The NFL sees talent come from all over the United States, looking to make a name for themselves in a league where the best of the best compete daily. Sure, the state of Texas produces the most NFL players, with 211 active players currently in the league, while 25 former and active players are from the state of Maine. Here at TPS, we’re going to explore the best NFL players from all 50 states in the USA.
Here are the best NFL players from all 50 U.S. States.
Who are the best NFL players from each U.S. state?
Alabama: Terrell Owens
Owens was a menace at wide receiver during his heyday in the NFL. He made six Pro Bowls, has 15,934 receiving yards, scored 153 touchdowns, and played his heart out in Super Bowl 39 despite the Eagles losing to the Patriots. Oh, and Owens is forever enshrined in Canton.
Alaska: Mark Schlereth
Not many football players have come out of “The Last Frontier,” but Schlereth was a standout offensive guard who earned two Pro Bowl nods, was a three-time Super Bowl Champion, and is enshrined in the Denver Broncos Hall of Fame.
Arizona: Darren Woodson
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Woodson came out of the desert and spent his whole career with the Dallas Cowboys, helping them win three Super Bowls in the 1990s, became a five-time Pro Bowler, and is enshrined in the Cowboys Ring of Honor. However, the league must get Woodson enshrined in Canton for all he’s accomplished on the field.
Arkansas: Don Hutson
Hutson was arguably the NFL’s first superstar wide receiver, or end as they called the position back in the 30s. Hutson was a four-time Pro Bowler, a three-time NFL Champion with the Packers, and is enshrined in Canton.
California: Tom Brady
What else can we say about the GOAT? Seven Super Bowl Championships, 15 Pro Bowls, and countless other accomplishments with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All that’s left is watching the day TB12 gets enshrined into Canton.
Colorado: Calais Campbell
Campbell is one of the most talented defensive ends to play in the NFL. He made six Pro Bowls, won the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and is a two-time Second Team All-Pro. When Campbell’s football career is finished, Canton will await him.
Connecticut: Dwight Freeney
Freeney spent 15 years in the NFL, where he made seven Pro Bowls, helped the Colts win Super Bowl 41, and was the NFL sacks leader in 2004. Freeney is also enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Delaware: Brian O’Neill
O’Neill has made two Pro Bowls and is a very reliable offensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings. We can’t wait to see what else O’Neill does in the NFL.
Florida: Deion Sanders
Arguably the greatest cornerback to ever play in the NFL, Sanders made eight Pro Bowls, won two Super Bowls with the 49ers and Cowboys, led the league in kick returns in 1992, and was the defensive player of the year in 1994. Oh, and Sanders is enshrined in Canton.
Georgia: Calvin Johnson
Johnson is one of the best wide receivers to suit up for an NFL game. He made six Pro Bowls, holds the most consecutive 100-yard games with eight of them, and holds the record for most receiving yards in a season with 1,964. All of those accolades got Johnson a well-deserved spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Hawaii: Max Unger
Unger protected and helped start the offensive drives for two incredible quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Drew Brees. Unger also made three Pro Bowls, helped the Seahawks win Super Bowl 48, and is a first-team All-Pro.
Idaho: Larry Wilson
Wilson spent his entire professional career with the Cardinals from their days in St. Louis, where he made eight Pro Bowls, was the 1966 Defensive Player of the Year, and led the league in interceptions that same year. Wilson was also a coach, general manager, and VP for the Redbirds even after they moved to Arizona. Wilson is also enshrined in Canton.
Illinois: Dick Butkus
Arguably the greatest linebacker player of all time, Butkus revolutionized the position with his fierce play. Butkus was an eight-time Pro Bowler, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year winner, and was enshrined in Canton for all he accomplished with the Bears.
Indiana: Rod Woodson
Woodson’s playing career spanned from 1987 until 2003, where he was named the 1993 Defensive Player of the Year, helped the Ravens win Super Bowl 35, made 11 Pro Bowls, led the league in interceptions twice, and holds the record for most career interceptions returned for touchdowns with 12. Woodson is also enshrined in Canton for his accomplishments.
Iowa: Kurt Warner
Warner is the definition of an NFL underdog. From getting passed on by the Packers, to stocking shelves at a grocery store, to getting another chance with the Rams by carving his own Hall of Fame career with them, and creating the “Greatest Show on Turf.”
Kansas: Barry Sanders
Arguably the greatest running back of his era, Sanders made the Pro Bowl in all of his seasons in the league. Along with Brett Favre, Sanders was the 1997 NFL MVP and led the league in rushing yards four times in his Hall of Fame career.
