Many blueblood college football programs in the country are known for churning out NFL talent. The Texas Longhorns have been a reliable breeding ground of NFL stars for decades, and the school might have another burgeoning future needle-mover in Arch Manning.
Before we look ahead to future NFL stars from Texas, let’s look back at the three most incredible Longhorns to play in the NFL.
Earl Thomas
The Seattle Legion of Boom defense is one of the most storied units in recent NFL history. Their secondary was anchored by Thomas, a safety who flew all over the field to thwart passing games and stuff the run.
Even though he wasn’t as loud as some of his fellow defensive backs in Seattle, Thomas always kept his eye on the prize. He wanted to be the most excellent defensive back in NFL history, and was known for sitting quietly at his locker before games as he focused on the task at hand. Thomas was quoted as saying that he wanted to redefine how the safety position was played moving forward.
Thomas made three All-Pro teams and seven Pro Bowls throughout his career in the 2010s. He was best known for his Seattle days, but spent his final NFL season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2019.
Justin Tucker
Speaking of the Ravens, Tucker has likely swung college football lines and NFL lines significantly throughout his football career. Most coaches wouldn’t consider trotting out their kicker from 55 yards plus in inclement weather, as the odds of conversion go way down. Throughout his career, Tucker completely changed the idea of what it meant to be in field goal range.
Tucker has the NFL record for the longest field goal ever kicked, a 66-yarder that won a game against Detroit in 2021. It was a dramatic boot, as the ball doinked on the crossbar before passing.
His powerful leg and accuracy from great distances have given Baltimore an offensive weapon that most NFL teams could only dream about.
Earl Campbell
We’re going back a few decades to give some love to Campbell, a running back who was one of the most physical ballcarriers in NFL history. Many fans of a certain generation remember the clip of Campbell placing the crown of his helmet into a would-be tackler’s chest, which most backs would never consider doing.
Campbell didn’t have the longest NFL career, but he made his time in the league count. He led the league in rushing yards during his first three campaigns in the NFL and scored at least 13 rushing touchdowns in each of those seasons. In his eight career seasons, Campbell made it to the Pro Bowl five times.
Campbell’s statistics with the Longhorns were equally as insane. As a senior, he rushed for 1,744 yards and 18 touchdowns. Each tote averaged 6.5 yards, which led the conference.
