Utah
Who are the best Utah college products to play for every NFL franchise?
It’s no secret that Utah has been a hotbed for NFL talent in recent years, but it’s not as widely known that the state has seemingly always held football factory status.
Players from BYU, Utah and Utah State have been making an impact on the league for nearly a century.
Here are the best products from Beehive State schools to suit up for each NFL franchise.
Washington Commanders: Chris Cooley (Utah State)
Years with team: 2004-12.
Statistics with team: 117 games, 429 receptions, 4,711 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 2x Pro Bowler, franchise leader in career tight end receiving yards and named to the team’s “90 Greatest” list.
A fan favorite, do-it-all tight end who emerged as one of the best players at his position in the mid-2000s.
Dallas Cowboys: Cornell Green (Utah State)
Years with team: 1962-74.
Statistics with team: 182 games, 34 interceptions, seven forced fumbles and four defensive touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 5x Pro Bowler, 2x First Team All-Pro, 2x Second Team All-Pro and Super Bowl VI champion.
A former Aggies basketball talent who never played college football, Green became a gridiron star in Dallas as one of the franchise’s first true impact players.
New York Giants: Bart Oates (BYU)
Years with team: 1985-93.
Statistics with team: 140 games, 136 starts and three fumble recoveries.
Accolades with team: 2x Pro Bowler and 2x Super Bowl champion.
A strong leader on the offensive line who seemingly won wherever he went.
Philadelphia Eagles: Chad Lewis (BYU)
Years with team: 1997-98, 1999-2005.
Statistics with team: 110 games, 228 receptions, 2,349 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 3x Pro Bowler and 2000 Second Team All-Pro.
One of Andy Reid’s favorite offensive weapons during Philadelphia’s early 2000s run of NFC East dominance.
Carolina Panthers: Steve Smith Sr. (Utah)
Years with team: 2001-13.
Statistics with team: 182 games, 836 receptions, 12,197 yards and 75 total touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 5x Pro Bowler, 2x First Team All-Pro, 2008 Second Team All-Pro, 2005 Comeback Player of the Year, all-time franchise receiving leader and member of the Panthers Hall of Honor.
Arguably the greatest player in Carolina Panthers history and one of the most feared receivers and return specialists of his generation.
Atlanta Falcons: Jamal Anderson (Utah)
Years with team: 1994-2001.
Statistics with team: 88 games, 6,981 scrimmage yards and 41 touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 1998 Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro, franchise single season rushing leader.
The dynamic Anderson’s 1998 campaign is still considered one of the best ever for a running back.
New Orleans Saints: Taysom Hill (BYU)
Years with team: 2017-present.
Statistics with team: 97 games, 7-2 starting record, 2,348 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 2,915 scrimmage yards and 38 scrimmage touchdowns.
Nicknamed the “Swiss Army Knife,” Hill has proven a valuable contributor as a quarterback, running back, tight end and special teamer during his unique career in the Big Easy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donald Penn (Utah State)
Years with team: 2007-13.
Statistics with team: 112 games, 108 starts, four fumble recoveries and two touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 2010 Pro Bowler.
The definition of dependable, Penn started all but four games in his seven seasons with Tampa.
Detroit Lions: Ziggy Ansah (BYU)
Years with team: 2013-18.
Statistics with team: 80 games, 48 sacks and 10 forced fumbles.
Accolades with team: 2015 Pro Bowler and Second Team All-Pro.
A freakish athletic specimen hindered by injuries but still able to notch the record for most Thanksgiving Day sacks in NFL history.
Green Bay Packers: Lionel Aldridge (Utah State)
Years with team: 1963-71.
Statistics with team: 123 games, 62 sacks and 16 fumble recoveries.
Accolades with team: 2x Super Bowl champion, 1965 NFL champion and member of the Packers Hall of Fame.
A standout defensive force for one of the league’s most decorated dynasties.
Chicago Bears: Jim McMahon (BYU)
Years with team: 1982-88.
