a cerebral quarterback who has shown flashes of brilliance, but he may never be more than a backup player in the NFL due to his lack of height and arm strength.

Hoyer is a veteran QB who has experience in the playoffs. Hoyer is a consistent passer and can lead his team to victory in close contests. 

Hoyer’s lack of height might be an issue for NFL teams, but he makes up for it with grit and determination. Hoyer’s contract expires at the end of the 2020 season, so there is potential for him to test free agency next year.

Brian Hoyer will always be remembered as one of the key players on New England's Super Bowl-winning team in 2017.

8. Bubba Smith

Defensive end

Bubba Smith Career

  • High school: Charlton-Pollard, (Beaumont, Texas)
  • College: Michigan State (1964–1966)
  • NFL Draft: 1967 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1
  • Baltimore Colts (1967–1972), Oakland Raiders (1973–1974), Houston Oilers (1975–1976)
  • Super Bowl champion (V), NFL champion (1968), First-team All-Pro (1971), 2× Second-team All-Pro (1968, 1970), 2× Pro Bowl (1970, 1971), UPI Lineman of the Year (1966), 2× Consensus All-American (1965, 1966), Michigan State Spartans No. 95 retired
  • Games played: 111, Fumble recoveries: 4
  • Games played: 111
  • Fumble recoveries: 4
  • College Football Hall of Fame

Bubba Smith was a defensive end who played in the NFL for more than 20 years. Bubba Smith was one of the most iconic players in Baltimore Colts history, and he helped lead that team to two Super Bowl appearances during his tenure.

After spending time with the Baltimore Colts, Bubba Smith moved on to play for the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Raiders before retiring from professional football after the 1987 season. Bubba Smith passed away at age 66 after suffering from multiple health problems over the past few years.

His death is mourned by many fans and teammates alike, who remember him as one of the all-time greats at his position. Bubba Smith was a Hall of Fame linebacker for the Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers. 

He is best known for his heroics in Super Bowl III, when he forced an fumble that led to the game-winning touchdown against the New York Jets.

Smith also played a major role in leading the Oilers to their first ever NFL championship in 1975. After retiring from playing football, Bubba became a television commentator and served as co-host of ESPN's SportsCenter for several years before passing away in 2006 at age 65.

9. Lorenzo White

Running back

Career

  • High school: Ft. Lauderdale (FL) Dillard
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 1988 / Round: 1 / Pick: 22
  • Houston Oilers (1988–1994), Cleveland Browns (1995)
  • Pro Bowl (1992), Big Ten Player of the Year (1987), 2× Consensus All-American (1985, 1987), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (1985, 1987), Michigan State Hall of Fame (2010), Rose Bowl Hall of Fame (2022)
  • Rushing yards: 4,242, Yards per carry: 4.0, Rushing touchdowns: 30
  • Rushing yards: 4,242
  • Yards per carry: 4.0
  • Rushing touchdowns: 30
  • College Football Hall of Fame

White was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the 1988 NFL Draft. He played for the team from 1988 to 1994. In 1995, he signed with the Cleveland Browns and spent two seasons with them before retiring.

White has also been a member of the New York Giants (1995), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996) and Minnesota Vikings (1997). He made his return to professional football in 2003 when he joined the Miami Dolphins but retired again after one season due to injury problems.

White is currently an assistant coach at Florida International University where he works with their running backs and receivers groups as well as special teams units. 

White played college football at Michigan State, where he was a two-time consensus All-American and a first-team All-Big Ten selection.

White then went on to play in the NFL for 13 seasons with four different teams, including the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles. He is currently a running backs coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

White holds several records as an NFL player, including most rushing yards (4,242) and touchdowns (30). He also won three Super Bowls with the Eagles during his career.

10. Greg Jones

Linebacker

Career

  • High school: Archbishop Moeller, (Cincinnati, Ohio)
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 2011 / Round: 6 / Pick: 185
  • New York Giants (2011), Las Vegas Locomotives (2012), Jacksonville Jaguars (2012), Tennessee Titans (2013)*, Toronto Argonauts (2014–2015), Saskatchewan Roughriders (2016)
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • Roster status: Active
  • CFL status: International
  • Super Bowl champion (XLVI), CFL East All-Star (2015), Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Year (2009), 2× Consensus All-American (2009, 2010), 3× First-team All-Big Ten (2008–2010)
  • Total tackles: 35, Sacks: 0.0, Forced fumbles: 0, Fumble recoveries: 0, Interceptions: 0
  • Total tackles: 35
  • Sacks: 0.0
  • Forced fumbles: 0
  • Fumble recoveries: 0
  • Interceptions: 0

Greg Jones was drafted by the Giants in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft. After spending time with the New York Giants, he was traded to Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012.

He played for Jacksonville and Toronto Argonauts before being signed by Tennessee Titans in 2013.* In 2014, Greg Jones signed with the Argonauts and remained there until 2015 when he was released.

Greg Jones has since retired from football but still remains active as a linebacker coach at his alma mater Michigan State University Greg Jones is a 3-time consensus All-American and 2x Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

He was Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots in XLVI, but he's best known for his time at Michigan State where he led the Spartans to back-to-back conference titles and a Rose Bowl appearance in 2010. 

After leaving MSU, Jones signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent and made an immediate impact on their defense starting 12 games in 2011 before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks during draft week in 2012.

In five seasons with Seattle, he recorded 130 tackles (99 solo), 9 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble while also playing 10 Pro Bowls. 

In 2017 Jones joined Saskatchewan as part of their offseason conditioning program before signing a contract midway through training camp that will keep him there through at least 2020.

11. Trae Waynes

Defensive back

Trae Waynes Career

  • High school: Bradford (Kenosha, Wisconsin)
  • College: Michigan State (2011–2014)
  • NFL Draft: 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11
  • Minnesota Vikings (2015–2019), Cincinnati Bengals (2020–2021)
  • Rose Bowl champion (2014), Cotton Bowl champion (2015), First-team All-Big Ten (2014)
  • Total tackles: 252, Sacks: 1.0, Pass deflections: 42, Interceptions: 7, Forced fumbles: 2, Fumble recoveries: 1
  • Total tackles: 252
  • Sacks: 1.0
  • Pass deflections: 42
  • Interceptions: 7
  • Forced fumbles: 2
  • Fumble recoveries: 1

Trae Waynes was drafted 11th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2015 NFL Draft. He played for the Minnesota Vikings from 2015 to 2019, before moving on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020 and 2021.

Trae Waynes is a cornerback who has been mostly used as a safety during his career due to his size and athleticism. Despite being small for a corner, Trae Waynes is incredibly fast and agile, making him difficult to beat one-on-one.

His biggest asset however may be his ability to read quarterback signals and make interceptions or break up passes. Trae Waynes was a standout cornerback at Michigan State and the Rose Bowl champion in 2014. 

He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 11th overall pick in 2015, but has yet to make an impact on their roster.

In 2016, he signed with the Detroit Lions where he made two interceptions before being released midway through the season. Now playing for his third team in as many seasons, Trae Waynes is looking for a fresh start that will help him reach his potential as one of the NFL's top cornerbacks.

12. Kirk Gibson

Wide receiver

Kirk Gibson Career

  • 2× World Series champion (1984, 1988), NL MVP (1988), ALCS MVP (1984), Silver Slugger Award (1988), NL Manager of the Year (2011)

Gibson was a talented and successful hitter in the MLB. He finished his career with 255 home runs, 870 RBIs, and a .268 batting average. Gibson's most memorable moment came on September 8th, 1979 when he debuted for the Detroit Tigers at age 26.

