Liberty University: A Football Powerhouse? (Spoiler Alert: Not Exactly)
You’ve heard of Alabama, Notre Dame, and Ohio State churning out NFL superstars, but have you ever wondered if a school like Liberty University has a similar track record? Let’s just say, it’s not exactly a “factory of football stars.”
So, you’re asking, “What NFL players went to Liberty University?” Good question! While you might not have heard of them dominating the NFL like some of those other big-name schools, Liberty has had a few players make it to the big leagues.
Hold your horses, though! Don’t expect to see a Liberty alumni roster filled with Hall of Famers. The truth is, Liberty has sent a relatively small number of players to the NFL.
The Most Notable Name: Eric Green
Let’s start with the headliner, the only Liberty alum to be drafted in the first round of the NFL draft: Eric Green, a tight end who was selected 21st overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1990. If you were a Steelers fan back then, you probably remember Green catching passes from none other than “The Gunslinger” himself, Boomer Esiason. Green played a respectable 10 seasons in the NFL, racking up 120 games and proving that Liberty could produce some decent talent.
A Few More Notable Flames
While Green stands out as the most notable Liberty alum in the NFL, a few other players deserve a shoutout:
- Rashad Jennings: A running back who played seven seasons in the NFL, Jennings was drafted in the seventh round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009. He even made it to the Super Bowl with the New York Giants, although they played the role of “second fiddle” to the Baltimore Ravens in that game.
- James McKnight: A wide receiver who played 11 seasons in the NFL, McKnight was a journeyman, playing for seven different teams. He was known for his reliable hands and ability to play special teams.
- Wayne Haddix: A linebacker who played six seasons in the NFL, Haddix was a tough defender who was known for his hard-hitting style. He played for four teams and was a valuable special teams contributor.
- Malik Willis: This guy is a bit of a wildcard. Drafted in the third round by the Tennessee Titans in 2022, the jury is still out on whether he will be a successful NFL quarterback. He’s shown glimpses of potential, but he’s also struggled with consistency.
The “Little Guy” Syndrome
Let’s be honest, Liberty’s football program hasn’t been a major player on the national landscape. They’re not known for attracting the same level of talent as the blue-chip programs. It’s like the little guy trying to compete with the big guys in a game of basketball. You know, the ones who always seem to get sandwiched under the basket?
And it’s not just the talent level. Liberty competes in the FBS, but they’ve been an independent program for most of their history. That means they haven’t had the benefit of playing in a power conference, which helps some teams get noticed by NFL scouts.
The Silver Lining
While Liberty may not have a long list of NFL stars, their alumni have made their mark in the league. It’s a testament to the program’s commitment to developing players and giving them a chance to showcase their talents.
Here’s another thing to consider: Liberty’s football program is still relatively young. They’ve only been competing in the FBS since 2018. As the program continues to grow and establish itself, we may see more Liberty Flames making their way to the NFL.
The Future Is Uncertain
So, are you going to see a Liberty player win the Heisman Trophy anytime soon? Probably not. But don’t count them out entirely. They may not be a powerhouse yet, but they have a solid foundation and a growing reputation. Who knows, maybe one day a Liberty player will be the next Tom Brady.
Until then, we’ll just have to settle for rooting for the Flames to make a few more appearances in the NFL Draft. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll see a few more Liberty alumni make their mark on the league.
In the meantime, let’s just keep in mind that not every college football team can be Alabama. Even the little guys can have their moments of glory.
So, cheers to the Liberty Flames. Keep on chasing those dreams!