Kentucky: Paul Hornung
Hornung was an instrumental part of the 1960s Packers dynasty, helping the team win four NFL Championships, the first Super Bowl against the Chiefs, made two Pro Bowls, and is enshrined in Canton.
Louisiana: Ed Reed
Reed had an immaculate career as a strong safety for the Ravens, where he helped the team win Super Bowl 47, was named the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, led the league in interceptions three times, and made nine Pro Bowls. Reed is also enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Maine: Chet Bulger
Bulger played in a different era of the NFL during the 1940s. He did help the Cardinals win the 1947 NFL Championship, played in 86 games, and started 59 of them.
Maryland: Cameron Wake
Wake’s career path is an interesting one. He originally signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2005, but didn’t make the final roster. Wake took his talents north of the border and played with the BC Lions for two seasons, then made a name for himself as a fierce defensive end for the Miami Dolphins with five Pro Bowl nods and 100 ½ sacks.
Massachusetts: Howie Long
Long made his impact with the Raiders during the team’s time in Oakland and Los Angeles. Long helped the “Silver and Black” win Super Bowl 18 against Washington, made eight Pro Bowls, had 84 career sacks, and was named to the 1980s All-Decade Team. Long is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for all he accomplished as a Raider.
Michigan: Jerome Bettis
Nicknamed “the Bus,” Bettis became a game-changer for the Steelers in the late 1990s and 2000s. Bettis made six Pro Bowls, was named the 1996 Comeback Player of the Year Award winner, and finished his NFL career in style, helping the Steelers win Super Bowl 40 in his home city of Detroit before getting enshrined in Canton.
Minnesota: Larry Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald helped propel the Cardinals from longtime losers to relevancy with his strong work ethic, physical gifts, and speed. Fitzgerald made 11 Pro Bowls, helped the Redbirds reach Super Bowl 43, and was a two-time NFL receptions leader and receiving touchdowns leader. Sooner than later, Fitzgerald will be enshrined in Canton for all he accomplished.
Mississippi: Jerry Rice
Arguably the NFL’s best receiver, Rice brought a strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to excellence with the 49ers, Raiders, and Seahawks. Rice made 13 Pro Bowls, won three Super Bowls with the 49ers, has 1,549 career receptions, and 22,895 receiving yards. Rice was enshrined in Canton for all he accomplished as an elite pass catcher.
Missouri: Cal Hubbard
Hubbard is regarded as one of the greatest tackles to play in the NFL in the early years of the league. He won four NFL Championships with the Giants and Packers, was a four-time First Team All-Pro, played in 105 games and started in 77 of them, and is the only football player enshrined in Canton and the Baseball Hall of Fame as an MLB umpire.
Montana: Pat Donovan
Donovan played his entire NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, where he made four Pro Bowls, helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl VII, and played in 129 games and started in 103 of them.
Nebraska: Mick Tingelhoff
Tingelhoff was one of the greatest Minnesota Vikings of all time. He holds the record of most consecutive starts for an offensive lineman with 240, made six Pro Bowls, helped the Vikings reach four Super Bowls, but they lost them all, and is enshrined in Canton for all of his accomplishments.
Nevada: Ronnie Stanley
Stanley has been a reliable offensive tackle for the Ravens, starting in 104 games with the team, has made two Pro Bowls so far, and was named the Polynesian Player of the Year. We can’t wait to see what else Stanley accomplishes in the NFL.
New Hampshire: Kendall Reyes
Reyes made a name for himself with the Chargers, Washington, and the Chiefs for five seasons. Reyes had 146 tackles, 14 ½ sacks, eight pass deflections, and an interception during his time in the NFL.
New Jersey: Franco Harris
Harris is best remembered for the immaculate reception in the 1972 AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs and playing a big role in the Steelers’ dynasty of the 1970s. Harris won four Super Bowls, made nine Pro Bowls, and is enshrined in Canton for all of his accomplishments in the league.
New Mexico: Brian Urlacher
Urlacher made the Bears formidable in the 2000s with his unique size, speed, and intelligence as a linebacker. Urlacher was the 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, helped the Bears appear in Super Bowl 41, made eight Pro Bowls, and is enshrined in Canton.
New York: Rob Gronkowski
One of the greatest tight ends to ever play in the NFL, Gronkowski made the Patriots’ offense extremely fun again with his personality, incredible catching abilities, and won four Super Bowls with the Pats and Buccaneers. Gronk also made five Pro Bowls, holds the record for most receiving touchdowns as a tight end with 17, and the most total touchdowns in a season by a tight end with 18.