In that game, he hit two home runs off of Dennis Eckersley to help lead his team to an 11-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Gibson played 17 seasons in the MLB with four different teams (Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants).

His best season as a player was 1984 when he led all hitters in both homers (41) and RBIs (130). After retiring as a player following the 1995 season, Gibson became manager of the California Angels franchise from 1996 until 2003 before returning to manage Detroit again from 2007 through 2009.

Kirk Gibson's legacy is one of success; he has managed 353 wins compared to 375 losses during his eight years as a major league manager.

Also Played For: detroit tigers, los angeles dodgers

13. Shilique Calhoun

Defensive lineman

Shilique Calhoun Career

  • High school: Middletown North, (Middletown Township, New Jersey)
  • College: Michigan State
  • Position: Outside linebacker
  • NFL Draft: 2016 / Round: 3 / Pick: 75
  • Oakland Raiders (2016–2018), New England Patriots (2019–2020), San Francisco 49ers (2021)*, Kansas City Chiefs (2021–2022)*
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • 3× First-team All-Big Ten (2013–2015), Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year (2013)
  • Total tackles: 56, Sacks: 2.5, Forced fumbles: 3, Fumble recoveries: 0
  • Total tackles: 56
  • Sacks: 2.5
  • Forced fumbles: 3
  • Fumble recoveries: 0

Shilique Calhoun is an outside linebacker who was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2016 but then traded to the New England Patriots in 2019. He has played for both teams this season and recorded five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception.

Calhoun is a physical player who can be very disruptive on defense. Shilique Calhoun is an edge rusher who was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. 

After leaving college early, Shilique spent a year on injured reserve with a torn Achilles tendon before signing with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent.

In his first season with Oakland, he had 7 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in 16 games played. The next year, Shilique made his debut for the Raiders' regular season opener and recorded 2 tackles in their win over the Indianapolis Colts. 

He finished that season with 10 sacks along with 47 total tackles and 4 forced fumbles in 16 games played which earned him First-team All-American honors from both AP analysts and Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

During his third NFL Season (2018), Shilique tallied 12 sacks along with 55 total tackles and 5 forced fumbles playing all 16 games for Oakland again this time making him to be named to multiple Pro Bowls including being voted into AFC team at their own game held during Super Bowl LIII.

14. Connor Cook

Quarterback

Career

  • High school: Walsh Jesuit, (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)
  • College: Michigan State (2011–2015)
  • NFL Draft: 2016 / Round: 4 / Pick: 100
  • Oakland Raiders (2016–2017), Carolina Panthers (2018)*, Cincinnati Bengals (2018)*, Detroit Lions (2019)*, Houston Roughnecks (2020)
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • Griese–Brees Quarterback of the Year (2015), Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2015), First-team All-Big Ten (2015), 2× Second-team All-Big Ten (2013, 2014), Cotton Bowl Classic Champion (2015), Rose Bowl Champion (2014), Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl Champion (2012), Rose Bowl Offensive MVP (2014)
  • Pass attempts: 21, Pass completions: 14, Completion percentage: 66.7, TD–INT: 1–1, Passing yards: 150, Passer rating: 83.4
  • Pass attempts: 21
  • Pass completions: 14
  • Completion percentage: 66.7
  • TD–INT: 1–1
  • Passing yards: 150
  • Passer rating: 83.4

Connor Cook was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 2016 NFL Draft. He played for the Oakland Raiders until he was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2018.

Connor Cook has been with two other teams, Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions, since then. He is currently a free agent and has not yet signed with any team for 2019 season.

Connor Cook was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played for Michigan State University where he finished with a record of 66-7 as a starter and won two Big Ten Championships (2013, 2014).

Connor Cook was signed by the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2015 and started 14 games for them before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks in September 2016. 

In his first season with Seattle, Connor Cook led them to their first ever Super Bowl victory against Atlanta Falcons while also winning MVP award.

After one more year with Seattle, he was traded again this time to Oakland who were looking to rebuild after multiple poor seasons including finishing last in AFC West.

15. Kenneth Walker III

Running back

Kenneth Walker III Career

  • High school: Arlington (Arlington, Tennessee)
  • College: , Wake Forest (2019–2020), Michigan State (2021)
  • NFL Draft: 2022 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41
  • Seattle Seahawks (2022–present)
  • Roster status: Active
  • Walter Camp Award (2021), Doak Walker Award (2021), Unanimous All-American (2021), Ameche–Dayne Running Back of the Year (2021), First-team All-Big Ten (2021)
  • Rushing yards: 1,055, Rushing average: 4.6, Rushing touchdowns: 9, Receptions: 27, Receiving yards: 165, Receiving touchdowns: 0
  • Rushing yards: 1,055
  • Rushing average: 4.6
  • Rushing touchdowns: 9
  • Receptions: 27
  • Receiving yards: 165
  • Receiving touchdowns: 0

Walker was a four-star recruit out of Arlington, Tennessee and played running back for Wake Forest in 2019. The Seahawks drafted Walker in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft and he has since started 21 games for Seattle.

Walker is known as an elusive runner with good speed who can take it to the House on any given play. He is also a tough receiver out of the backfield and has shown flashes of brilliance both passing downfield and catching passes out of the backfield himself.

Kenneth Walker III is an American football player who was unanimously selected as a first-team All-American by the Associated Press in 2021. Kenneth Walker III has also been honored with the Walter Camp Award and Doak Walker Award, both of which are given to the best collegiate player in America.

He finished his career at Michigan State with rushing yards of 1,055 and 9 touchdowns on 157 receptions for 2,721 yards and 23 touchdowns. Walker entered the NFL Draft in 2022 but was not drafted because he decided to return to Michigan State for his senior season instead.

 Despite electing not to enter professional football after being highly touted coming out of college, Kenneth Walker III still hopes one day to play in the league; he’s just focusing on helping MSU win another championship this year.

Also Played For: fantasy playoff, nfl playoff

16. Keshawn Martin

Wide receiver

Career

  • High school: Westland (MI) John Glenn
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 2012 / Round: 4 / Pick: 121
  • Houston Texans (2012–2015), New England Patriots (2015), San Francisco 49ers (2016), Detroit Lions (2017)*
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • Receptions: 62, Receiving yards: 685, Receiving touchdowns: 5, Return yards: 2,859, Return touchdowns: 1
  • Receptions: 62
  • Receiving yards: 685
  • Receiving touchdowns: 5
  • Return yards: 2,859
  • Return touchdowns: 1

Keshawn Martin was a wide receiver for the Houston Texans from 2012-2015. He had a career high of 1,095 receiving yards in 2013. Keshawn Martin has also played for the Indianapolis Colts and Oakland Raiders during his NFL career.

Keshawn Martin is 32 years old and is from Inkster, Michigan. His father, Kenyon Martin, was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 1995 and played with them until 2004 before retiring due to injury problems. 

KeshawnMartin married singer Demi Lovato in May 2016 after two months of dating Keshawn Martin was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

In 2016, Keshawn signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He had a productive year and led all receivers in receptions (60), receiving yards (848) and touchdowns (5). 

The Detroit Lions signed him as an unrestricted free agent in 2017. He played well for them, finishing second on their team with 74 catches for 964 yards and six touchdowns.

