July 19th is National Football Day
For years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have produced great athletic talent and football players that have reached National Football League (NFL) status. NFL greats, from Jerry Rice and Deacon Jones to Shannon Sharpe and Michael Strahan, came from HBCUs before making their mark in the NFL. Today, HBCU football players in the NFL are continuing to leave it all on the field. Although this year’s NFL draft had a disappointing turnout with only one player (Isaiah Bolden) from an HBCU being picked, HBCU Buzz would like to highlight the HBCU football players that are currently in the NFL while we continue to call for the NFL to recognize HBCU talent. Check out the list below!
Alabama State University
- Tytus Howard – Offensive Lineman – Houston Texans
Alcorn State University
- Qwynterrio Cole – Safety – Las Vegas Raiders
Albany State University
- Grover Stewart – Defensive Tackle – Indianapolis Colts
Fayetteville State University
- Kion Smith – Offensive Tackle – Miami Dolphins
- Joshua Williams – Cornerback – Kansas City Chiefs
Florida A&M University
- Keenan Forbes – Offensive Guard – Seattle Seahawks
- Markquese Bell – Safety – Dallas Cowboys
Fort Valley State University
- Shemar Bridges – Wide Receiver – Baltimore Ravens
Grambling State University
- Chester Rogers – Wide Receiver – Houston Texans
Jackson State University
- James ‘The Problem’ Houston IV – Linebacker – Detroit Lions
- Daylen Baldwin – Wide Receiver – Cleveland Browns
- Isaiah Bolden – Cornerback – New England Patriots
Morgan State University
- Josh Miles – Offensive Lineman – Arizona Cardinals
Norfolk State University
- De’Shaan Dixon – Defensive End – Jacksonville Jaguars
- Bobby Price – Defensive Back – Detroit Lions
North Carolina A&T University
- Mac McCain – Cornerback – Philadelphia Eagles
- Brandon Parker – Offensive Tackle – Las Vegas Raiders
- Darryl Johnson – Defensive End – Carolina Panthers
North Carolina Central University
- Nick Leverett – Center – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Ryan McDaniel – Wide Receiver – Houston Texans
Prairie View A&M University
- Storey Jackson – Linebacker – Dallas Cowboys
- Quinton Bell – Outside Linebacker – Atlanta Falcons
- KhaDarel Hodge – Wide Receiver – Atlanta Falcons
South Carolina State University
- Javon Hargrave – Defensive Tackle – Philadelphia Eagles
- Cobie Durant – Cornerback – Los Angeles Rams
- Darius ‘Shaq’ Leonard – Linebacker – Indianapolis Colts
- Joe Thomas – Linebacker – Chicago Bears
- Alex Taylor – Tackle – Cleveland Browns
- Roderick Perry – Defensive Tackle – Cleveland Browns
- Antonio Hamilton – Cornerback – Arizona Cardinals
Southern University
- Danny Johnson – Safety – Washington Commanders
- Ja’Tyre Carter – Offensive Lineman – Chicago Bears
Tennessee State University
- Lachavious Simmons – Offensive Lineman – Chicago Bears
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Terron Armstead – Offensive Tackle – Miami Dolphins