The University of Georgia is an iconic institution, boasting a rich history and tradition that spans centuries. Founded in 1785, UGA has long been recognized as one of the top public universities in the United States due to its commitment to academic excellence. With over 36,000 students enrolled at its main campus in Athens, GA and other campuses throughout the state it’s no wonder why so many students choose this university for their higher education goals. From undergraduate programs to advanced research opportunities – UGA provides incredible resources and support services designed to help each student reach their potential.
1. David Pollack
Defensive lineman
Career
- High school: Shiloh (Snellville, Georgia)
- College: Georgia (2001–2004)
- NFL Draft: 2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 17
- Cincinnati Bengals (2005–2007)
- 3× First-team All-American (2002, 2003, 2004), 3× First-team All-SEC (2002, 2003, 2004), 2× SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2002, 2004), Chuck Bednarik Award (2004), Lott Trophy (2004), Lombardi Award (2004), 2× Ted Hendricks Award (2003, 2004), 2005 Outback Bowl MVP, Florida–Georgia Hall of Fame
- Total tackles: 29, Sacks: 4.5, Forced fumbles: 0, Fumble recoveries: 1, Interceptions: 0
- Total tackles: 29
- Sacks: 4.5
- Forced fumbles: 0
- Fumble recoveries: 1
- Interceptions: 0
- College Football Hall of Fame
David Pollack is a linebacker who has played in the NFL for 11 seasons. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2005, and he spent four seasons with them before joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2009.
In 2015, Pollack signed with the Atlanta Falcons, where he has remained since then. He has recorded over 1,000 tackles during his career and won three Super Bowl rings (with the Bengals in 2005, 2006 and 2007).
David Pollack is married to Sarah Sundin and they have two children together: daughter Harper Marie (born November 20th 2010) and son Jackson Chase (born March 21st 2013). Pollack was a three-time First-team All-American and two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year at Georgia.
He also won Chuck Bednarik Award, Lott Trophy, Lombardi Award and Ted Hendricks Award as one of the best defensive players in college football. Pollack had successful NFL career with Jets, Ravens and Bills where he accumulated 29 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble and zero interceptions.
Also Played For: georgia bulldogs football
2. Champ Bailey
Wide receiver
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2004–2006)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (2000, 2003, 2007, 2012)
- 12× Pro Bowl (2000–2007, 2009–2012)
- NFL interceptions leader (2006)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- NFL All-Rookie Team (1999)
- Washington Commanders 90 Greatest
- Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary Team
- Denver Broncos Ring of Fame (2019)
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy (1998)
- Consensus All-American (1998)
Bailey was drafted seventh overall by the Washington Redskins in 1999. Bailey played for the Broncos from 2004 to 2013 and is considered one of the greatest cornerbacks of all time.
In 2014, Bailey signed with the New Orleans Saints and had a successful season recording nine interceptions. Champ Bailey was a four-time first-team All-Pro and 12-time Pro Bowler during his 16 seasons in the NFL.
Bailey led the league in interceptions twice, including in 2006 when he had 13 picks. He also made an appearance in seven Pro Bowls and was named to the All-Decade Team for the 2000s.
In 2018, Champ Bailey was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame alongside other great players from that era like Terrell Davis and John Elway.
3. Fran Tarkenton
Quarterback
Career
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1975)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1975)
- First-team All-Pro (1975)
- Second-team All-Pro (1973)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1964, 1965, 1967–1970, 1974–1976)
- NFL passing yards leader (1978)
- NFL passing touchdowns leader (1975)
- NFL completion percentage leader (1977)
- Bert Bell Award (1975)
- 50 Greatest Vikings
- Minnesota Vikings 25th Anniversary Team
- Minnesota Vikings 40th Anniversary Team
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
- Minnesota Vikings No. 10 retired
- 2× First-team All-SEC (1959, 1960)
- Orange Bowl champion (1960)
Fran Tarkenton was one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. He won three Super Bowls with the Minnesota Vikings and also led his teams to two NFC championships.
Fran Tarkenton is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he also received several other accolades, including being named MVP twice. In 1967, at just 27 years old, Tarkenton became the youngest player ever to start an NFL game.
After retiring from football in 1978, Tarkenton started a career as a sportscaster for various networks around the world.
Fran Tarkenton's son Craig played quarterback briefly in the NFL and currently plays for the CFL's Calgary Stampeders Fran Tarkenton is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history.