Also Played For: 2012 nfl draft

17. William Gholston

Defensive end

William Gholston Career

  • High school: Detroit (MI) Southeastern
  • College: Michigan State (2010–2012)
  • NFL Draft: 2013 / Round: 4 / Pick: 126
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2013–present)
  • Roster status: Active
  • Super Bowl champion (LV), 2× Second-team All-Big Ten (2011, 2012), Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl Defensive MVP (2012)
  • Total tackles: 393, Sacks: 19.5, Forced fumbles: 3, Fumble recoveries: 3, Pass deflections: 12
  • Total tackles: 393
  • Sacks: 19.5
  • Forced fumbles: 3
  • Fumble recoveries: 3
  • Pass deflections: 12

William Gholston is a Defensive End for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. William played college football at Michigan State before being drafted by the Bucs in 2013.

He has been a part of two playoff teams with the Bucs and was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2017. In 2018, he signed a four-year extension with the team that will keep him with them through 2021.

William is known for his strong play against the run and pass, which has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career so far.

6 . Outside of football, William enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as playing video games.

William Gholston was a two-time second-team All-Big Ten defensive end for the Michigan Wolverines.

Gholston was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft and has played for them, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills since then. He won Super Bowl XLVII with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017 and was named Defensive MVP of that game. 

William Gholston is currently an active player in the NFL and has recorded393 tackles, 19 sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 12 pass deflections during his career to date.

18. Sherman Lewis

Halfback

Career

  • High school: duPont Manual (KY)
  • College: Michigan State
  • Position: Running back
  • AFL Draft: 1964 / Round: 9 / Pick: 67
  • 4× Super Bowl champion (XIX, XXIII, XXIV, XXXI)
  • Coaching stats at PFR

Sherman Lewis was a running back in the AFL who played for the Toronto Argonauts and New York Jets. He had a successful career, scoring 34 touchdowns in 128 games.

After retiring as a player, he served as an assistant coach with the Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins before joining ESPN in 1984 as an analyst and commentator on football.

Lewis is also known for his work writing children's books about sports heroes such as Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky, which have been published around the world. Lewis was the offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers from 1992-1999.

During his tenure, they won three Super Bowls (XXI, XXIII, and XXXI). Lewis then spent a decade as an offensive assistant with the Washington Redskins under head coach Mike Shanahan. Sherman helped lead Washington to back-to-back NFC East championships in 2005 and 2006.

In 2009, Lewis joined Michigan State as their running backs coach before retiring at the end of the 2011 season.

19. Le'Veon Bell

Running back

Le Career

  • 2× First-team All-Pro (2014, 2017)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2016, 2017)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2014, 2016, 2017)
  • First-team All-American (2012)
  • First-team All-Big Ten (2012)
  • Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl Off. MVP (2012)

Le'Veon Bell is a running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers and has been in the NFL since 2013. In his four seasons with the Steelers, he's racked up over 1,500 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns.

He was traded to the New York Jets in 2019 and had an excellent season with them, amassing over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. 

His contract expires at the end of 2020 and it's uncertain whether or not he'll return to the NFL next year or retire after such a successful career so far.

Le'Veon Bell is a professional American football player who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has since played for them and been named to two Pro Bowls, as well as being First-team All-Pro twice. 

Bell also holds numerous rushing records, including the most yards in a career (6,554) and consecutive games with 100 or more yards from scrimmage (14).

In March 2019, it was announced that he would be Suspended Without Pay for the entire season after refusing to sign his contract extension with the Steelers.

20. Andre Rison

Wide receiver

Career

  • Indianapolis Colts (1989)
  • Atlanta Falcons (1990–1994)
  • Cleveland Browns (1995)
  • Jacksonville Jaguars (1996)
  • Green Bay Packers (1996)
  • Kansas City Chiefs (1997–1999)
  • Oakland Raiders (2000)
  • Toronto Argonauts (2004–2005)

Andre Rison was a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, and Cleveland Browns in his NFL career. He is best known for his time with the Falcons, where he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards seven times in his eleven seasons there.

Andre Rison also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers during parts of two separate seasons before retiring in 2001. Andre Rison was a versatile wide receiver who played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and Toronto Argonauts in his career.

He enjoyed success in the NFL, earning three first-team All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowl appearances. Andre Rison also led the league in receiving touchdowns twice during his career, including once with the Oakland Raiders. 

Andre Rison retired from professional football following the 2004 season after playing for both the Toronto Argonauts and Arizona Cardinals organizations consecutively.

21. Javon Ringer

Running back

Career

  • High school: Dayton (OH) Chaminade-Julienne
  • College: Michigan State (2005–2008)
  • NFL Draft: 2009 / Round: 5 / Pick: 173
  • Tennessee Titans (2009–2012)
  • Consensus All-American (2008), First-team All-Big Ten (2008), Second-team All-Big Ten (2007)
  • Rushing attempts: 120, Rushing yards: 486, Rushing touchdowns: 3, Receptions: 38, Receiving yards: 243, Receiving touchdowns: 0
  • Rushing attempts: 120
  • Rushing yards: 486
  • Rushing touchdowns: 3
  • Receptions: 38
  • Receiving yards: 243
  • Receiving touchdowns: 0

Ringer was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2009, and played for them from 2009 to 2012. He had a career-high rushing total of 1,089 yards in 2011 with the Titans.

Ringer also had five touchdowns on the ground during his time with Tennessee. Ringer is best known for being one of Running Backs Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson's backups in Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XLVIII victory over the Denver Broncos Javon Ringer is a consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten player from 2008.

He was drafted in the second round by the New Orleans Saints in 2009, but he never played for them due to an injury. 

He signed with the St Louis Rams as a free agent in 2013 and had his best season that year with 1,089 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 195 carries (4.8 avg). In 2016, he was released by the Rams after appearing in just one game due to a knee injury.

22. Morten Andersen

Placekicker

Morten Andersen Career

  • 5× First-team All-Pro (1985–1987, 1992, 1995)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1988)
  • 7× Pro Bowl (1985–1988, 1990, 1992, 1995)
  • 2× Golden Toe Award (1986, 1995)
  • NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
  • New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame 2009
  • New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor 2015
  • Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2011
  • Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame 2011
  • Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame 2013
  • Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame 2020
  • Indiana Sports Hall of Fame 2020
  • First-team All-American (1981)
  • First-team All-Big Ten (1981)
  • Second-team All-Big Ten (1980)

Andersen was a prolific kicker in the NFL, making over 500 career field goals and totaling 2,544 points. He played for four different teams during his 18-year career: the New Orleans Saints (1982–1994), Atlanta Falcons (1995–2000), New York Giants (2001), and Kansas City Chiefs (2002–2003).

Andersen is best known for his performance with the Saints, where he became one of the most successful kickers in NFL history. Between 1982 and 1994, he made 89 field goals – an NFL record at the time – en route to five Pro Bowl appearances and two Super Bowl victories. 

After leaving New Orleans following the 1993 season, Andersen signed with the Atlanta Falcons but struggled initially before becoming one of their all-time greats later in his tenure there.

In 1995 he led both leagues with 54 touchbacks on kicks while also scoring 116 points as part of an NFC Championship victory that year. Following another winning campaign with Kansas City in 2003, Andersen retired from professional football after playing out his contract with them that year.

Andersen is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-team All-Pro. He holds the NFL record for most field goals in a season with 144, which he set in 1998. Andersen was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Falcons Ring of Honor in 2015.

He currently resides near his home state of Minnesota where he owns an advertising agency.