Statistics with team: 46-15 starting record, 11,203 passing yards, 67 touchdowns, 1,284 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 1985 Pro Bowler, Super Bowl XX champion and member of the 100 Greatest Bears.
The “punky QB” for what many consider to be the greatest team in NFL history, McMahon’s off-the-field antics are what truly cemented him as an icon in his era.
Minnesota Vikings: Jim Hough (Utah State)
Years with team: 1978-86.
Statistics with team: 111 games, 76 starts and two fumble recoveries.
A steady contributor at both the left guard and center positions for nearly a decade in Minnesota.
San Francisco 49ers: Steve Young (BYU)
Years with team: 1987-99.
Statistics with team: 91-33 starting record, 29,907 passing yards, 221 touchdowns, 3,581 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 2x MVP, 7x Pro Bowler, 3x First Team All-Pro, 3x Second Team All-Pro, 3x Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl XXIX MVP, and member of both the 49ers and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Young was given the daunting task of succeeding Joe Montana in San Francisco and responded with a Hall of Fame career as one of the most exciting and beloved superstars of his era.
Arizona Cardinals: Larry Wilson (Utah)
Years with team: 1960-72.
Statistics with team: 169 games, 52 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries and eight total touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 1966 Defensive Player of the Year, 8x Pro Bowler, 5x First Team All-Pro, franchise interceptions leader, Cardinals Ring of Honor inductee and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Wilson spent over a decade wreaking havoc as a legendary defensive back in his decorated Hall of Fame career.
Los Angeles Rams: Merlin Olsen (Utah State)
Years with team: 1962-76.
Statistics with team: 208 games, 91 sacks and a touchdown.
Accolades with team: 14x Pro Bowler, 5x First Team All-Pro, 3x Second Team All-Pro, member of both the Rams Ring of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Arguably the greatest NFL talent to ever come out of the state of Utah. If not for Tom Brady, the ultra popular Olsen would have the most Pro Bowl appearances in history.
Seattle Seahawks: Bobby Wagner (Utah State)
Years with team: 2012-21, 2023.
Statistics with team: 168 games, 1,566 tackles, 27 sacks, six forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and four touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 9x Pro Bowler, 6x First Team All-Pro, 3x Second Team All-Pro and Super Bowl XLVIII champion.
One of the greatest linebackers of all time and the heart of Seattle’s dominant “Legion of Boom” defense.
New England Patriots: Kyle Van Noy (BYU)
Years with team: 2016-19, 2021.
Statistics with team: 67 games, 287 tackles, 21.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and four touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 2x Super Bowl champion and member of the Patriots All-2010s team.
A pivotal role player who always rose to the occasion in the twilight of the Patriots dynasty.
Miami Dolphins: Manny Fernandez (Utah)
Years with team: 1968-75.
Statistics with team: 103 games, 35 sacks and six fumble recoveries.
Accolades with team: 2x Second Team All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl champion and Dolphins Walk of Fame member.
A monster on the defensive line for Miami’s undefeated, Super Bowl winning 1972 squad.
Buffalo Bills: Ryan Denney (BYU)
Years with team: 2002-09.
Statistics with team: 111 games, 298 tackles, 23.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two touchdowns.
A solid, consistent backup defender who did everything asked of him during his time in Buffalo.
New York Jets: Jim Turner (Utah State)
Years with team: 1964-70.
Statistics with team: 98 games, 153/256 in field goals (59.8%) and 238/242 in extra points (98.3%).
Accolades with team: 2x Pro Bowler and Super Bowl III champion.
One of the finest kickers of his era who once held the NFL’s single season scoring record and helped the Jets to their lone Super Bowl win.
Cleveland Browns: Mac Speedie (Utah)
Years with team: 1946-52.
Statistics with team: 86 games, 349 receptions, 5,602 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 2x Pro Bowler, 3x First Team All-Pro, 2x Second Team All-Pro, 4x AAFC champion, 1950 NFL champion, Browns Ring of Honor inductee and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
One of football’s first great pass-catchers and a star for Cleveland during the franchise’s golden era.