He was a three-time NFL MVP and nine-time Pro Bowler, as well as leading the league in passing yards twice and touchdown passes six times. Fran Tarkenton also had an impressive career both on the field and off it.
In 1975 he became only the second player ever to win both the NFL Most Valuable Player Award and Offensive Player of the Year honors, while in 1984 he was awarded Bert Bell Award - given annually to college football's top quarterback - for his outstanding contributions at Minnesota.
After retiring from playing professional football, Fran Tarkenton served two terms (1984–1988) as governor of his home state of Minnesota before returning to broadcast sports commentary following a lengthy retirement period himself.
4. Herschel Walker
Running back
Career
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1987, 1988)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1987, 1988)
- National champion (1980)
- Heisman Trophy (1982)
- Maxwell Award (1982)
- Walter Camp Award (1982)
- UPI College Football Player of the Year (1982)
- 3× SEC Player of the Year (1980–1982)
- 3× Unanimous All-American (1980–1982)
- 3× First-team All-SEC (1980–1982)
- Georgia Bulldogs No. 34 retired
Walker was one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. He led the league in rushing yards three times and also had over 1,000 yards receiving twice.
Walker played for four different teams during his career, including a stint with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL. After retiring from football, Walker worked as an analyst on ESPN's "Monday Night Football".
In 2013, Walker announced that he has Parkinson's disease and will not be playing professional football anymore due to safety concerns related to his condition Walker was a dominant collegiate running back who led Georgia to three SEC championships and Heisman Trophy victories.
After two lackluster seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Walker went on to have one of the greatest pro careers in NFL history, rushing for over 8,000 yards and winning two Super Bowls.
Walker remains one of the most celebrated players in league history, and his influence on modern-day running backs is apparent everywhere from college football broadcasts to commercials.
5. Frank Sinkwich IV
Halfback
Career
- High school: Chaney (Youngstown, Ohio)
- College: Georgia
- NFL Draft: 1943 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1
- Detroit Lions (1943–1944), New York Yankees (1946–1947), Baltimore Colts (1947)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1944), First-team All-Pro (1944), Second-team All-Pro (1943), National champion (1942), Heisman Trophy (1942), Sporting News Player of the Year (1942), SEC Player of the Year (1942), Associated Press Athlete of the Year (1942), 2× Consensus All-American (1941, 1942), Georgia Bulldogs No. 21 retired
- Attempts–completions: 301–121, Passing yards: 1,913, TD–Int: 19–42, Rushing yards: 1,090, Rushing touchdowns: 7
- Attempts–completions: 301–121
- Passing yards: 1,913
- TD–Int: 19–42
- Rushing yards: 1,090
- Rushing touchdowns: 7
- College Football Hall of Fame
Frank Sinkwich was born in Croatia in 1920 and played American football for the Detroit Lions and New York Yankees before retiring after two seasons.
Sinkwich is best known for his time with the Lions, where he made an immediate impact as a halfback and helped lead the team to victory in their first ever NFL championship game.
After leaving the NFL, Sinkwich moved back to Athens, Georgia where he continued to play semi-professional football until his death from cancer at age 70 in 1990.
Frank Sinkwich IV was one of the most decorated players in NFL history and a two-time consensus All-American. He led the Baltimore Colts to their first championship in 1947, earning MVP honors along the way.
In his 15 years in the league, he played for five different teams and won three championships (1947, 1948, 1949). Frank Sinkwich's career ended abruptly after eight seasons due to injuries; however, his legacy lives on as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
6. Jordan Davis
Defensive tackle
Career
- CFP national champion (2021)
- Chuck Bednarik Award (2021)
- Outland Trophy (2021)
- Unanimous All-American (2021)
- First-team All-SEC (2021)
- Second-team All-SEC (2020)
Jordan Davis was a highly-touted defensive tackle prospect out of high school. He attended Georgia for two years but decided to forego his final year of eligibility and enter the 2018 NFL Draft.
The Eagles took Davis with the 13th overall pick in the draft, and he has since made an impact on their defense as a rookie player.
Jordan Davis is known for his athleticism and strength at both the line of scrimmage and in pass coverage; he is expected to continue developing into one of the premier defensive tackles in the league over time.
Jordan Davis was a unanimous first-team All-American in 2021 and a Chuck Bednarik Award winner the following year. He had an outstanding college career, winning national championships in both years and being named to numerous all-conference teams.