23. Charles Rogers

Career

  • High school: Saginaw (Saginaw, Michigan)
  • College: Michigan State (2001–2002)
  • NFL Draft: 2003 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2
  • Detroit Lions (2003–2005)
  • Unanimous All-American (2002), Fred Biletnikoff Award (2002), 2× All-Big Ten (2001, 2002), Silicon Valley Football Classic MVP (2001), Michigan State Hall Of Fame (2021)
  • Games played: 15, Games started: 9, Receptions: 36, Receiving yards: 440, Touchdowns: 4
  • Games played: 15
  • Games started: 9
  • Receptions: 36
  • Receiving yards: 440
  • Touchdowns: 4

Charles Rogers was one of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, with 1,094 receptions for 13,934 yards and 83 touchdowns. He played his entire career with the Detroit Lions before retiring in 2007.

Charles Rogers is best known for making a spectacular catch against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day 2003 which helped lead to a game-winning touchdown in overtime. 

Charles Rogers also made an outstanding catch during Super Bowl XLII when he caught a Hail Mary pass from Tom Brady to help New England win their fourth championship title overall.

In 2008, he became just the third player ever to be elected into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame (along with Jerry Rice and Barry Sanders). On November 11th 2019, Charles Rogers passed away at age 38 after long battle with cancer.

Also Played For: school football, 2003 nfl draft

24. George Webster

Career

  • High school: Westside, (Anderson, South Carolina)
  • College: Michigan State
  • AFL Draft: 1967 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5
  • Houston Oilers (1967–1972), Pittsburgh Steelers (1972–1973), New England Patriots (1974–1976)
  • 3× AFL All-Star (1967, 1968, 1969), AFL All-Time Team, AFL Rookie of the Year (1967), 2× All-American (1965, 1966), Michigan State Spartans No. 90 retired
  • Player stats at PFR
  • College Football Hall of Fame

George Webster was a linebacker for the Houston Oilers from 1967 to 1978. He played in nine Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro twice. Webster also won two Super Bowl rings with the Oilers, in 1974 and 1979.

After leaving football, Webster worked as an analyst on NFL broadcasts for CBS and ESPN before dying of heart failure at 61 years old. Webster was a two-time All American from Michigan State and the AFL's first ever Rookie of the Year.

Webster had an illustrious career with five different teams, amassing over 4,000 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns on his way to enshrinement in both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

25. Brad Van Pelt

Career

  • Second-team All-Pro (1978)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (1976–1980)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • Maxwell Award (1972)
  • 2× Consensus All-American (1971, 1972)

Van Pelt was a linebacker during his 10-year NFL career. He played for the Giants, Raiders, Browns, and Vikings over that time period. 

Van Pelt was selected by the New York Giants in the 1973 NFL Draft and spent three seasons with them before moving on to play for the Los Angeles Raiders from 1984 to 1985.

After two years with Cleveland, he finished his career with stints in Minnesota (1986) and San Francisco (1989). 

Brad Van Pelt was a two-time consensus All-American at Penn State, and he was drafted in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He played for the Giants for six seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1978.

After one season with Philadelphia, Van Pelt retired from professional football. He has since worked as an analyst on ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage and has been a regular commentator on college football games. 

Brad Van Pelt is now considered one of the greatest defensive players in history and he will be enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

26. Billy Joe DuPree

Billy Joe DuPree Career

  • High school: West Monroe (LA) Richardson
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 1973 / Round: 1 / Pick: 20
  • Dallas Cowboys (1973–1983)
  • Super Bowl champion (XII), 3× Pro Bowl (1976, 1977, 1978), Unanimous All-American (1972), 2× Second-team All-Big Ten (1971, 1972)
  • Games played: 159, Receptions: 267, Receiving yards: 3,565, Touchdowns: 41
  • Games played: 159
  • Receptions: 267
  • Receiving yards: 3,565
  • Touchdowns: 41

DuPree was a tight end in the NFL for several years. He played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1973 to 1983. DuPree also had stints with other teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions.

He is most famous for his time with the Dallas Cowboys, where he helped lead them to two Super Bowl appearances (1977 and 1981). DuPree retired from football after playing for the Detroit Lions in 1984.

After retirement, DuPree worked as a commentator on NFL games and served as an ambassador of youth athletics programs across Louisiana DuPree was a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys.

He played college football at Illinois, where he was an All-American in 1972. DuPree signed with the Cowboys as a free agent in 1971 and became one of their most prolific receivers over the next decade or so. 

His best season came in 1976 when he caught 66 passes for 1,129 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to being named Second Team All-Big Ten by both The Sporting News and The Associated Press.

27. Julian Peterson

Julian Peterson Career

  • High school: Temple Hills (MD) Crossland
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 2000 / Round: 1 / Pick: 16
  • San Francisco 49ers (2000–2005), Seattle Seahawks (2006–2008), Detroit Lions (2009–2010)
  • First-team All-Pro (2003), Second-team All-Pro (2002), 5× Pro Bowl (2002, 2003, 2006–2008)
  • Tackles: 756, Sacks: 51.5, Interceptions: 8
  • Tackles: 756
  • Sacks: 51.5
  • Interceptions: 8

Julian Peterson is a linebacker who played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2000-2005. He was drafted 16th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft by the 49ers and spent four seasons with them before joining the Seattle Seahawks in 2006.

Julian Peterson has made over 190 tackles, 10 sacks, two interceptions and one fumble recovery in his career thus far. In 2010, he became an assistant coach at Michigan State University where he currently remains as of 2016. Peterson was drafted in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks.

He spent his entire rookie season with Seattle and played well, earning Second-team All-Pro honors. In 2007, he signed a six-year contract extension with Seattle worth $51 million and helped lead them to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history that year. 

The following two seasons were disappointing for Peterson as injuries prevented him from playing at 100%.

After being released by the Seahawks in 2010, he signed a one-year deal with Detroit where he finished out his career before retiring after the 2012 season finale game against Arizona Cardinals having played 10 years in the NFL (2006–2012).

28. Jayden Reed

Wide receiver

Jayden Reed Career

  • College: , Western Michigan (2018), Michigan State (2019–present)
  • Bowl games: , 2021 Peach Bowl (Dec.) (Off. MVP)
  • High school: Naperville Central, (Naperville, Illinois)
  • AFCA First-team All-American (2021), 2× Second-team All-Big Ten (2021, 2022), Second-team All-MAC (2018)

Jayden Reed is a junior wide receiver/return specialist for the Michigan State Spartans. In 2018, he finished his collegiate career with Western Michigan and was named to the All-MAC First Team.

Jayden Reed has caught 168 passes for 2,805 yards and 21 touchdowns in his college career. He also added 188 rushing yards on 29 attempts and one touchdown throughout his four years at WMU. 

Reed was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft but elected to sign with the Spartans instead due to their head coaching change from Pat Narduzzi to Dantonio earlier that year which gave him more familiarity with the program going into next season .

With Dantonio now leading MSU, Jayden Reed looks primed for another strong year as a Spartan in 2021. Reed was a three-time second-team All-Big Ten player at Michigan State. 

Reed had an impressive career with the Spartans, leading them to back-to-back bowl games in 2021 and 2022. Reed is most known for his passing ability, as he completed 66 percent of his passes during his time at MSU. He will now head to the NFL where he is expected to compete for a starting spot on an upcoming team.

Reed’s success in college earned him honors such as being named AFCA First Team All-American in 2021 and Second Team All Big Ten twice between 2020 and 2022 seasons respectively.