Baltimore Ravens: Dennis Pitta (BYU)
Years with team: 2010-16.
Statistics with team: 66 games, 224 receptions, 2,098 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Accolades with team: Super Bowl XLVII champion.
A key offensive piece and one of Joe Flacco’s favorite targets during Baltimore’s improbable run to Super Bowl XLVII.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Roy Jefferson (Utah)
Years with team: 1965-69.
Statistics with team: 65 games, 199 receptions, 3,671 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 2x Pro Bowler, 1969 First Team All-Pro, 1968 Second Team All-Pro and member of the Steelers Legends Team.
Though he enjoyed further success later in his career with both Baltimore and Washington, Jefferson was an explosive offensive force in his time in Pittsburgh.
Cincinnati Bengals: Bob Trumpy (Utah)
Years with team: 1968-77.
Statistics with team: 128 games, 298 receptions, 4,600 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 4x Pro Bowler and 1969 First Team All-Pro.
Though he was the best tight end in Bengals history, Trumpy’s true legacy is that of a broadcasting pioneer as one of the first athletes to get behind a microphone.
Indianapolis Colts: Austin Collie (BYU)
Years with team: 2009-12.
Statistics with team: 42 games, 173 receptions, 1,845 yards and 16 touchdowns.
While his career was cut short by injuries, the connection between Collie and Peyton Manning still ranks statistically as one of the most effective between a receiver and quarterback in league history.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Devin Lloyd (Utah)
Years with team: 2022-present.
Statistics with team: 33 games, 242 tackles, three interceptions and four fumble recoveries.
The sky is the limit for the young linebacking force now entering his third season with the Jags.
Houston Texans: Brice McCain (Utah)
Years with team: 2009-13.
Statistics with team: 72 games, 124 tackles and five interceptions.
A speedy, ball-hawking cornerback able to lock up both inside and outside receivers.
Tennessee Titans: Kevin Dyson (Utah)
Years with team: 1998-2002.
Statistics with team: 58 games, 176 receptions, 2,310 yards and 18 touchdowns.
One of Steve McNair’s favorite targets during Tennessee’s heyday and the recipient of the famous “Music City Miracle” touchdown in the 1999 AFC title game.
Kansas City Chiefs: Alex Smith (Utah)
Years with team: 2013-17.
Statistics with team: 50-26 starting record, 17,608 passing yards, 102 touchdowns, 1,672 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 3x Pro Bowler.
A remarkably efficient passer who made four trips to the playoffs with the Chiefs and played a major role in mentoring Patrick Mahomes.
Las Vegas Raiders: Todd Christensen (BYU)
Years with team: 1979-88.
Statistics with team: 136 games, 461 receptions, 5,872 yards and 41 touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 4x Pro Bowler, 2x First Team All-Pro, 2x Second Team All-Pro and 2x Super Bowl champion.
One of the most egregious Pro Football Hall of Fame snubs, Christensen was an elite tight end who helped to revolutionize the position and lead the Raiders to a pair of Super Bowl titles.
Los Angeles Chargers: Eric Weddle (Utah)
Years with team: 2007-15.
Statistics with team: 137 games, 851 tackles, 19 interceptions, five forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and three total touchdowns.
Accolades with team: 3x Pro Bowler, 2x First Team All-Pro and 3x Second Team All-Pro.
A dominant, game-wrecking safety who captained the Chargers defense for nearly a decade as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Denver Broncos: Rulon Jones (Utah State)
Years with team: 1980-88.
Statistics with team: 129 games, 73.5 sacks and 10 fumble recoveries.
Accolades with team: 2x Pro Bowler, 1986 First Team All-Pro and 1985 Second Team All-Pro.
A ferocious, hard-hitting pass rusher who terrorized quarterbacks for the fifth-most career sacks in Broncos history.
