UMass to the NFL: The Not-So-Direct Pipeline (But We Love Them Anyway)
Ever wondered how many NFL players came from the illustrious halls of UMass? You might picture a revolving door of future Hall of Famers, right? Well, buckle up for a ride that's more scenic route than express lane.
The Short Answer (For the Impatient)
The truth is, UMass hasn't exactly been a breeding ground for NFL superstars. There haven't been dozens of Minutemen lighting up the Sunday night stage (although, wouldn't that be something?).
But fear not, loyal fans! There's more to this story than meets the eye.
The Less Short, More Entertaining Answer
Here's the thing: UMass football has a rich history, dating all the way back to 1879 (that's right, they were playing the pigskin before most of our grandparents were even born!). They've had their fair share of ups and downs, exciting wins, and heartbreaking losses. But the NFL? That's been a bit of a tougher nut to crack.
We're talking about a select few Minutemen who made it to the big leagues. Some notable names include:
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Greg Landry (QB, 1968): The highest-drafted UMass player ever, going 11th overall to the Detroit Lions. Fun fact: Landry later became a well-respected sportscaster, so you might have heard his voice booming from your TV!
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Victor Cruz (WR, Undrafted, 2010): Okay, this is where things get interesting. Cruz defied the odds, going undrafted but becoming a star wide receiver for the New York Giants. He even caught the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLVI! That's right, a UMass alum on the biggest stage – now that's something to brag about.
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Other Minutemen in the NFL: There have been a handful of others who've made NFL rosters, like Jack Driscoll (offensive tackle) and Elijah Wilkinson (offensive tackle). They might not be household names, but they still deserve a shoutout for representing UMass at the pro level.
The Moral of the Story?
UMass might not be a top NFL producer, but that doesn't mean they don't develop great players. It's just a different path. They're building tough competitors, and who knows, maybe the next NFL superstar is lacing up their cleats in Amherst right now.
Plus, hey, there's something to be said about cheering for the underdog. So next time you catch a UMass game, raise a glass (of something legal, of course) to those brave Minutemen who dare to dream big, even if the NFL isn't always the end goal.