29. Brian Allen

Brian Allen Career

  • Los Angeles Rams (2018–present)

Brian Allen was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State and started all 47 games he appeared in for the Spartans.

In his four seasons with MSU, Allen made 111 tackles (50 solos), 10 sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. 

After going undrafted in 2018, Allen signed a three-year contract with the Rams as an undrafted free agent on May 12th, 2019 Allen was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Allen started all four games for the Rams during their run to Super Bowl LVI. Allen finished his rookie season with 53 tackles, one interception and a forced fumble. 

In 2019, Allen played in all 16 games for the Rams and recorded 45 tackles and one sack while also forcing two fumbles. With Brian Allen on board as a key part of their defense, it is no surprise that the Rams have made back-to-back appearances in Super Bowls (LVI & LVII).

Allen will be an important part of Sean McVay's squad this upcoming season as he looks to bring home another Lombardi Trophy.

30. Plaxico Burress

Plaxico Burress Career

  • High school: Green Run, (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
  • College: Michigan State (1997–1999)
  • NFL Draft: 2000 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8
  • Super Bowl champion (XLII), NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2011), 2× All-Big Ten (1998, 1999)
  • Receptions: 553, Receiving yards: 8,499, Receiving touchdowns: 64
  • Receptions: 553
  • Receiving yards: 8,499
  • Receiving touchdowns: 64

Plaxico Burress is a former NFL wide receiver who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Jets. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000 and spent five seasons with the team before being traded to the Giants in 2005.

After two seasons with the Giants, he signed with the Jets as a free agent in 2008 and finished his career with them after three more years. Plaxico Burress has also been involved in some legal issues over his career; most notably an arrest for gun possession which led to him serving time in prison (he was later pardoned).

In 2011, Plaxico Burress announced his retirement from professional football following stints on injured reserve for both teams he had previously played for - Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets - ending his 10-year NFL career.

Plaxico Burress retired from professional football after 10 years of playing on different teams ending his career at 36 years old.

31. Earl Morrall

Quarterback

Earl Morrall Career

  • 3× Super Bowl champion (V, VII, VIII)
  • NFL champion (1968)
  • NFL Most Valuable Player (1968)
  • NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1972)
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (1968, 1972)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1957, 1968)
  • NFL passer rating leader (1972)
  • NFL passing touchdowns leader (1968)
  • Consensus All-American (1955)

Earl Morrall was born in Muskegon, Michigan on May 17, 1934. He played college football at Michigan State and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1956 NFL Draft.

Earl started his professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Baltimore Colts (1958–1959). In 1960 he joined the Kansas City Chiefs where he finished his playing career in 1965.

After retiring from football, Earl became a coach for various teams such as Miami Dolphins (1968), Buffalo Bills (1972–1973), Detroit Lions (1974), and Philadelphia Eagles (1976). He passed away from natural causes on April 25, 2014, at the age of 79 years old.

Earl Morrall was a two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion. He also holds several records for the Baltimore Colts, including the most touchdown passes in a career (161).

 Morrall is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and is still highly respected by players and coaches today.

32. Max Bullough

Linebacker

Max Bullough Career

  • High school: Traverse City (MI) St. Francis
  • College: Michigan State
  • Undrafted: 2014
  • As Coach, CFP national champion (2020)
  • Total tackles: 56, Sacks: 0.0, Forced fumbles: 0, Pass deflections: 0, Interceptions: 0
  • Total tackles: 56
  • Sacks: 0.0
  • Forced fumbles: 0
  • Pass deflections: 0
  • Interceptions: 0

Bullough played linebacker for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He started his career with the Houston Texans before joining the Cleveland Browns in 2018. Bullough is a graduate assistant for the Alabama Crimson Tide and has been with them since 2014.

Max Bullough was born on February 11, 1992 in Traverse City, Michigan and attended St Francis High School there where he starred as a linebacker alongside fellow future NFL player Jalen Tabor. 

After playing college football at Michigan State, he went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft but still managed to make it onto several teams' radars including Houston and Cleveland who signed him later that year respectively.

Max Bullough currently resides in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife Kelli and their two young children Presley (born 2015) and Harper (born 2017).

33. Drew Stanton

Quarterback

Drew Stanton Career

  • High school: Harrison, (Farmington Hills, Michigan)
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 2007 / Round: 2 / Pick: 43
  • Detroit Lions (2007–2011), New York Jets (2012)*, Indianapolis Colts (2012), Arizona Cardinals (2013–2017), Cleveland Browns (2018–2019), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020)
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • Super Bowl champion (LV)
  • Passing completions: 345, Passing attempts: 659, Completion average: 52.4, TD–INT: 20–24, Passing yards: 4,059, Passer rating: 66.3
  • Passing completions: 345
  • Passing attempts: 659
  • Completion average: 52.4
  • TD–INT: 20–24
  • Passing yards: 4,059
  • Passer rating: 66.3

Drew Stanton was born in Okemos, Michigan on May 7th, 1984. He attended Harrison High School before enrolling at Michigan State University where he played for the Spartans from 2002 to 2006 and again in 2008-2009.

Stanton was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2007 and spent three seasons with them before moving onto the New York Jets following their Super Bowl XLII victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

In 2012, Stanton joined Indianapolis Colts as their starting quarterback but only lasted one season there due to poor play which led him being released midway through 2013 campaign by new head coach Chuck Pagano who took over from Jim Caldwell that year (Stanton would later sign with Arizona Cardinals).

Since retiring from professional football after playing just 12 games for the Cardinals during his final season of 2018, Drew has focused mainly on broadcasting duties having worked as a color commentator for CBS Sports Network since 2017 alongside former NFL player Todd Blackledge.

 and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson covering various college football games across America - including several notable matchups between rivals Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines.

Also Played For: farmington hills harrison

34. Herb Adderley

Career

  • 3× Super Bowl champion (I, II, VI)
  • 5× NFL champion (1961, 1962, 1965–1967)
  • 4× First-team All-Pro (1962, 1963, 1965, 1966)
  • 3× Second-team All-Pro (1964, 1967, 1969)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (1963–1967)
  • NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
  • Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame (1981)

Herb Adderley was a cornerback for the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. He played college football at Michigan State, and was drafted by the Packers in 1961 with the 12th overall pick.

Adderley spent his first ten seasons with the Packers before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 1970. In 1972, he retired after playing two more seasons with Dallas. 

After retiring from professional football, Adderley worked as a television analyst for both teams until his death in 2020 at 81 years old Herb Adderley was a three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time NFL champion with the Green Bay Packers.

He was an All-Pro selection four times, and in 1960 he became the first African American to be named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

After his playing career ended, Herb served as general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1978–1981 before retiring completely in 1982. 

In 1981, Herb received induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame along with fellow members Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi—two legends who had helped him reach stardom during his time in Wisconsin.

35. Derrick Mason

Wide receiver

Derrick Mason Career

  • Tennessee Oilers / Tennessee Titans (1997–2004)
  • Baltimore Ravens (2005–2010)
  • New York Jets (2011)
  • Houston Texans (2011)

Derrick Mason was one of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, amassing 11,236 yards and 81 touchdowns during his career. 

He originally signed with the Tennessee Oilers as an undrafted free agent in 1997 and spent four seasons with them before joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2005.

Despite being drafted by the Detroit Lions fourth overall in 1994, he only played for them for two seasons before moving to Baltimore. 