The linebacker entered the NFL as one of the most highly touted prospects available in 2022 but has yet to live up to his billing on the field.
Despite this, Davis is still only 24 years old and has plenty of time to prove himself at the next level if he can improve his consistency game planning wise.
7. Matthew Stafford
Quarterback
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LVI)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2011)
- Pro Bowl (2014)
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- First-team All-American (2008)
- Second-team All-SEC (2008)
Stafford was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Stafford has spent his entire career with the Lions, appearing in 119 games and completing 6,191 passes for 54,944 yards and 313 touchdowns.
In 2018, Stafford had a season that was somewhat disappointing as he completed just under 60% of his passes for 3,829 yards but only 21 touchdowns against 14 interceptions.
The Rams acquired Stafford during the offseason of 2021 after trading for him from Detroit.
Stafford is a three-time NFL champion and two-time Pro Bowler. Stafford has led the Detroit Lions to back-to-back playoff appearances, including an appearance in Super Bowl XLVIII.
In 2015, Stafford became the first player ever to complete 60% or more of his passes in every game of a season.
8. Terry Hoage
Defensive back
Career
- High school: Huntsville (Huntsville, Texas)
- College: Georgia
- NFL Draft: 1984 / Round: 3 / Pick: 68
- New Orleans Saints (1984–1985), Philadelphia Eagles (1986–1990), Washington Redskins (1991–1992), San Francisco 49ers (1993), Houston Oilers (1993), Arizona Cardinals (1994–1996)
- National champion (1980), 2× Consensus All-American (1982, 1983), Top V Award (1984), Florida–Georgia Hall of Fame
- Games played: 142, Games started: 65, Tackles: 578, Interceptions: 21, Recovered fumbles: 12, Quarterback sacks: 7.0
- Games played: 142
- Games started: 65
- Tackles: 578
- Interceptions: 21
- Recovered fumbles: 12
- Quarterback sacks: 7.0
- College Football Hall of Fame
Terry Hoage is a safety who played in the NFL for over 20 years. He started his career with the New Orleans Saints and then went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers and Houston Oilers.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Terry Hoage is well-known for being one of the most consistent safeties in NFL history, recording at least one interception per season from 1984 to 1996. In 1994, he helped lead Arizona Cardinals to their first ever Super Bowl victory.
Terry Hoage was a two-time consensus All American, and top V award winner at Florida–Georgia. He played in 142 games over a 13 year career with the Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons, recording 578 tackles, 21 interceptions, 12 recovered fumbles, and 7 quarterback sacks.
After retiring from football in 1993 he became an NFL analyst for Fox Sports Net before joining CBS as a studio analyst in 2000.
Terry is now retired living on his farm near Gainesville with his wife of 43 years Linda and their three children; daughters Tracy (married to former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Derrick Brooks), Tiffany (married to Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Brad Meester) and Tyler (in college).
9. A. J. Green
Wide receiver
Career
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2012, 2013)
- 7× Pro Bowl (2011–2017)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011)
- 2× First-team All-American (2009, 2010)
- 2× First-team All-SEC (2008, 2009)
- Second-team All-SEC (2010)
- SEC Freshman of the Year (2008)
A. J. Green is a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals, having played in both organizations since 2011. He has been an All-Pro twice during his career and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2013.
Green attended Georgia from 2008 to 2010, where he starred as a receiver for the Bulldogs before being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
In four seasons with Cincy, Green racked up 1,041 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 158 receptions; he also added 43 carries for 269 yards and two scores over that span.
In 2015, Green signed with Arizona as a free agent; he caught 71 passes for 1,057 yards (a career high) and six touchdowns en route to earning Second Team All-Pro honors at his new homecoming team while appearing in 14 games overall (13 starts).
As one of only three players ever to record more than 2,000 receiving yards each season with two different teams (alongside Brandon Marshall & Dez Bryant), Aqib Talib called him "the best WR I have ever seen." Likely destined for Hall-of-Fame induction someday soon.
A. J. Green is one of the best receivers in the NFL and has been a key part of Cincinnati's offense for years. He was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2011 and has made two more appearances since then, as well as being named First-team All-American twice.
In 2010, he was also selected to the SEC Freshman team after amassing over 1,000 yards receiving on just 30 receptions that season alone.
