Introduction

Generally, it's believed that most NFL players have a background in college football. However, there are a few notable exceptions. This article explores cases where players entered the NFL without playing college football, often through non-traditional paths or other sports. These unique journeys to the professional ranks highlight the diverse routes that can lead to success in the NFL.

Few Players Enter the NFL Without College Experience

In the era of the 1950s and 1960s, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) often served as the breeding grounds for NFL players. Grambling State, for example, had the highest percentage of alumni in the pro ranks in the early 1960s. While today, many HBCUs compete at the highest division (Division 1-AA or Football Championship Series), it was not always the case. Some notable examples of players who did not attend college but still made it to the NFL include:

Brandon Weeden

Brandon Weeden, a former NFL quarterback, entered the league without playing college football. He played minor league baseball before transitioning to football. He did attend Oklahoma State University but did not play football there, instead focusing on baseball.

Kurt Warner

Kurt Warner, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, played at small college Northern Iowa but went undrafted, playing in the Arena Football League (AFL) before making it to the NFL. His journey is a testament to the fact that traditional pathways are not always necessary to succeed in the NFL.

More Examples of Unique Paths to the NFL

While most NFL players start their careers after playing college football, there are instances of players who followed non-traditional paths or converted from other sports to make it to the NFL. Here are a few notable examples:

Eric Swann

Eric Swann, a defensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers, was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 1991 NFL Draft after playing semi-pro ball with the Bay State Titans in Massachusetts. He was offered a scholarship by NC State for the 1990 college season but was ruled academically ineligible, leading him to play for Bay State for a year. Tampa Bay defensive end Ray Seals took a similar route, playing for the Syracuse Express semi-pro team before getting a contract with several NFL teams.

Michael Lewis, the "Beer Man"

Michael Lewis, known as the "Beer Man," entered the NFL in his early 20s after years as a brewery delivery driver. He played for the New Orleans Saints for six years and made a Pro Bowl appearance in 2002. His journey from brewery delivery to Pro Bowl is a compelling story of perseverance and talent.

Eric Gates and Carlton Haselrig

Like some others, Eric Gates, best known for his time with the San Diego Chargers, was a star power forward for Kent State's basketball squad but was physically too short to play in the NBA. He was given a tryout as a tight end by the Chargers and excelled, playing 16 seasons in the NFL. Similarly, Carlton Haselrig, a wrestler at Pitt-Johnstown, transitioned to professional football, playing 68 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jets.

Australian Rules Football Players

Several Australian Rules Football (AFL) players have ventured to the United States to play in the NFL, particularly as punters. Darren Bennett and Sav Rocca, both excelled in this position in the NFL without having attended a US college. Jordan Mailata, an offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, also made the transition from Australian rule football to the NFL. He played rugby league in the Australian NRL before joining the league’s International Player Pathway scheme and being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Conclusion

In the NFL, the traditional pathway of attending college football is not the only route to professional success. Players like Brandon Weeden, Kurt Warner, Eric Swann, and others demonstrate that there are many paths to the professional ranks. These unique stories offer inspiration and a broader context for understanding the diversity of talent that contributes to the NFL.