Mason is best known for his time with the Ravens where he helped lead them to Super Bowl XXXVIII victory against New England Patriots. 

After finishing up his tenure with Houston Texans in 2011, Mason retired from professional football at the age of 38 years old after a 12-year career that saw him play 216 games and rack up over 10,000 receiving yards and 81 touchdowns.

Derrick Mason was a two-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro who spent his entire 16-year career with the Baltimore Ravens.

He registered 973 receptions for 12,061 yards and 66 touchdowns over his career. Mason also returned 5,086 yards on 388 returns for three touchdowns throughout his NFL tenure.

36. Jeremy Langford

Running back

Career

  • High school: Westland (MI) Glenn
  • College: Michigan State
  • Position: Running back
  • NFL Draft: 2015 / Round: 4 / Pick: 106
  • Chicago Bears (2015–2016), Baltimore Ravens (2017), New York Jets (2017–2018)*, Miami Dolphins (2018)*, Atlanta Falcons (2018), Saskatchewan Roughriders (2020–2021)
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • Rushing yards: 762, Rushing average: 3.5, Rushing touchdowns: 10, Receptions: 41, Receiving yards: 421, Receiving touchdowns: 1
  • Rushing yards: 762
  • Rushing average: 3.5
  • Rushing touchdowns: 10
  • Receptions: 41
  • Receiving yards: 421
  • Receiving touchdowns: 1

Jeremy Langford is a running back for the Chicago Bears. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Jeremy has had some success with the Baltimore Ravens, but he's best known for his time with the New York Jets.

Jeremy is considered to be one of the better running backs in this year's draft class and could have a bright future in professional football. He is a former second-round pick of the Chicago Bears and was signed by the Miami Dolphins in 2017.

Langford rushed for 2,093 yards on 514 carries with 10 touchdowns over his two seasons with the Dolphins. He has also been used as a receiver out of the backfield and registered 41 receptions for 421 yards and one touchdown during that time period too.

The 26-year old will be playing his third season in Atlanta this year after being traded to them from Chicago at the start of free agency last offseason.

37. Clinton Jones

Running back

Career

  • High school: Cathedral Latin (OH)
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 1967 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2
  • Minnesota Vikings (1967–1972), San Diego Chargers (1973)
  • NFL Champion (1969), Consensus All-American (1966), Second-team All-American (1965), Michigan State Spartans No. 26 Retired
  • Rushing yards: 2,178, Rushing touchdowns: 20, Receptions: 38, Receiving yards: 431
  • Rushing yards: 2,178
  • Rushing touchdowns: 20
  • Receptions: 38
  • Receiving yards: 431
  • College Football Hall of Fame

Clinton Jones was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1967 and played for them from 1967-1972. He then moved on to play for the San Diego Chargers from 1973-1976.

During his time with the Chargers, Clinton Jones led the team in rushing yards several times and was a part of their two Super Bowl appearances (1969, 1970). After leaving San Diego, Clinton Jones spent a few seasons with the Detroit Lions before retiring in 1978.

In total, Clinton Jones ran for over 12000 yards during his career and is currently ranked 10th all-time in NFL history in rushing touchdowns scored. Clinton Jones has since gone onto have a successful career as an actor and has appeared in many movies and TV shows including ‘The Office’, ‘NCIS: New Orleans’, ‘Hawaii Five-0’ etc.

Clinton Jones was an All-American at Michigan State and won a NFL championship with the Baltimore Colts in 1969. He retired from the NFL after playing for four seasons, but continued to work as an assistant coach for several more years. 

Clinton Jones is one of just two players ever inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame (the other being Terry Bradshaw).

Clinton Jones died in 2006 at age 73 after a long battle with cancer.

38. Sedrick Irvin

Running back

Career

  • High school: Miami Southridge, (Miami, Florida)
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 1999 / Round: 4 / Pick: 103th
  • Games played: 20, Games started: 0, Rushing attempts–yards: 45–182, Receptions–yards: 33–323, Touchdowns: 4
  • Games played: 20
  • Games started: 0
  • Rushing attempts–yards: 45–182
  • Receptions–yards: 33–323
  • Touchdowns: 4
  • Player stats at PFR

Sedrick Irvin was a running back for the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Columbus Destroyers in his career. He played college football at Michigan State.

In 1999, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Lions before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2002.

Sedrick then moved to Germany to play for Berlin Thunder from 2003-2005 before coming back stateside to sign with Columbus Destroyers in 2005 Sedrick Irvin was drafted in the 3rd round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019.

In his rookie year, he started 2 games and recorded 1 tackle on defense. Sedrick Irvin has played primarily on special teams for the Jags this season but is seeing some action at linebacker as well. He is a versatile player who can play all three linebacker positions and also rush the passer from time to time.

With another offseason of development, Sedrick Irvin could see more playing time next season with Jacksonville or elsewhere in the NFL if he continues to show improvement on and off the field.

39. Gene Washington

Gene Washington Career

  • High school: George Washington Carver (TX)[1]
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 1967 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8
  • Minnesota Vikings (1967–1972), Denver Broncos (1973)
  • NFL champion (1969), All-Pro (1969), 2× Pro Bowl (1969, 1970), 50 Greatest Vikings, 2× First-team All-American (1965, 1966)
  • Receptions: 182, Receiving Yards: 3,237, Touchdowns: 26
  • Receptions: 182
  • Receiving Yards: 3,237
  • Touchdowns: 26
  • College Football Hall of Fame

Gene Washington was a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos over his 14-year career. He was drafted by the Vikings in 1967 and played with them until 1972, when he moved to Denver.

In 1973, he signed with the Broncos and spent four years there before retiring at the end of the 1976 season. A two-time first-team All-American, Gene Washington was a dominant receiver at the University of Minnesota.

In 1969, he led the NFL with 182 receptions and 3237 receiving yards, while also scoring 26 touchdowns. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

40. Joe DeLamielleure

Career

  • 8× All-Pro (1974–1980, 1983)
  • 6× Pro Bowl (1975–1980)
  • NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
  • Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor
  • Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame

Joe DeLamielleure was a guard for the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He played college football at Michigan State before being drafted by the Bills in 1973.

DeLamielleure had a long and successful career with the Bills, playing there from 1973 to 1979. After spending time with the Browns (1980–1984), he rejoined Buffalo in 1985.

He also spent two seasons with the Charlotte Rage of the World Football League (WFL). DeLamielleure was inducted into both the Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Browns hall of fame after his retirement from football.

Joe DeLamielleure was a key member of the Green Bay Packers' "Greatest Show on Turf" teams that won two Super Bowls in the 1990s. He played both defensive end and linebacker for the Packers, and he also spent time with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills.

DeLamielleure was an eight-time All-Pro selection, six times as a pro bowler, and he is in the NFL Hall of Fame. Joe DeLamielleure died at age 63 after suffering from dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.

41. Payton Thorne

Quarterback

Payton Thorne Career

  • College: , Michigan State (2019–present)
  • Bowl games: , 2021 Peach Bowl (Dec.)
  • High school: Naperville Central, (Naperville, Illinois)

Payton Thorne is a sophomore quarterback at Michigan State. He has been highly touted as one of the top quarterbacks in college football, and his skills have helped lead the Spartans to back-to-back 10 win seasons.

As a sophomore, Payton led Michigan State to an 11-1 record and was named Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year. In addition, he was also selected as a second team All American by CBS Sports and Sporting News.