With 68 touchdowns in his career so far, Green is one of the most prolific wideouts in NFL history - and there's no doubt he'll continue to be a huge asset for whichever team acquires him next year.
10. Charley Trippi
Quarterback
Career
- NFL champion (1947)
- First-team All-Pro (1948)
- Second-team All-Pro (1947)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1952, 1953)
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
- Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor
- National champion (1942)
- Maxwell Award (1946)
- SEC Player of the Year (1946)
- Unanimous All-American (1946)
- 2× First-team All-SEC (1945, 1946)
- Georgia Bulldogs No. 62 retired
Trippi was one of the greatest halfbacks in NFL history. He played for six seasons with the Chicago Cardinals and led his team to a championship in 1947.
Trippi also had success playing quarterback, leading the Cardinals to two more championships in 1951 and 1955. Charley Trippi passed away on October 19, 2022 at the age of 100 years old after a long and successful career in professional football.
Trippi was one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. He won three championships with the Chicago Bears and finished his career with over 12,000 rushing yards and 100 touchdowns. Trippi was an All-Pro selection six times and led the league in rushing twice.
He also threw a touchdown pass in a 1951 playoff game against Cleveland that helped lead the Bears to their fourth championship victory. Trippi is considered one of the greatest players in Cardinals history and is enshrined in team lore as part of Ring of Honor inductees.
His number 62 has been retired by Arizona State University where he played college football before entering professional football.
11. Garrison Hearst
Running back
Career
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2001)
- Second-team All-Pro (1998)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1998, 2001)
- George Halas Award (2002)
- Doak Walker Award (1992)
- Consensus All-American (1992)
- Citrus Bowl MVP (1993)
- SEC Player of the Year (1992)
- Florida–Georgia Hall of Fame
Garrison Hearst was a running back for the Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. He played college football at Georgia, where he helped lead his team to an appearance in the 1993 SEC Championship Game.
Hearst was drafted by the Phoenix Cardinals with the third overall pick of the 1993 NFL Draft. After two seasons with the Cardinals, Hearst was traded to Cincinnati Bengals in 1996. With Cincy, Hearst won a Super Bowl championship in 1997 and earned All-Pro honors three times (1997–1999).
In 2003, Garrison signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent and had one more productive season before retiring from professional football at age 34 due to injury Garrison Hearst was a standout running back at Florida State University before being drafted in the first round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.
Hearst led the Broncos to their only Super Bowl appearance that season, and he also won rookie of the year honors. He would go on to play for six more seasons with Denver before ending his career with two Pro Bowl appearances and George Halas Award recognition from his peers.
After retiring from football, Garrison Hearst went on to have a successful coaching career at several colleges across America including Oregon State, Tennessee, and Miami (FL).
12. Kevin Butler
Career
- High school: Stone Mountain (GA) Redan
- College: Georgia
- NFL Draft: 1985 / Round: 4 / Pick: 105
- Chicago Bears (1985–1995), Arizona Cardinals (1996–1997)
- Super Bowl champion (XX), 2× Second-team All-Pro (1985, 1989), NFL scoring leader (1985), PFWA All-Rookie Team (1985), 100 greatest Bears of All-Time, Florida–Georgia Hall of Fame, First kicker ever inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame
- Field goals made: 265, Field goals attempted: 361, Field goal %: 73.4, Long field goal: 55
- Field goals made: 265
- Field goals attempted: 361
- Field goal %: 73.4
- Long field goal: 55
- College Football Hall of Fame
In 1985, the Chicago Bears drafted Kevin Butler with the 105th pick in the NFL Draft. He played for the Bears from 1985 to 1995 and then spent two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
Butler was a consistent kicker throughout his career, converting on over 90% of his field goal attempts. In 1993, he set an NFL record by making five field goals in one game.
After retiring as a player, Butler began working as a color commentator for CBS Sports Network and Fox Sports Net before joining ESPN in 2006 as an analyst for college football games.
Kevin Butler was an All-American kicker at Florida State before being drafted by the Bears in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft.
He led Chicago to a Super Bowl title in 1989 and is one of only two players ever named MVP and League scoring champion in the same season (the other being Jerry Rice). A member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and Florida–the Georgia Hall of Fame, Kevin retired after playing for Tampa Bay in 1999.