The Utah Jazz, to this point, haven’t shown any willingness to trade away Lauri Markkanen.
Any lingering trade rumor around the league encircling Markkanen’s name has been met with the harsh reality that the Jazz hold their star forward in high regard, requiring a truly premier package to come their way in any event that they were to deal him away, an ask which has yet to be met by any team interested.
However, while the Markkanen trade buzz has come to a bit of a stall, HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto recently pointed out that three potential teams have been linked to his services in the past if the Jazz were to truly try and shop their one-time All-Star in the near future: the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons.
“Alot of teams have been linked to [Lauri Markkanen] in the past whether it’s the San Antonio Spurs, to get a four next to Victor Wembanyama, the Memphis Grizzlies after they made the blockbuster Desmond Bane trade because they have a lot of draft picks,” Scotto said. “And the Detroit Pistons because JB Bickerstaff was his former coach with Cleveland Cavaliers remains very high on him.”
Reporting on Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen, including which teams NBA executives have linked the most with past trade interest, why Utah wants to build with him, and what’s next this summer for their cap space and the future of Walker Kessler with @ChrisShearnYES on @YESNetwork. pic.twitter.com/BXhSImXF2z
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 16, 2025
Spurs, Pistons, Grizzlies Linked as Possible Lauri Markkanen Suitors
All three teams mentioned not only have some intriguing fits with Markkanen joining their rosters, but they also have the potential assets on board in order to pique the interest of the Jazz front office.
The Spurs have a load of future picks and a bundle of budding young players to offer up. The Pistons have a lot of young talent on their roster, are skyrocketing up the Eastern Conference, and have a connection to Markkanen’s former coach. The Grizzlies present what might be the most unique situation as a trade fit but certainly have some enticing draft capital at their disposal.
As Scotto goes on to emphasize, though, is that the Jazz are committed to keeping their partnership with Markkanen ongoing, and rather than sending him off for a package of future assets, they are a player they want to build with long-term.
“To my understanding, Utah wants to build around Lauri Markkanen,” Scotto said. “And what they want to do ideally is have a ton of cap space this summer, use it to make their roster better, if they are going to be in the lottery this year, they hope that is the last time for the foreseeable future.”
“Lauri draws a ton of interest around the league, but right now Utah wants to hold on to him and really try to make a run for the future to improve this team and start to win.”
At the end of the day, the interest on Markkanen won’t be going anywhere across the league, especially as he continues to put together a career-best year this season of averaging nearly 30 points a night as the Jazz’s number-one scorer.
Right now, making a move to ship him out of Salt Lake City is not on the front office’s radar at the moment, but the second Utah ever considers pulling that trigger, several teams would be lining up at the door for a chance to grab him.
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As usual, Utah is leading the nation on key issues. We explore the importance of this and the political impact.
The Utah Foundation released a report stating Utah leads the nation in social capital, defined as how people use networks and social connections to benefit themselves and their communities. Why is this important to citizens and voters?
Cowley: Strong communities are the result of strong families and strong churches. Lucky for us, Utah has both. When social networks are robust, there is less need for the government to serve as a social safety net (more on this topic later). The holidays are especially tough. I encourage readers to reach out to that friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, send a “thinking about you” text to a loved one or ask your dad/aunt/co-worker/cousin/neighbor/sister-in-law how they are doing, but actually mean it. Sometimes small things have the largest impact.
Pignanelli: “Robust social capital translates into heightened economic prospects and lower demands on the public sector. The Beehive State is thriving, but we still have work to do.” — Shawn Teigen, President, Utah Foundation
The release of this study was significant for several reasons. In this acerbic political environment, we needed a reminder that Utahns are an amazing people. The elements of the “Utah Way” are reinforced by metrics covering civic engagement, social cohesion, health, community and economic mobility. For 12 years, Utah has been among the leading states for social capital, demonstrating a deeply ingrained characteristic of our people.