Prior to attending MSU, Payton played for Naperville Central High School where he set numerous Illinois high school records including most yards passing (5,583), touchdown passes (65) and total offense (8,363). 

As captain of his high school team, Payton led Naperville Central to two state championships – in 2016 with an undefeated season and in 2017 after beating Stonington 55-14 in the Class 3A championship game on holiday Monday night.

After graduating from high school early due to academic issues surrounding test scores, Payton enrolled at MSU full time in January 2019 and started practicing with the varsity squad during spring practice that April.

42. Percy Snow

Career

  • High school: McKinley, (Canton, Ohio)
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 1990 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13
  • Kansas City Chiefs (1990–1992), Chicago Bears (1993), Rhein Fire (1996)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1990), Dick Butkus Award (1989), Lombardi Award (1989), Michigan State Spartans No. 48 retired
  • Games: 40, Sacks: 2.0, Interceptions: 1
  • Games: 40
  • Sacks: 2.0
  • Interceptions: 1
  • College Football Hall of Fame

Percy Snow was a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears from 1990-1992. He also played for the Rhein Fire in 1996. In 1992, he had 96 tackles and two interceptions.

His best season came in 1993 when he recorded 137 tackles and four interceptions. After playing in the NFL, Snow went on to play for the Frankfurt Galaxy of German Football League (GFL) from 1994-1996 before retiring due to injury at age 27 years old.

Snow is currently an analyst with ESPN covering Monday Night Football games as well as college football coverage across ESPN networks including ABC, CBS, Fox Sports 1 & 2 and Longhorn Network Percy has three children; sons Chase (born 2001), Cade (born 2003) & daughter Landonne(born 2006).

They live in Austin Texas with their dog Sadie Snow was one of the most dominant defenders in college football history. He won two national championships with Michigan State and was a first-team All-American both seasons. Snow is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the NFL's 1990 All-Rookie Team.

After his playing career, he worked as an analyst for ESPN for several years before moving to Fox Sports in 2013.

43. Domata Peko

Domata Peko Career

  • Cincinnati Bengals (2006–2016)
  • Denver Broncos (2017–2018)
  • Baltimore Ravens (2019)
  • Arizona Cardinals (2020)

Domata Peko is a veteran nose tackle with experience playing in the NFL for ten seasons. He has been with three different teams, the Cincinnati Bengals (2006-2016), Denver Broncos (2017-2018) and Baltimore Ravens (2019).

Domata Peko was born on November 27th, 1984 in American Samoa. He attended high school at Samoanan Aiea High School before transferring to Michigan State University. 

At Michigan State, he played defensive line for the Spartans from 2003 until 2006 appearing in 49 games and recording 119 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions over that time period.

In 2006, Domata Peko was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals as their fourth-round pick 123rd overall, and appeared in 36 games during his rookie season including 4 starts making 41 tackles while registering 1 sack and 1 interception off of passes thrown his way. 

The following year saw more action for him as he started all 16 games at nose tackle alongside Geno Atkins anchoring one of the best defenses in football posting 56 total tackles along with 5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles helping lead Cincinnati to their first-ever playoff berth.

After struggling with injuries throughout most of 2009 however, still managed to start 11 contests recording 37 stops including 2 sacks en route to being named an alternate captain for 2010. In 2011, Peko continued his successful tenure under new head coach Marvin Lewis starting all 16 contests. 

Once again but it wasn't enough as Cincinnati was knocked out early by eventual Super Bowl Champions Green Bay Packers 31-24 sending them into a downward spiral which resulted in Lewis firing midway through 2012. 

Following Lewis' dismissal, Mike Zimmer was hired as Head Coach who quickly opted to retain both Domata Peko & Atkins leading up to another strong campaign where they finished 14-2 record winning their second conference championship game appearance since 1990.

Unfortunately, this would be Domata's last taste of postseason play as injury struck once again limiting him throughout 2013 only managing 7 appearances totaling 23 tackles before announcing his retirement from professional football following the 2014 season.

Post Retirement: Since retiring from professional football, Domato has remained actively involved in working closely within the player community doing work such as promoting healthy eating habits & exercise amongst others.

currently resides in Oahu Hawaii residing with close friends & family members back home in American Samoa Domata Peko was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State. 

Domata Peko has spent his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs, appearing in 116 games and recording 408 tackles, 20 sacks, three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and 14 pass deflections. 

On September 5th, 2019, Domata Peko announced his retirement from professional football after 11 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. During his tenure with KC, he earned two Pro Bowl selections (2012 & 2017), a First-Team All-Pro selection (2015), and a Second-Team All-Pro selection (2018). 

In February 2020, it was announced that Domata Peko would join the Arizona Cardinals as their new defensive line coach/assistant head coach under Kliff Kingsbury.

44. Brian Lewerke

Quarterback

Brian Lewerke Career

  • High school: Pinnacle (AZ)
  • College: Michigan State
  • Undrafted: 2020
  • New England Patriots (2020)*, TSL Alphas (2021), New York Giants (2021–2022)*, Seattle Sea Dragons (2023–present)
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • Pinstripe Bowl MVP (2019), Holiday Bowl MVP (2017)

Brian Lewerke was born on October 24, 1996 in Tacoma, Washington. He attended high school at Pinnacle (AZ) and played for the Spartans football team before being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 2018 NFL Draft.

In his rookie year with the Lions, he started all 16 games and led them to a 9-7 record while completing 263 out of 405 passes for 3,793 yards with 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. 

The following year he had another successful season as an starter but this time they finished 12-4 which secured their place in the playoffs where they were defeated by Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in what was Brian Lewerke's first ever playoff game appearance.

In 2020 he decided to forego his final year of college eligibility and enter into the NFL draft again where Seattle Seahawks took him 2nd overall behind Baker Mayfield who went 1st overall to Cleveland Browns that year.

45. Kenny Willekes

Defensive end

Kenny Willekes Career

  • High school: NorthPointe Christian, (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
  • College: Michigan State (2015–2019)
  • NFL Draft: 2020 / Round: 7 / Pick: 225
  • Minnesota Vikings (2020–present)
  • Roster status: Injured reserve
  • Smith–Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year (2018), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2018, 2019), Third-team All-Big Ten (2017), Burlsworth Trophy (2019)
  • Total tackles: 16, Sacks: 2.5, Pass deflections: 1
  • Total tackles: 16
  • Sacks: 2.5
  • Pass deflections: 1

Kenny Willekes was a standout linebacker at Michigan State, and he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. He played his rookie season with the team in 2020, and made four starts before being placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.

In 2021, Willekes started all 16 games for the Vikings and recorded 59 tackles (4 for loss), two sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery. In 2022, Willekes led the team with 134 total tackles (11 for loss) while also adding three sacks and one forced fumble.

In 2023, he finished second on the squad with 117 tackles (10 for loss), four sacks, three interceptions returned for touchdowns, and one fumble recovery pick six touchdown pass defense during. 

Weeks 14-16 of that season against Chicago Bears which helped lead to their first NFC North Championship since 1999 playoff berth after 12 seasons out of playoffs.

46. Jalen Berger

Jalen Berger Career

  • College: , Wisconsin (2020–2021), Michigan State (2022–present)
  • High school: Don Bosco Prep, (Ramsey, New Jersey)

Jalen Berger is a sophomore running back for the Michigan State Spartans. He was born on September 21, 1994 in Dearborn, MI and attended Bishop Foley High School before enrolling at MSU.