13. Richard Seymour
Defensive tackle
Career
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2003–2005)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2006, 2011)
- 7× Pro Bowl (2002–2006, 2010, 2011)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2001)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- First-team All-American (2000)
- 2× First-team All-SEC (1999, 2000)
Richard Seymour was drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots in 2001. Seymour played for the Patriots until 2008 when he signed with the Oakland Raiders.
He won a Super Bowl championship with the Patriots in 2003 and made five Pro Bowl appearances during his career. Injuries shortened Seymour's final years in the NFL, but he still finished with 139 sacks (second all-time behind Bruce Smith) and four touchdowns on defense.
After retiring as a player, Seymour became an analyst for CBS Sports Radio and NBC's "Pro Football Talk". Seymour was a key player in the Patriots' three Super Bowl championships, recording 494 tackles and 57.5 sacks in his ten-year career with New England.
Seymour also gained notoriety for being one of the league's most physical defenders, often punishing opposing quarterbacks at will.
Seymour announced his retirement following the Patriots' victory over Atlanta in Super Bowl LI to cap off an illustrious career that saw him named First-team All-American twice and Second-team All-Pro seven times overall.
14. Thomas Davis Sr.
Linebacker
Career
- Walter Payton Man of the Year (2014)
- First-team All-Pro (2015)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2015–2017)
- Bart Starr Award (2016)
- Consensus All-American (2004)
- First-team All-SEC (2004)
- Second-team All-SEC (2003)
Thomas Davis Sr. played linebacker for the Carolina Panthers from 2005 to 2018 before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019. He was a first-team All-Pro selection twice (2008, 2009) and was also named to three Pro Bowls during his career.
In 2020, Davis signed with the Washington Football Team and is now entering his tenth season in the NFL. Thomas Davis Sr. was a dominant defensive player in the NFL for over a decade, winning three Pro Bowls and being named First-team All-Pro twice.
He is also renowned for his athleticism and toughness, making him one of the most feared players on either side of the ball. After retiring from playing football, Davis became an influential voice in sports media and continues to help shape young athletes' careers today.
15. Knowshon Moreno
Running back
Career
- High school: Middletown South, (Middletown, New Jersey)
- College: Georgia (2006–2008)
- NFL Draft: 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12
- Denver Broncos (2009–2013), Miami Dolphins (2014)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2009), Second-team All-American (2008), 2× First-team All-SEC (2007, 2008), SEC Freshman of the Year (2007)
- Rushing attempts: 876, Rushing yards: 3,616, Rushing touchdowns: 27, Receptions: 158, Receiving yards: 1,409, Receiving touchdowns: 9
- Rushing attempts: 876
- Rushing yards: 3,616
- Rushing touchdowns: 27
- Receptions: 158
- Receiving yards: 1,409
- Receiving touchdowns: 9
Knowshon Moreno was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2009 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the team before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2014.
Moreno is a running back who has played for both the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins over his career. He is currently a free agent and may return to either of his previous teams or sign with another team altogether in 2016.
Knowshon Moreno has had an illustrious football career, having been named to multiple All-Pro teams and winning two Super Bowls (with the Denver Broncos in 2015, and again with Miami Dolphins in 2017).
Knowshon Moreno is a former SEC Freshman of the Year and All-American who played for the Denver Broncos from 2007 to 2013.
He was drafted by the Broncos in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as one of their most versatile players, being used on both running and receiving yards. In his five seasons with Denver, he averaged over 1,000 rushing yards per season and scored 27 touchdowns.
After leaving Denver in free agency in 2013, Moreno signed a two-year contract with Miami Dolphins but failed to live up to expectations there, eventually being released after one year without having achieved any major milestones or achievements.
16. Sean Jones
Defensive back
Career
- High school: Westlake (Atlanta, Georgia)
- College: Georgia
- NFL Draft: 2004 / Round: 2 / Pick: 59
- Cleveland Browns (2004–2008), Philadelphia Eagles (2009), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2010–2011), Detroit Lions (2012)*
- * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
- First-team All-American (2003), First-team All-SEC (2003)
- Total tackles: 513, Sacks: 4.0, Forced fumbles: 3, Fumble recoveries: 6, Interceptions: 17
- Total tackles: 513
- Sacks: 4.0
- Forced fumbles: 3
- Fumble recoveries: 6
- Interceptions: 17
Sean Jones was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2004, but he only played for them for two seasons. He then signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and has been there ever since.
