Days before national signing day, Madison Prep defensive back Bertrand Carrell committed to the Southern University over FBS powerhouse LSU. His decision to choose Southern is somewhat of an anomaly among top ranked high school players. However, in years past, HBCU’s have given the NFL notable players who have made significant contributions to the game.
While there are many HBCU players currently on NFL rosters or practice squads, there are a few that are regarded as stars, in-terms of accolades and accomplishments.
Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen attended college at North Carolina A&T, leaving as the MEAC’s all-time leading rusher. He made an immediate impact for the Bears, being named First-Team All-Pro in his second year. According to the Chicago Sun Times, Bears Offensive Coordinator Dowell Loggains called Cohen, “The best offensive weapon on the team.”
One of the keys to the New Orleans Saints offensive success is Left Tackle Terron Armstead. Hailing from Arkansas Pine-Bluff, he was named to to the Second-Team All-Pro in 2018, and helped guide the Saints to the 2018 NFC Championship game.
One of the most tenured HBCU stars in the league is Arizona Cardinals safety, Antoine Bethea, attended Howard University and was drafted in the 6th round of the 2006 NFL Draft, since then he has been name to three Pro-Bowls and was a Superbowl champion in his in his rookie season.
Other recent NFL HBCU stars include Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Eric Weems, Robert Mathis, Marquette King, and Isaiah Crowell.
Hall of Fame wide receiver, Jerry Rice, attended Mississippi Valley State from 1981-1984, he was then selected in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft, and went on to become the NFL’s all-time leader in career receiving yards, touchdowns receptions and catches. According to ESPN, Deion Sanders said, “I didn’t play in an era with some other players, but I did play in the same era as Jerry (Rice), and he is the greatest player I have ever played with.
Shannon Sharpe attended Savannah State University and went on to have a prolific Tight Ends in NFL History. He was named to 5 All-Pro Teams, 8 Pro Bowls and 3 Super Bowl championships between the Denver Broncos and the Baltimore Ravens. After football he transitioned into a life of broadcasting and is currently on the sports debate show, Skip and Shannon “Undisputed” on Fox Sports 1.
Aeneas WIlliams enjoyed a 15 year NFL career, which contained many All-Pro, and Pro Bowl seasons. He completed his college career at Southern University and was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Hailing from Grambling State University, Quarterback Doug Williams holds the distinction of being the first African American signal-caller to lead his team to a Super Bowl win. He now holds and executive role as the Senior Vice President of Player Personnel for the Washington Redskins.
Currently a familiar face on Good Morning America, Michael Strahan enjoyed a legendary career as a defensive lineman for the New York Giants. According to the Hollywood Reporter Strahan said, “He made a smooth transition from football, to television.” While he got a late start in football, Texas Southern offered him a scholarship and he eventually went on to have a Hall of Fame career.
The late running back, Walter Payton, ran with the Chicago Bears on his back and for most of his NFL career. The Jackson State product was named NFL MVP in 1977, multiple All-Pro and Pro-Bowl seasons along with a Superbowl ring in 1986.
While it is more of a rarity to find NFL stars in today’s Historically Black college, we should never forget the immense talent that these school have produced.
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A look backwards and forwards: HBCU Stars in the NFL
February 18, 2019
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