Syracuse has a history of producing incredible football players. Syracuse can claim one of the best alumni classes in NFL history with multiple players in Canton.
Whether you are into NFL betting or you’re a big college or NFL fan, you are sure to have heard a few of these names. Here are ten of the best NFL players to once play for Syracuse.
Rob Burnett
He isn’t as well-known as some other players, but Burnett played 14 seasons in the NFL as a defensive end. He played for the Browns, the Ravens, and the Dolphins, winning a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens when they beat the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.
Donovan McNabb
Widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks ever to play for the Eagles, McNabb spent 12 seasons in the NFL, 11 of those in Philadelphia. He led the Eagles to eight playoff appearances and five NFC East Division championships.
McNabb never won a Super Bowl ring, but he came as close as you can, losing in Super Bowl XXXIX. He is in the Eagles Hall of Fame and was also named to the Syracuse All-Century team.
Floyd Little
The late Floyd Little played halfback for the Denver Broncos for the entirety of his career. He was named a First Team All-Pro in 1969, was a five-time Pro Bowler, and rushed for over 6,300 yards. Another player that never got a ring but a player whose name will live on in football history, and eventually enshrined in Canton.
John Mackey
John Mackey was a tank of a tight end that spent the majority of his NFL career at the Colts and a season at the Chargers. He was a winner at Super Bowl V and was named in the 50th and 100th-anniversary All-Time Team. He is widely regarded as the TE that revolutionized the position.
Dwight Freeney
Freeney had a long, 15-year season playing for the Colts, Chargers, Cardinals, Falcons, Seahawks, and Lions. He won a Super Bowl in 2006 with the Colts and would go on to be a three-time First-Team All-Pro, and was in seven Pro Bowls.
At Syracuse, the 255-pound defensive lineman ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds, a time that is still one of the fastest for a defensive lineman ever. He also chased down Michael Vick in one of the greatest defensive performances ever.
Marvin Harrison
A wide receiving legend, Harrison, played 13 seasons in the NFL, spending all of his career at the Colts. He won a Super Bowl with them at Super Bowl XLI and was a 3-time All-Pro.
He had 128 receiving touchdowns and had over 14,500 receiving yards. He led the league in receptions and receiving yards multiple times and was part of the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He’s a member of Canton as well.
Jim Ringo
A legend in the 50s and 60s, Jim Ringo played in the NFL for 15 years, splitting his career between the Packers and Eagles. He was a 2-time Super Bowl winner, as well as a staggering 10-time Pro Bowler.
As a coach, he was in charge of the Bills for a period, and was the offensive line coach for a number of teams. He was also inducted into the Eagles and Packers Hall of Fame.
Larry Csonka
Larry Csonka played fullback during his time in the NFL. Drafted by the Dolphins, he would go on to play in Miami, then to the Giants, then back to the Dolphins, where he ended his career. He was a two-time Super Bowl Champion, going back-to-back at Super Bowl VII and VIII with the Dolphins. He’s in the Pro Football HOF.
Art Monk
Art Monk, who played for Washington, the Jets, and the Eagles, is widely recognized across the board as one of the most productive wide receivers in NFL history. He was a three-time Super Bowl champion and a 3-time Pro Bowler.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008, with five 1000+ yard seasons and 8 playoff touchdowns.
Jim Brown
Jim Brown is not only perhaps the best running back ever but also one of the best football players of all time. He spent his entire 9-year career with the Browns, winning the NFL championship a year before he retired in 1964.
He was a 3-time MVP, a 9-time Pro Bowler, and an 8-time First-team All-Pro. He was also named in the NFL’s 50th, 75th, and 100th-anniversary All-Time Team and retired as the league’s all time rushing king.