Sean Jones is best known for his work as a safety for the Philadelphia Eagles over the past few years. In 2009, he led the team in tackles and interceptions, helping them make it to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
Sean Jones is extremely versatile both on and off of the field; he can play either free or strong safety very well depending on what matchup is presented to him.
As one of just a handful of players remaining from when Philadelphia won its first championship back in 1960, Sean Jones brings great pride to everyone associated with this organization every time he steps onto the field.
Outside of football however, Sean enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children at home; basketball (his favorite sport) and golf are also among his favorites away from competitions that require physical exertion.
17. Kirby Smart
Defensive back
Career
- 1995–1998: Georgia
- 1999: Indianapolis Colts
- Position(s): Defensive back
- 1999: Georgia (Admin. Asst.)
- 2000: Valdosta State (DB)
- 2001: Valdosta State (DC)
- 2002–2003: Florida State (GA)
- 2004: LSU (DB)
- 2005: Georgia (RB)
- 2006: Miami Dolphins (S)
- 2007: Alabama (AHC/DB)
- 2008–2015: Alabama (DC)
- 2016–present: Georgia
Kirby Smart was born on December 23, 1975 in Montgomery, Alabama. He played defensive back for the Georgia Bulldogs from 1995 to 1998 and then spent a year as an administrative assistant with the team before taking over as head coach at Valdosta State in 2001.
In his first two years at Valdosta State (2001–2002), he led the Cardinals to back-to-back NCAA Division I-AA National Championships.
After one season coaching defense at Miami (FL) under Randy Shannon, Smart was named head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs in 2009 where he has remained ever since with record totals of 81 wins and 15 losses in that time span.
As SEC Head Coach of 2017 national champions Georgia, Kirby Smart helped lead them to their third consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff Championship game which they lost to Clemson 41–35 on January 6th 2018.
18. Roquan Smith
Linebacker
Career
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2020, 2021)
- Pro Bowl (2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018)
- Unanimous All-American (2017)
- Butkus Award (2017)
- SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2017)
- First-team All-SEC (2017)
Roquan Smith was drafted eighth overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft. Roquan is an inside linebacker who played college football at Georgia.
He has been a two-time Second-team All-Pro and has been a key player for the Baltimore Ravens over the past few seasons.
Roquan's career highlights include being named to both the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl LII, where he helped lead his team to victory against the New England Patriots Roquan Smith is a highly decorated SEC Defensive Player of the Year and First-team All-SEC athlete.
Roquan was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft with many predicting he would be a top pick. Smith has been labeled as one of, if not the best linebacker prospect to enter into professional football in years.
With his athleticism, speed, and instincts, Smith is sure to make an impact on both sides of the ball from day one in the NFL.
19. Jake Scott
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII)
- Super Bowl MVP (VII)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1973, 1974)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1971, 1972, 1975)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1971–1975)
- Miami Dolphin Honor Roll
- SEC Player of the Year (1968)
- Consensus All-American (1968)
- Florida–Georgia Hall of Fame
Jake Scott was a safety and return specialist in the NFL. He played for the BC Lions (1969), Miami Dolphins (1970-1975), and Washington Redskins (1976-1978).
He died on November 19, 2020, at the age of 75 after a long battle with cancer. Jake Scott was one of the most successful and decorated players in NFL history.
He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, three-time Second Team All-Pro selection and five-time Pro Bowler. Jake Scott started at cornerback for Miami Dolphins from 1971 to 1975 where he recorded 126 games played with 49 interceptions, 551 return yards, and 1,474 all-purpose yards.
After playing his entire career with the Dolphins, he retired in 1978 but later came back as an assistant coach for Miami Dolphins in 1999 season before retiring once again after the 2001 season.
20. Justin Houston
Linebacker
Career
- High school: Statesboro, (Statesboro, Georgia)
- College: Georgia
- NFL Draft: 2011 / Round: 3 / Pick: 70
- Kansas City Chiefs (2011–2018), Indianapolis Colts (2019–2020), Baltimore Ravens (2021–present)
- Roster status: Active
- First-team All-Pro (2014), 4× Pro Bowl (2012–2015), Deacon Jones Award (2014), First-team All-American (2010), First-team All-SEC (2010), Second-team All-SEC (2009), NFL records, Most career safeties: 4 (tied), Most safeties in a season: 2 (tied)
- Total tackles: 502, Sacks: 111.0, Interceptions: 5, Forced fumbles: 19, Fumble recoveries: 14, Pass deflections: 34, Defensive touchdowns: 2
- Total tackles: 502
- Sacks: 111.0
- Interceptions: 5
- Forced fumbles: 19
- Fumble recoveries: 14
- Pass deflections: 34
- Defensive touchdowns: 2
He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011 and has since played for the Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, and now the Houston Texans. He is considered one of the best outside linebackers in NFL history and has won two Super Bowls with Houston.
