So, You Wanna Know How Many Bruins Made it to the Big Leagues? A Totally Serious Exploration (with a Wink)
Ah, UCLA. Land of sunshine, textbooks thicker than lineman's necks, and...a surprising number of NFL stars? That's right, beneath those iconic powder blue jerseys once beat the hearts of future gridiron gladiators. But how many, exactly? Buckle up, because we're about to delve into the fascinating world of UCLA alumni in the NFL.
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| How Many Nfl Players Went To Ucla |
Drafted or Undrafted, Bruins Have Left Their Mark
There are two main ways to count these football heroes: drafted players who were officially selected by NFL teams, and the underdog undrafted who clawed their way onto rosters with pure talent.
- Drafted Bruins: This number sits at a cool 352, according to the fine folks at Pro-Football-Reference [Pro Football Reference UCLA Players]. That's a whole lotta blue and gold making waves on Sundays!
- Undrafted Gems: Don't underestimate the power of perseverance! There are countless Bruins who weren't drafted but still carved out successful NFL careers. Think John Barnes, a linebacker who snagged three Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers, all after going undrafted in 1987.
So, the grand total? Well, it's a fuzzy number because who keeps track of every single undrafted player? But estimates put the number of UCLA players who sniffed the sweet air of an NFL locker room at well over 348. That's a UCLA Bruin army strong enough to give any opponent a run for their money (though maybe not literally, an army of football players might be a tad excessive).
Fun Fact: Did you know UCLA boasts not just players, but also a Hall of Fame coach? The legendary Terry Donahue led the Bruins to three national championships and produced a whopping 57 NFL draft picks during his tenure. Talk about a winning formula!
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
They Weren't All Quarterbacks, Shockingly Enough
While quarterbacks tend to grab the headlines, UCLA has sent a diverse crew of talent to the NFL. Running backs like Maurice Jones-Drew, defensive backs like Kenny Easley, and even a kicker or two (because every team needs a good leg!) have all represented UCLA with pride on the professional stage.
So next time you're watching an NFL game, keep an eye out for those UCLA alums! They might just surprise you.
How Many UCLA Bruins Are Currently in the NFL?
This number fluctuates each year, but as of right now (May 2024), there are at least 4 former Bruins playing in the NFL according to Ourlads.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
FAQs: Your UCLA to NFL Scouting Guide (Cliff Notes Version)
How to find out how many UCLA players are currently in the NFL?
Check out resources like Pro-Football-Reference or Ourlads.com, which track NFL players by college.
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How can I tell if my favorite NFL player went to UCLA?
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
A quick Google search with the player's name and "UCLA" should do the trick!
How many UCLA quarterbacks have been drafted into the NFL?
There have been plenty! You can find a list of drafted UCLA players (including QBs) on Pro-Football-Reference.
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
Did UCLA ever win a national championship in football?
Yes! The Bruins have won three national championships, all under the legendary coach Terry Donahue.
Is UCLA a football powerhouse?
UCLA has a rich football history and has produced many NFL players, but they wouldn't be considered a traditional powerhouse compared to schools like Alabama or Clemson.
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