With 351 players selected by the NFL, the Texas Longhorns football program has a legendary record of turning out NFL talent, including

The University of Texas at Austin boasts one of the most storied football programs in NCAA history. With a tradition dating back to 1893, the Texas Longhorns have not only dominated the college football scene but also significantly contributed to the NFL. Over the years, 351 Longhorns have been selected in the NFL Draft, a testament to the program’s ability to develop elite-level talent. From Pro Bowlers to Hall of Famers, Texas has built a legacy of producing top-tier athletes who have shaped professional football.

A History of NFL Draft Success

Texas has been a consistent pipeline to the NFL, with players selected across nearly every draft year. The Longhorns have had numerous first-round picks, with a particularly strong presence in key positions such as quarterback, running back, and defensive back. The 2006 NFL Draft was a standout, as Texas saw Vince Young, Michael Huff, and Jonathan Scott all selected after their National Championship-winning season.

Some of the most successful draft classes include:

1982: Kenneth Sims was selected first overall by the New England Patriots.
2005: Derrick Johnson, Cedric Benson, and David Thomas were all taken in early rounds.
2006: Vince Young (3rd overall), Michael Huff (7th overall), and several other key players made their way to the league.
2010: Earl Thomas, Lamarr Houston, and Sergio Kindle added defensive prowess to their respective teams.
2023: Bijan Robinson continued the tradition of Longhorn running backs going high in the draft.

Notable Longhorns in the NFL

Quarterbacks

Vince Young (2006-2014): Young made an immediate impact in the NFL, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors with the Tennessee Titans. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground cemented his status as one of the most exciting dual-threat quarterbacks.
Colt McCoy (2010-Present): A durable and reliable backup, McCoy has played for multiple teams, including the Browns, 49ers, and Cardinals, offering veteran leadership wherever he has gone.

Running Backs

Earl Campbell (1978-1985): One of the most dominant power backs in history, Campbell was a three-time NFL rushing leader and MVP in 1979. His punishing running style left defenders in his wake and secured his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Ricky Williams (1999-2011): A Heisman Trophy winner, Williams became one of the most productive running backs in NFL history, rushing for over 10,000 yards.
Bijan Robinson (2023-Present): Drafted in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons, Robinson has shown early signs of being the next great Longhorns running back in the league.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Roy Williams (2004-2011): A first-round pick by the Lions, Williams had a standout career with Detroit and later with Dallas.
Jordan Shipley (2010-2012): Though injuries shortened his career, Shipley was a reliable target in the slot during his time in Cincinnati and Jacksonville.

Defensive Stars

Tommy Nobis (1966-1976): Known as “Mr. Falcon,” Nobis was the first-ever draft pick for the Atlanta Falcons and became a five-time Pro Bowler.
Derrick Johnson (2005-2018): One of the best linebackers of his era, Johnson was a four-time Pro Bowler and a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Earl Thomas (2010-2019): A member of the legendary “Legion of Boom” secondary in Seattle, Thomas helped lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory and earned seven Pro Bowl selections.
Michael Huff (2006-2014): A versatile defensive back, Huff played a key role in the Raiders’ secondary during his NFL career.

Offensive Linemen

Justin Blalock (2007-2014): A stalwart guard for the Falcons, Blalock provided strong protection and run blocking during his career.
Leonard Davis (2001-2012): A dominant force at both guard and tackle, Davis was a three-time Pro Bowler who played for the Cardinals and Cowboys.

Special Teams and Other Notable Contributors

Phil Dawson (1999-2018): One of the most reliable kickers in NFL history, Dawson played for the Browns, 49ers, and Cardinals, finishing with over 400 career field goals.
Michael Griffin (2007-2016): A two-time Pro Bowl safety, Griffin was a consistent presence in the Titans’ secondary.

Longhorns in the Hall of Fame

The Texas Longhorns have produced multiple Hall of Famers who have left a lasting legacy in the NFL:

Bobby Layne (QB, 1948-1962): A legendary passer and three-time NFL champion.
Earl Campbell (RB, 1978-1985): One of the greatest power backs in history.
Tommy Nobis (LB, 1966-1976): A defensive cornerstone for the Falcons.

Recent Success and the Future

Texas continues to produce NFL talent, with recent players making a name for themselves in the league. In addition to Bijan Robinson, players like Joseph Ossai (Bengals), Caden Sterns (Broncos), and Devin Duvernay (Ravens) have emerged as impact contributors.

Looking forward, Texas’ strong recruiting and development pipeline under head coach Steve Sarkisian suggests that the Longhorns will remain a premier NFL talent factory. With their move to the SEC, they will face even tougher competition, which could further prepare their athletes for the rigors of professional football.

The Texas Longhorns’ influence on the NFL is undeniable. With over 350 players drafted and multiple Hall of Famers, the program has built a reputation for developing elite talent. Whether it’s dominant running backs, hard-hitting defenders, or dynamic quarterbacks, Texas has supplied the league with some of its most iconic figures. As the Longhorns continue to evolve, their pipeline to the NFL remains as strong as ever, ensuring that the burnt orange will be well-represented on Sundays for years to come.