Many of the NFL’s best players were stars in college.  Some weren’t even recognized until after being drafted.  Others were drafted really late and turned into Super Bowl champions.

After an amazing college career at Tennessee he was selected 1^st overall by the Indianapolis Colts, where he became an almost instant sensation.  In his 3^rd season he had a 94.7 passer rating and threw 33 touchdowns, making him one of the best in the league.  In his 7^th season he passed Dan Marino’s single season touchdown record with his 49^th touchdown in week 16 to Brandon Stokley. 

Reggie White rewrote the record book for most sacks in a single season and career.  He was drafted by Philadelphia and was one of the best defensive ends of all time.  In his later years he was a Packer were he got a Super Bowl ring.  He even came out of retirement in 1998 to play a year for Carolina.  He died last year in his sleep, but is up for a Hall of Fame Induction this year.

Shaun Alexander was born and raised in Florence, Kentucky.  He impressed many college scouts and ended up at the University of Alabama.  He had an above average college career allowing him to get drafter in the 1^st round 19^th pick, in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Seahawks.  Although he didn’t play much his first year he’s had 100 yard seasons ever since.  He recently set an NFL record with 15 touchdowns in 5 consecutive seasons.

After having an average college career, Ahman Green fell to the 3^rd round, 15^th pick in the 1998 by the Seahawks.  After sitting out 2 years, he was let go to the Green Bay Packers.  He’s had great seasons ever since, becoming the Packer’s work horse relieving pressure off of Brett Farve. 

Edgerin James was one of those standout RBs from Miami.  After being drafted 4^th overall by the Colts, he has been churning out 6747 yards and 60 touchdowns in only 6 ½ seasons.  He also has an amazing 97.2 yards per game average (YPG).

After a great college career at Miami, he was selected 26^th overall (pretty good for a linebacker) in the 1996 draft.  After 9 seasons he has transformed himself into one of the best linebackers of all time.  He also steps up as a leader making the Raven’s defense one of the toughest. 

After having an above average career at Maryland, he was picked up in 2001 in the 2^nd round, 18^th pick by the NYJ.  After his first 2 season he scored only 6 touchdowns while backing up Curtis Martin.  This season he already has more touchdowns than the other 2 previous seasons.  He still has time to develop into one of the best backs in the NFL in the near future.

Phillip Rivers had a record breaking, legendary career at NC State.  He was drafted 4^th overall by the NYG, but was traded the same day to San Diego for 1^st overall pick Eli Manning.  Manning didn’t want to play in San Diego.  Now Phillip Rivers backs up Drew Brees Making Nearly 10 million a year.

Ben Roethlisberger had a great college career at Miami (OH).  He is in the top five in the MAC career passing touchdown record book.  Then he was taken 11^th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers.  After Maddox got hurt, Roethlisberger stepped in and set a rookie record with 13 consecutive regular season wins.

After an amazing college career Ricky Williams won the 1998 Heisman.  He was drafted 4^th overall by the New Orleans Saints, but was sent to Miami 3 years later.  After great seasons with the Dolphins he skipped out for a season, ruining the Dolphins season, and owing them 8 million.  Now he is splitting time with rookie Ronnie Brown and is off to a slow start, while paying them back.  Major Applewhite decided not to go pro satying at Texas as a QB coach. He is know at Syracuse as a QB coach trying to help a new coach turn their option style offense into a west coast style offense.