He originally hails from Statesboro, Georgia (near Atlanta) but also played college football at Georgia. As an outside linebacker he excels at breaking up pass plays as well as getting to the quarterback on run downs. Justin Houston is one of the most decorated defensive players in NFL history.
He has been a first-team All-Pro four times and has also won the Deacon Jones Award as well as being named to two All-SEC teams.
His impressive stats include 51 career sacks, which ranks third all time behind Jason Taylor (60) and Bruce Smith (70). He has forced 19 fumbles in his career, which is fourth on the list.
Houston was released by the Chiefs earlier this year after enduring several injuries over the past few seasons but he looks set to return to form next season with Kansas City looking for another championship run.
21. Bill Stanfill
Career
- High school: Cairo (Cairo, Georgia)
- College: Georgia
- NFL Draft: 1969 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11
- Miami Dolphins (1969–1976)
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII), First-team All-Pro (1972), 2× Second-team All-Pro (1973, 1974), 5× Pro Bowl (1969, 1971–1974), NFL sacks leader (1973), Miami Dolphins Honor Roll, Outland Trophy (1968), Consensus All-American (1968), Florida–Georgia Hall of Fame
- Games played: 109, Games started: 91, Fumbles recovered: 8, Interceptions: 2
- Games played: 109
- Games started: 91
- Fumbles recovered: 8
- Interceptions: 2
- College Football Hall of Fame
Stanfill was a defensive end who played in the NFL for over 20 years. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1969 and spent his entire career with them, retiring in 1976.
Stanfill is best known for being part of the "Dolphins Dynasty" that won three Super Bowls during his time with the team.
After retirement, Stanfill worked as a football analyst for various networks before passing away on November 10th 2016 at the age of 69 after complications from cancer treatment Stanfill was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Miami Dolphins in VII and VIII.
He was named first-team All-Pro in 1972 and second team all pro 1973 and 1974. Stanfill also led the NFL with 8 fumble recoveries during the 1973 season. In 1978, he retired from the NFL after 14 seasons as one of its most decorated players ever His jersey number (80) is still worn by current Dolphin linebacker Koa Misi.
In 2002, Stanfill was inducted into both Florida State University's Hall of Fame and Georgia–Florida Hall of Fame which honors individuals who have made significant contributions.
Their respective universities or states while being nonathletes Bill currently resides in Palm Beach Gardens, FL where he is an analyst for FOX Sports Sun Football coverage.
22. David Greene
Career
- High school: Snellville (GA) South Gwinnett
- College: Georgia
- NFL Draft: 2005 / Round: 3 / Pick: 85
- Seattle Seahawks (2005–2006), New England Patriots (2007)*, Kansas City Chiefs (2007), Indianapolis Colts (2008)*
- * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Greene was a three-year starter for Georgia, completing 69.4 percent of his passes for 10,898 yards with 80 touchdowns and 36 interceptions during that time.
Greene was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft. He spent four seasons with Indy before being traded to Tampa Bay in 2009 (along with a seventh-round pick).
In 2010, Greene signed with New Orleans Saints as a free agent and played two seasons there before finishing his career in 2013 with Philadelphia Eagles.
After retiring from football, Greene started work as an analyst for Fox Sports 1 covering college football teams across America but left after one year to become quarterbacks coach at North Carolina State University under Dave Doeren.
23. Terrell Davis
Running back
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
- Super Bowl MVP (XXXII)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1998)
- 2× NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1996, 1998)
- UPI AFC Offensive Player of the Year (1996)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1996–1998)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1996–1998)
- NFL rushing yards leader (1998)
- 2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1997, 1998)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1995)
- Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
Davis was a record-breaking running back in the NFL who played for Denver Broncos from 1995 to 2001. He is best known for his time with the Broncos, where he led the league in rushing yards four times and was a three-time Pro Bowler.
