The NFL is Loaded With Former Penn State Football Players

Nittany Central Staff September 7, 2022September 7, 2022 Adrian Amos, Jahan Dotson, Micah Parsons, Mike Gesicki, NFL, Odafe Oweh, Pat Freiermuth, Penn State Football

When the NFL kicks off its 103rd season, few programs will have more former players across the league than Penn State Football.

From running back Saquon Barkley aiming to return to form with the New York Giants, linebacker Micah Parsons looking to add a Defensive Player Of The Year award to his collection of hardware — after taking home Defensive Rookie of The Year honors last season – to the likes of Odafe Oweh and Mike Gesicki being part of playoff caliber teams, the Nittany Lions will play a starring role this fall.

As ESPN NFL insider Field Yates points out, only five programs will have more alumni in the NFL this season than Penn State Football.

The 10 schools with the most players on 53-man rosters as Week 1 begins:

1. Alabama: 58
2. LSU: 53
3. Ohio State: 51
4. Georgia: 43
5. Notre Dame: 35
6. Penn State: 34
7. Michigan: 33
T-8. Oklahoma: 32
T-8. Florida: 32
10. Iowa: 30
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 6, 2022

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While Penn State Football has yet to break through into the College Football Playoff, there is little doubt that Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin and staff have excelled in talent development since their arrival in Happy Valley back in 2014.

Green Bay Packers safety Adrian Amos is among the highest-rated players at his position, tight end Pat Freiermuth caught seven touchdowns as a rookie for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, and Odafe Oweh has developed into a centerpiece of the Baltimore Ravens’ pass-rush. Just to name a few NFL stars, with Penn State Football ties.

This upcoming season, first-round pick Jahan Dotson figures to play a vital role in the Washington Commanders’ passing game, as a starter opposite Terry McLaurin, and safety Jaquan Brisker figures to be a vital pice of the Chicago Bears’ secondary.

With so many key players, on so many teams across the league, chances are when you turn on an NFL game, you’ll see a former Nittany Lions star making an impact.