The Florida State University (FSU) football program has a rich history of producing talented players who go on to achieve great success in the National Football League (NFL). With a strong reputation for developing skilled athletes, FSU has sent numerous players to the NFL, many of whom have become household names. In this article, we will highlight 12+ FSU players who have turned into NFL stars, showcasing their achievements and the impact they have had on the sport.
Introduction to FSU’s NFL Talent Pipeline
FSU’s football program has been a breeding ground for NFL talent, with a long list of successful alumni who have made significant contributions to the sport. The university’s commitment to excellence, combined with its strong coaching and training programs, has enabled many players to develop the skills and physicality needed to succeed at the highest level. From defensive backs to wide receivers, FSU has produced a diverse range of talented players who have gone on to achieve great things in the NFL.
Defensive Stars
FSU has a reputation for producing talented defensive players, and several of its alumni have gone on to become stars in the NFL. One notable example is Deion Sanders, who played for the Seminoles from 1985 to 1988 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history. Sanders’ impressive career was marked by numerous accolades, including nine Pro Bowl appearances and six First-Team All-Pro selections. Another defensive standout is defensive back Patrick Robinson, who played for FSU from 2006 to 2009 and has since become a key contributor for several NFL teams, including the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles.
| Player | Position | NFL Team(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Deion Sanders | Cornerback | Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, New York Jets |
| Patrick Robinson | Cornerback | New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints |
| Derrick Brooks | Linebacker | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Ernie Sims | Linebacker | Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts |
Offensive Talent
FSU has also produced a wealth of talented offensive players, including wide receivers like Anquan Boldin and Rashad Greene. Boldin, who played for the Seminoles from 1999 to 2002, is a highly decorated receiver who has played for several NFL teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions. Greene, who played for FSU from 2011 to 2014, has become a key contributor for the Jacksonville Jaguars, showcasing his speed and agility on the field. Another notable offensive player is quarterback Jameis Winston, who played for the Seminoles from 2012 to 2014 and was drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015.
Quarterback Success
FSU has a long history of producing talented quarterbacks, and several of its alumni have gone on to achieve great success in the NFL. In addition to Jameis Winston, other notable quarterbacks include Charlie Ward, who played for the Seminoles from 1990 to 1993 and won the Heisman Trophy in 1993, and quarterback Chris Weinke, who played for FSU from 1997 to 2000 and won the Heisman Trophy in 2000. Both Ward and Weinke have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, with Ward playing for the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets in the NBA, and Weinke playing for the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers.
- Jameis Winston: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2015-2019), New Orleans Saints (2020-present)
- Charlie Ward: New York Knicks (1994-2003), Houston Rockets (2004-2005)
What makes FSU's football program so successful in producing NFL talent?
+FSU's commitment to excellence, combined with its strong coaching and training programs, has enabled many players to develop the skills and physicality needed to succeed at the highest level. The university's emphasis on developing strong defensive skills, as well as its ability to attract top talent from around the country, has helped to establish it as a pipeline for NFL talent.
Who is the most successful FSU player in the NFL?
+Deion Sanders is widely regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history, with a career marked by numerous accolades, including nine Pro Bowl appearances and six First-Team All-Pro selections. His impressive career, combined with his charismatic personality and enduring popularity, make him one of the most successful FSU players in the NFL.
In conclusion, FSU’s football program has a rich history of producing talented players who go on to achieve great success in the NFL. From defensive backs to wide receivers, the university has sent numerous players to the professional level, many of whom have become household names. With its commitment to excellence and strong coaching and training programs, FSU is likely to continue producing NFL talent for years to come.