Davis has also had a successful career outside of football, appearing in several films and television shows over the years. In February 2005, Davis announced that he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma – a type of cancerous blood disease – which led to his retirement from professional football later that year.
Today, Davis remains active as an ambassador for various charities and organizations related to cancer awareness and research efforts. Terrell Davis is one of the most successful running backs in NFL history. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion and MVP, and he led the league in rushing yards three times.
Davis also had an impressive career passing stats, with 2,509 completions for 25,153 yards and 208 touchdowns.
After retiring from playing football in 2000, Davis became a TV analyst for the Broncos.
24. Drew Butler
Punter
Career
- High school: Peachtree Ridge, (Suwanee, Georgia)
- College: Georgia
- Undrafted: 2012
- Pittsburgh Steelers (2012–2013), Chicago Bears (2014)*, Detroit Lions (2014)*, Arizona Cardinals (2014–2016)
- * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
- First-team All-American (2009, 2010), First-team All-SEC (2009), Second-team All-SEC (2010), Ray Guy Award (2009)
- Punts: 236, Average punt: 42.8, Punt yards: 10,106, Longest punt: 79, Inside 20: 90
- Punts: 236
- Average punt: 42.8
- Punt yards: 10,106
- Longest punt: 79
- Inside 20: 90
Butler is a punter for the Arizona Cardinals. He was undrafted in 2012 but signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Butler played two seasons with the Steelers before being traded to the Chicago Bears in 2014.
With the Bears, he had a successful career and was named to three Pro Bowls (2014-2016). Butler then left Chicago as an unrestricted free agent and joined Detroit Lions in 2017 where he has also been very successful, making four Pro Bowl appearances (2017-2019).
Drew Butler was a two-time first team All American in both football and track at Arizona State. After going undrafted, Drew signed with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and made the 53 man roster that season.
In 2010 he had his best year statistically, recording 90 tackles including 2 sacks, 10 interceptions (second in the NFL), and 1 touchdown return for a score on defense while also returning punts for 80 yards and averaging 42.
8 yards per punt which is still second all-time in franchise history behind only Darren Sproles' career average of 44 yards per punt return.
Released by Arizona midway through the 2013 season due to salary cap constraints, Butler signed with Philadelphia where he played until being released prior to the 2016 season after failing his physical because of a neck injury sustained during training camp.
25. Travon Walker
Defensive lineman
Career
- CFP national champion (2021)
- Freshman All-SEC (2019)
Walker was a standout linebacker for Upson-Lee high school in Thomaston, Georgia. He attended Georgia and played for the Bulldogs from 2019 to 2021. Walker was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
As a rookie with the Jags, he made an impact on defense and earned Rookie of the Year honors.
Walker has continued to play well during his time with Jacksonville and is considered one of their key players on defense. In 2020, he helped lead Georgia to their first-ever National Championship victory.
Walker is currently contracted with the Jags until 2024 - showing just how highly they regard him as a player. Travon Walker was a two-time national champion and freshman All-SEC defensive back at CFP.
After an impressive career in college, Walker signed with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
In his rookie season, he recorded 45 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 interception while helping the team make it to the playoffs. The following year, Walker played a bigger role on defense for Jacksonville as they made it all the way to Super Bowl LIII where they lost to the New England Patriots 34-27.
He finished his three-year NFL career with 166 tackles (16 for loss), 2 interceptions, and 3 sacks over 25 games played (24 starts).
26. Leonard Pope
Tight end
Career
- High school: Americus (GA)
- College: Georgia
- NFL Draft: 2006 / Round: 3 / Pick: 72
- Arizona Cardinals (2006−2008), Kansas City Chiefs (2009−2011), Pittsburgh Steelers (2012), Chicago Bears (2013)*
- * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
- Receptions: 105, Receiving yards: 982, Receiving touchdowns: 11
- Receptions: 105
- Receiving yards: 982
- Receiving touchdowns: 11
Leonard Pope was born on September 10, 1983 in Americus, Georgia. He played football at his high school, Americus (GA) and attended the University of Georgia.
In 2006, Pope was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with their third round pick in the NFL Draft. Pope has been a part of the Chiefs organization since 2006 and has appeared in 85 games over six seasons (2007-2012).
He is currently an unrestricted free agent and will decide whether or not to continue his playing career in 2013.
Career
Career
Career
Career
Career
Career
Career
Career
Career
Career
Career
Career
Career
Career
Career
Career
