Great Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
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UPDATE: Who knew that among the football alumni of the AAC schools
would turn out to include NFL legends such as Don Meredith, Roger Staubach, Eric Dickerson, Raymond Berry, Drew Pearson, Steve Largent, Max McGee, and a host of other all-pro players?
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Recently learned that the great Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Don Meredith, played his college ball at SMU, and thought it would be interesting to put together a list of great NFL players and coaches who began their college football careers at AAC schools.
Starting the list with:
Don Meredith (Dallas QB), Southern Methodist University
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(This post was last modified: 01-07-2021 09:41 PM by jedclampett.)
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
I hope those numbers don't signify ranking, and are just numbering your posts because any list like this that doesn't begin with some combination of Eric Dickerson, Issac Bruce, and Forest Gregg is probably not an appropriate ranking.
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
(01-06-2021 10:01 AM)BearcatMan Wrote: I hope those numbers don't signify ranking, and are just numbering your posts because any list like this that doesn't begin with some combination of Eric Dickerson, Issac Bruce, and Forest Gregg is probably not an appropriate ranking.
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
Howard James Twilley Jr. (born December 25, 1943) is a former American football player. He played college football at the University of Tulsa and was the runner up for the Heisman Trophy in 1965. Twilley played professionally as a wide receiver with the Miami Dolphins of the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) from 1966 to 1976. He and tackle Norm Evans were the only two players on the original 1966 Dolphins squad to play on the 1972 Dolphins team that had the NFL's only perfect season and won Super Bowl VII.
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
A current news note....
Doesn't meet any definition of great NFL coach, but with COVID hitting the Cleveland Browns' staff, the acting head coach for their playoff game will be Mike Priefer. USNA class of 1989. Of note he played "150s" or Lightweight Football. Now known as Sprint Football https://www.sprintfootball.com/
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
Elbie Nickel is probably the greatest NFL Cincinnati Bearcat. He played TE for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1947-1957. He was named on the Steelers All-Time Team several years back.
When it is all said and done though Travis Kelce might surpass him. He is having a HOF career for the KC Chiefs. He was second in receiving yards this year, the first TE to accomplish this feat since 1980.
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
Good post. Other than those previously mentioned, here are other players and coaches that have been enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
Ed Sprinkle - Navy (played defensive end for the Chicago Bears for 12 seasons, and played in 132 games /4 Pro Bowls)
Steve Largent - Tulsa (played wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks WR for 14 seasons, and played in 200 games /7 Pro Bowls)
Bob "The Geek" St. Claire - Tulsa (played tackle for the San Francisco 49ers for 11 seasons, and played in 5 Pro Bowls)
Bill Parcells - Wichita State (NFL Head Coach for 19 seasons and won 2 Super Bowls)
There are a good number of players still on the ballot for the HOF and I haven't researched the schools they attended. Here is the link for those who are interested. https://www.profootballhof.com/
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
SMU is going to dominate this debate and they should they produced a lot of talent back in the old days.
For UCF...
Brandon Marshall is probably the best NFL talent, he’s hall of fame eligible in 2023 but he’s unlikely to be a first ballot HOF. I think he has a strong case but it’s hard to compare WR stats vs the history of the NFL. No Super Bowls. 6 Pro Bowls.
Other notables: Asante Samuel and Daunte Culpepper.
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
It would be hard for me to choose the best TU player that made it to the NFL.
Steve Largent - Hall of Fame
Drew Pearson - Hall of Fame
Bob St Clair - Hall of Fame
Jim Finks - Hall of Fame (more so for his management of the Vikings than playing)
Howard Twilley - College Hall of Fame and decent NFL career
now to probably my personal favorite.
Gus Frerotte - 15 year NFL career. Had heart and grit.
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
(01-06-2021 10:48 AM)mustangxc Wrote: SMU has 5 NFL hall of famers including: Doak Walker, Forrest Gregg, Raymond Berry, Eric Dickerson, and Lamar Hunt.
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
(01-06-2021 11:13 AM)TUCandoit Wrote: It would be hard for me to choose the best TU player that made it to the NFL.
Drew Pearson - Hall of Fame
Drew Pearson is not in the HOF yet. I hope he will be voted into the class of 2021 because I watched and admired him when I was a kid.
To be elected to the Hall of Fame, Pearson must receive 80 percent voting support by the entire 48-member Selection Committee on “Selection Saturday.” The Hall’s Selection Committee will vote at its annual meeting to be held Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 in Tampa, Fla.
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
(01-06-2021 10:36 AM)Pony94 Wrote: Howard James Twilley Jr. (born December 25, 1943) is a former American football player. He played college football at the University of Tulsa and was the runner up for the Heisman Trophy in 1965. Twilley played professionally as a wide receiver with the Miami Dolphins of the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) from 1966 to 1976. He and tackle Norm Evans were the only two players on the original 1966 Dolphins squad to play on the 1972 Dolphins team that had the NFL's only perfect season and won Super Bowl VII.
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
(01-06-2021 10:01 AM)BearcatMan Wrote: I hope those numbers don't signify ranking, and are just numbering your posts because any list like this that doesn't begin with some combination of Eric Dickerson, Issac Bruce, and Forest Gregg is probably not an appropriate ranking.
No - they're not intended to signify ranking. It doesn't matter what order they are listed in. I hope people enjoy this.
RE: Greatest Players in the History of the NFL who played on AAC teams
(01-06-2021 10:48 AM)mustangxc Wrote: SMU has 5 NFL hall of famers including: Doak Walker, Forrest Gregg, Raymond Berry, Eric Dickerson, and Lamar Hunt.
Raymond Berry (Colts - WR) Southern Methodist University
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(This post was last modified: 01-06-2021 07:51 PM by jedclampett.)