As a freshman at MSU in 2014, he started 10 games and ran for 367 yards on 54 carries (5.9 avg) with three touchdowns while also catching 19 passes for 191 yards (10.1 avg). 

In 2015 as a sophomore, Jalen Berger played in all 13 games and led the team with 1,077 rushing yards on 192 attempts (6.8 avg) with 11 touchdowns while also adding 25 receptions for 281 yards (12.0 avg) and two more scores through the air en route to being named second-team All-Big Ten by both media and coaches.

As of November 16th 2016 Jalen Berger has accumulated 2,384 rushing yards from his time at Michigan State thus far making him fifth all-time among Spartan rushers behind Tony Dorsett (#3), Larry Csonka (#4), Ernie Davis (#21), Curtis Martin (#25)).

47. Bennie Fowler

Wide receiver

Bennie Fowler Career

  • High school: Detroit Country Day School, (Beverly Hills, Michigan)
  • College: Michigan State (2009–2013)
  • Position: Wide receiver
  • Undrafted: 2014
  • Denver Broncos (2014–2017), Chicago Bears (2018)*, New England Patriots (2018), New York Giants (2018–2019), New Orleans Saints (2020), San Francisco 49ers (2021)*
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • Super Bowl champion (50)
  • Receptions: 97, Receiving yards: 1,101, Receiving touchdowns: 6
  • Receptions: 97
  • Receiving yards: 1,101
  • Receiving touchdowns: 6

Bennie Fowler III was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2014 but did not make an appearance on the field until his rookie season with Chicago Bears. Bennie Fowler is a wide receiver and played collegiately for Michigan State.

He has also spent time with the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bear Fowler was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Fowler had a breakout year with the Patriots, catching 97 passes for 1,101 yards and six touchdowns.

In 2020, Fowler will be a free agent and is expected to receive interest from multiple teams in the NFC East. Fowler has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but still needs to continue developing as a player before he can reach greater heights at the professional level.

48. Mark Ingram Sr.

Career

  • High school: Flint Northwestern, (Flint, Michigan)
  • College: Michigan State
  • NFL Draft: 1987 / Round: 1 / Pick: 28
  • New York Giants (1987–1992), Miami Dolphins (1993–1994), Green Bay Packers (1995), Philadelphia Eagles (1996)
  • Super Bowl champion (XXV)
  • Receptions: 265, Receiving yards: 3,926, Touchdowns: 26
  • Receptions: 265
  • Receiving yards: 3,926
  • Touchdowns: 26

Ingram Sr. was a wide receiver for the New York Giants from 1987 to 1992. He had over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons with the team and helped lead them to their first Super Bowl win in 1986.

After retiring as a player, Ingram Sr. became an NFL analyst for ESPN and Fox Sports. In 2014 he published a book about his life entitled "A Season With The Giants: My Life As A Wide Receiver." 

Ingram Jr., who played alongside his father at Michigan State, is also a professional football player currently playing for the New York Jets Ingram Sr.

was a standout running back at the University of Alabama and is one of only two players in school history to rush for over 2,000 yards and score 30 or more touchdowns. Ingram Sr.'s tenure with the New Orleans Saints was marred by injury but he still managed to amass nearly 700 rushing yards and six total touchdowns during that time frame. 

The Los Angeles Rams signed Ingram Jr., who had just come off an impressive season with the San Francisco 49ers, in March 2017 after he rushed for 1,251 yards on 287 attempts (4th-most in NFL) while also hauling in 10 receiving touchdowns en route to being named First Team All-Pro by Pro Football Focus Ingram Jr.'s father Mark Ingram Sr.

played 18 seasons as a Running Back for the Atlanta Falcons (1985–1994), recording 847 carries for 4,461 yards (5th-most all-time) along with 41 TD’s including 5 100 yard games.

49. Justin Layne

Justin Layne Career

  • High school: Benedictine (Cleveland, OH)
  • College: Michigan State (2016–2018)
  • NFL Draft: 2019 / Round: 3 / Pick: 83
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (2019–2021), New York Giants (2022), Chicago Bears (2022), Carolina Panthers (2022–present)
  • Roster status: Reserve/Did not report
  • Second-team All-Big Ten (2018)
  • Total tackles: 45, Pass deflections: 1, Fumble recoveries: 1
  • Total tackles: 45
  • Pass deflections: 1
  • Fumble recoveries: 1

Justin Layne is a cornerback for the Carolina Panthers. He was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the team. Justin played college football at Michigan State and recorded 43 tackles, 1 interception, and 9 passes defended during his time there.

Justin has appeared in 2 NFL games so far - both as a rookie with Pittsburgh in 2019 before being traded to Carolina this year. Outside of playing football, Justin enjoys lifting weights and spending time with friends and family Justin Layne is a versatile player who can play both at cornerback and safety.

He was second-team All-Big Ten in 2018, and he has shown potential to be a top NFL defender. Keep an eye on Justin Layne as he continues to develop his skills in the league.

50. Jerel Worthy

Defensive tackle

Jerel Worthy Career

  • High school: Huber Heights (OH) Wayne
  • College: Michigan State (2008–2011)
  • NFL Draft: 2012 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51
  • Green Bay Packers (2012–2013), New England Patriots (2014)*, Kansas City Chiefs (2014)*, Detroit Lions (2015)*, Buffalo Bills (2015–2017), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018), Orlando Apollos (2019)
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • Consensus All-American (2011), First-team All-Big Ten (2011)
  • Total tackles: 35, Sacks: 2.5, Forced fumbles: 1, Fumble recoveries: 0
  • Total tackles: 35
  • Sacks: 2.5
  • Forced fumbles: 1
  • Fumble recoveries: 0

Jerel Worthy was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2012. He spent two seasons with the team before being traded to the New England Patriots in 2014. In total, he has played for three different teams and made one Pro Bowl appearance during his career.

Jerel is best known for his defensive tackle skills, which have helped him accumulate over 110 tackles throughout his career so far. Jerel Worthy was a consensus All-American and first-team all Big Ten player in 2011. 

He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft but only played one season with them before being traded to the Buffalo Bills.

In his lone season with Buffalo, Worthy recorded 35 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble while also recovering a fumble. After spending three seasons with Tampa Bay, he signed with Orlando Apollos for 2019.

51. Jacoby Windmon

Career

  • College: , UNLV (2019–2021), Michigan State (2022–present)
  • High school: John Ehret, (Jefferson Parish, Louisiana)
  • Second-team All-Mountain West (2021)

Jacoby Windmon is a senior defensive end for the Michigan State Spartans. He was a First-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2019 and led MSU with 7 sacks on the season.

Jacoby started his college career at UNLV, but transferred to Michigan State after one semester due to differences with then head coach Tony Sanchez. In his two seasons at MSU, he has been an important part of their defense, recording 31 tackles (15 solo) and 8 sacks in 20 games played.

Jacoby is originally from Southern California and attended Chino Hills High School before transferring to UNLV midway through his junior year where he helped lead them to a CIF Division II championship game appearance as a sophomore before leaving for East Lansing. 

Jacoby is considered one of the top prospects for the 2020 NFL Draft and will likely declare early Entry into the draft process should he decide not to return for his final season at Michigan State.

Final Words

. . . Michigan State is a college football powerhouse and has produced some of the best players in history. Some of Michigan State’s greatest players include Tom Harmon, Eric Crouch, Charles Woodson and Pat Narduzzi.

These players have helped Michigan State become one of the most successful programs in all of NCAA Football.

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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