Utah’s score is twice the national average, a mixed result that highlights our performance but also raises concerns about fellow Americans. Low social capital causes weaker economies and troubled communities, prompting legitimate bipartisan concern in the United States.
Local politicians need to address policies that continue this strength but at the same time take nothing for granted. Voters are hungry for such substance.
We should celebrate, but we should also share the secret of our success with other states. That is also the “Utah Way.”
Gov. Cox and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joined forces on CNN to discuss the future of politics and what they are looking for in candidates to “lower the temperature” of political discourse. Will this have an impact on upcoming elections?
Cowley: There is a lot of political rhetoric circulating about protecting the Constitution, but just as important is protecting the soul of our nation.
These leaders from opposing parties and different religious affiliations find commonalities in their devotion to faith and patriotism, but unfortunately share something else — the experience of leading their respective states through politically motivated violence with strength, respect for humanity and a desire to “disagree better.” It’s a reminder to show respect to those across the aisle as we are all Americans, endowed with the same unalienable rights from our Creator.
This compassionate approach is where Cox differs significantly from Trump, and it plays well with Utahns who may support Trump’s policies but find his decorum lacking. Case in point: Trump’s vicious response to the murder of Rob Reiner. Not cool, Mr. President. Not cool at all.
Pignanelli: I consistently hear criticism from the left and the right toward Cox and his “disagree better” initiatives. When challenging these critiques, I never receive a rational explanation of why Cox is wrong. However, he provided the reason in his 2024 Republican convention speech: “You hate me because I don’t hate enough.”
Cox’s critics publicly and appropriately protest the vitriol directed at them by their ideological opposites. But they are frustrated that Cox is doing more than just “talking nice.” He is “walking the walk” by challenging all members of the political class (officials, pundits, media, etc.) to be respectful. Cox’s efforts will pay dividends through a subtle influence on the many voters who admire his admonitions.
Gail Miller announced a philanthropic gift from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation of $10 million for homeless services in Salt Lake City. Will this have an impact on homelessness in Utah’s capital city?
Cowley: Utahns’ commitment to neighbor-helping-neighbor is unmatched. It is families like the Millers that help make Utah special, and we are blessed to have them. Unfortunately, this problem cannot be solved with more money, by any one organization or by the government alone. It’s a community problem that requires community solutions.
Homeless Coordinator Tyler Clancy’s focus on cracking down on crime while connecting first responders with mental health resources will help cut the head off the snake. Rep. Melissa Garff-Ballard’s focus on connecting individuals to employment opportunities is also an important tool. But the most important intervention, as the Utah Foundation survey details, is family and neighbors caring for one another. This first line of defense can lessen the need for government to intervene after problems have festered.
Pignanelli: As someone who lives, works and recreates in Salt Lake City, I encounter homeless individuals every day. I hear their pleas for spare change and often clean the waste they leave behind. Along with other residents and fellow business owners, we yearn for a solution. The continued generosity of the Miller family and many other Utahns, combined with practical public policies enacted by officials, will make a significant impact.
The Utah man arrested by ICE and wrongly accused by Homeland Security of being a “sodomite and a child abuser,” was granted bond on Monday.
A hearing for Jair Celis was held virtually on Monday, with an additional hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Celis has been a popular soccer coach in Sandy, is married to a U.S. citizen, and has a baby boy who is also a U.S. citizen.
“The judge was very good,” said Adam Crayk, Celis’ attorney. “She just flat out said, ‘Look, I can’t consider something that’s a verbal representation. There’s been no filing here. There’s been nothing submitted to show anything other than exactly what his attorney is saying. And that is, look at all the years that he’s been here, look at all the people that are in favor of him.’”
Bond was granted for $5,000.
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Once the bond is paid, Crayk expects Celis to be back home in Utah by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Crayk says he still plans to seek legal action against Tricia McLaughlin with Homeland Security for insisting and publicly declaring Celis is a “sodomite and child abuser” when there is no evidence of that.
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