How Many HBCU Players Are in the NFL?
The answer might surprise you – there are more HBCU football players in the NFL than you think!
HBCU’s in the NFL
HBCU’s have been a big part of the NFL for many years. There have been many HBCU players that have gone on to have great careers in the NFL. However, the number of HBCU players in the NFL has been declining in recent years.
How many HBCU players are in the NFL?
Approximately 6.8% of NFL players are HBCU graduates, according to a report from the Undefeated. There are currently 58 HBCU alumni in the NFL, including Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles and Pro Bowlers Terrence Brooks, Kamar Aiken, and Tarvarius Moore.
The number of HBCU players in the NFL has fluctuated over the years, but has remained relatively steady since 2012. In 2016, there were 60 HBCU alumni in the league; in 2017, that number dropped to 57; and it rose to 58 in 2018.
What are the most popular HBCU’s for NFL players?
Union College in Kentucky and Tuskegee University in Alabama lead the way among Historical Black Colleges and Universities with the most NFL players, according to a USA TODAY analysis of the league’s opening-day rosters.
There are 53 players from HBCUs on NFL rosters, which is down from last year’s opening-day total of 58. Tuskegee has eight players in the NFL, while Union has six. Grambling State (five), Florida A&M (four), North Carolina A&T (three) and Alcorn State (three) also have multiple representatives in the league.
Other notable HBCUs with at least one player in the NFL include Morehouse (two), Southern (two), Hampton (two), Norfolk State (one) and South Carolina State (one).
HBCU’s and the NFL
Every year, the NFL Draft brings both excitement and anticipation for football fans around the world. For those who don’t know, the NFL Draft is an event where the National Football League teams select eligible college football players. This year’s draft is especially important because it marks the 50th anniversary of the first African American player being drafted into the NFL. Out of the 253 players that were drafted this year, 36 of them came from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
How do HBCU’s compare to other colleges in the NFL?
When it comes to the National Football League, there is a clear divide between schools. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) have not been able to compete with the bigger name, more established schools when it comes to sending players to the NFL. In recent years, however, that has begun to change.
The reason for this is simple: HBCU’s are producing more and more NFL-caliber talent. Players like Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, who attended Texas A&M, and Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who attended UCLA, are beginning to change the perception of HBCU’s in the NFL.
In the past, HBCU’s have been at a disadvantage when it comes to recruiting. The bigger schools can offer more money and better facilities, which makes it difficult for HBCU’s to keep up. However, HBCU’s are beginning to close the gap by producing more talented players.
In the 2020 NFL Draft, 21 HBCU players were drafted, including first-round pick Javon Kinlaw. This was the most HBCU players drafted in a single year since 2006. And in 2021, that number is only expected to grow.
So far in 2021, there have already been four HBCU players drafted in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft: quarterback Trevor Lawrence (Clemson), wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (LSU), running back Najee Harris (Alabama) and cornerback Patrick Surtain II (Alabama). This is a sign that HBCU’s are finally beginning to get the respect they deserve from NFL teams.
There are still some obstacles that HBCU’s need to overcome before they can truly compete with the bigger schools. But with more and more talented players coming out of HBCU’s each year, it’s only a matter of time before they become a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football.
What are the benefits of attending an HBCU?
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established to provide higher education to African American students. Today, HBCUs continue to provide quality education and produce some of the most influential leaders in the world.
According to a study by the United Negro College Fund, HBCU graduates earn 20% more than their non-HBCU counterparts and are just as likely to be employed in their field of study. Moreover, HBCUs account for 25% of all African American doctors, dentists, lawyers, judges, congressmen, and diplomats.
If you are looking for a school with a supportive environment where you can learn and grow both academically and socially, an HBCU may be the right fit for you.
NFL Players from HBCU’s
According to the NFL website, there are currently 69 NFL players that have come from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). This is out of a total of 1,696 NFL players. This means that HBCU’s make up 4.1% of the NFL. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most famous NFL players that come from HBCU’s.
Who are some of the most famous NFL players from HBCU’s?
Some of the most famous NFL players who attended an HBCU include:
-Deion Sanders: He played for Florida State University and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
-Michael Strahan: He played for Texas Southern University and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
-Jerry Rice: He played for Mississippi Valley State University and is considered one of the greatest wide receivers of all time.
-Doug Williams: He played for Grambling State University and was the first African American quarterback to win a Super Bowl in 1988.
What are some of the most successful NFL players from HBCU’s?
###Deacon Jones:
Many experts consider Deacon Jones to be the greatest defensive end in NFL history. He played his college ball at South Carolina State, an HBCU, before being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1961. He was an eight-time Pro-Bowler and a member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.
###Willie Lanier:
Willie Lanier played linebacker at Morgan State University, an HBCU. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967 and went on to have an outstanding career. He was a six-time Pro-Bowler and a member of the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.
###Mel Blount:
Mel Blount is another player considered to be one of the best at his position in NFL history. He played cornerback at Southern University, an HBCU, before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1970. He was a five-time Pro-Bowler and a member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
