So, You Wanna Know How Many JSU Tigers Made it to the Big Leagues? Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Ah, the NFL. Land of sculpted physiques, gravity-defying catches, and enough shoulder pads to fill a small car. A place where dreams are caught (sometimes literally, by a well-timed interception), and Sundays become a glorious excuse to wear jerseys and indulge in questionable food decisions (looking at you, cheese dip).
But here's the thing, not everyone who straps on cleats gets to strut their stuff under the bright lights. So, what about Jackson State University (JSU)? Have these Tigers managed to claw their way into the NFL?
Hold My School Books, I'm Going Pro! (Well, Maybe)
Let's be honest, getting drafted into the NFL is harder than, well, tackling a runaway rhinoceros while wearing roller skates. But that doesn't stop JSU from churning out some serious talent. According to the good folks at Pro-Football-Reference, a whopping 95 JSU players have gotten a shot at the pros! That's a whole lot of roars echoing in the halls of Canton, Ohio (home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, for those not in the know).
But wait, there's more! We're not talking about guys who just showed up for training camp and ate all the free donuts. 109 JSU players have actually been drafted! That means scouts saw these guys and said, "Yep, that Tiger has the stripes to compete with the big cats!"
Hall of Famers? JSU Got Those in Bulk!
Now, let's talk about the real heavyweights. The legends. The guys who make grown men shed tears while watching highlight reels. JSU boasts a staggering four Pro Football Hall of Famers! That's right, four titans of the game walked the hallowed grounds of Jackson State. We're talking about Walter Payton (Sweetness himself!), Lem Barney, Robert Brazile, and Jackie Slater. That's more Hall of Famers than 93% of all college football programs, folks! Now that's something to write home about (or tweet, I guess).
So, the Answer Is...?
We all know you've been waiting with bated breath for the big reveal. How many JSU players have graced the NFL with their presence? Well, buckle up again, because the answer is... a whole lot! It's hard to pinpoint an exact number, as some players bounce around practice squads or leagues overseas. But one thing's for sure: JSU punches well above its weight when it comes to feeding the NFL beast.
So, the next time you see a highlight reel of a jaw-dropping catch or a bone-crushing tackle, there's a good chance that dude honed his skills under the scorching Mississippi sun. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be cheering on the next JSU legend to take the NFL by storm!