North Carolina: Julius Peppers
Peppers had a very successful career with the Panthers, Bears, and Packers, with nine Pro Bowl nods, three first-team All-Pros, and is forever enshrined in Canton as a result of his incredible talents.
North Dakota: Pete Retzlaff
Nicknamed “Pistol Pete” and “the Baron,” Retzlaff helped the Eagles win the 1960 NFL Championship, was a five-time Pro Bowler, scored 47 touchdowns, and is enshrined in the Eagles Hall of Fame.
Ohio: Charles Woodson
Woodson was extremely dominant at the cornerback position during his heyday with the Raiders and Packers. He helped the Packers win Super Bowl 45, made nine Pro Bowls, was the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, led the league with interceptions in 2009 and 2011, and is forever enshrined in Canton.
Oklahoma: Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe isn’t just one of the greatest football players to ever live; he was one of the greatest athletes of all time. Thorpe is forever enshrined in Canton.
Oregon: Dave Wilcox
Wilcox may not have played in a Super Bowl, but he made seven Pro Bowls, had 36 ½ sacks, and is enshrined in the 49ers Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Pennsylvania: Aaron Donald
Donald is considered one of the best defensive players of all time, winning three NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards, helped the Rams win Super Bowl 56, made 10 Pro Bowls, had 111 sacks, and will be a lock for Canton.
Rhode Island: Steve Furness
Furness played in 106 games in his NFL career and was a part of the Steelers Dynasty that won four Super Bowls in the 1970s.
South Carolina: DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins is one of the most electrifying wide receivers in recent history. His speed and ability to catch critical passes made him an offensive threat. Hopkins has made five Pro Bowls and scored 83 touchdowns so far.
South Dakota: Adam Vinatieri
Vinatieri is arguably one of the best kickers of all time. He made two crucial kicks for the Patriots in Super Bowls 36 and 38, helped the Patriots and Colts win Super Bowls 39 and 41, respectively, made three Pro Bowls, and holds the record for most consecutive field goals made with 44.
Tennessee: Reggie White
The late Reggie White was a fierce and competitive defensive end who caused havoc against opposing offenses during his time with the Eagles, Packers, and Panthers. White helped the Packers win Super Bowl 31, made 13 Pro Bowls, was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and is forever enshrined in Canton.
Texas: Joe Greene
Mean Joe Greene was a key anchor for the “Steel Curtain” defense in the 1970s thanks to his combination of strength and speed. Greene helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls, made 10 Pro Bowls, was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the 1979 NFL Man of the Year Award winner, and is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Utah: Steve Young
Arguably one of the greatest left-handed quarterbacks, Young helped the 49ers capture three Super Bowls, made seven Pro Bowls, was a two-time NFL MVP, and is forever enshrined in Canton.
Vermont: Steve Wisniewski
Nicknamed “the Wiz,” Wisniewski was a very reliable offensive guard for the Raiders during their time in Los Angeles and their return to Oakland. “The Wiz” made eight Pro Bowls and started in all 206 games he played. Hopefully, Wisniewski gets enshrined in Canton for all he’s accomplished with the Raiders.
Virginia: Lawrence Taylor
Often regarded as one of the greatest defensive players of all time, Taylor helped the Giants win two Super Bowls, was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, won the 1986 NFL MVP, was the NFL sacks leader in 1986, made 10 Pro Bowls, made 142 sacks, and is enshrined in Canton.
Washington: Cooper Kupp
Kupp is one of the NFL’s talented slot receivers, who helped the Rams win Super Bowl 56, and has made a Pro Bowl so far. He was named the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and has the most receptions in a single postseason with 33. We can’t wait to see what else Kupp accomplishes.
West Virginia: Randy Moss
Regarded as one of the best wide receivers of all time, Moss was electrifying with the Vikings, Raiders, Patriots, and 49ers. Moss made six Pro Bowls, was the 2007 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, led the league in receiving yards five times, holds the record for most receiving touchdowns in a season with 23, and is enshrined in Canton.
Wisconsin: J.J. Watt
Arguably one of the best defensive linemen of all time, Watt helped put the Texans on the map with his five Pro Bowl nods, three NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards, made 114 ½ sacks in his career, and is a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Wyoming: Boyd Dowler
Dowler played a significant role with the Packers Dynasty of the 1960s, helping the team win five NFL Championships, the first two Super Bowls, scoring 40 touchdowns in his career, and is forever enshrined in the Packers Hall of Fame.
