High Schools That Produce the Most NFL Players

These high schools lead the way with alumni playing on Sundays.

High school football has become more than local news. Networks like ESPN and Fox Sports devote time and money to produce high school football broadcasts just as they would for college football games.

With high school football’s profile being raised, so has scouting, and college recruiters now spend as much time breaking down prospects as NFL teams do for college players. But which high schools are “football factories” like major college programs such as Alabama, Ohio State and USC? They often get those TV slots since their players will be playing in the NFL in a few years.

These high schools have produced the most NFL players.

30. DeSoto High School (DeSoto, Texas) — 21 Players (Tie)

GPowersScout / Twitter

There has been some amazing talent to come out of DeSoto High, and none better than two-time Super Bowl winner, Super Bowl 50 Most Valuable Player and seven-time NFL All-Pro Von Miller.

While Miller has been dominant on every level, he never won a state championship. DeSoto got its one and only state title in 2016, when it won the Class 6A Division II state title with a team that included four future NFL players.

NFL Players Who Attended DeSoto

Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller runs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Name (Years in NFL)

A.J. Green (2020-present)
Laviska Shenault Jr. (2020-present)
James Proche (2020-present)
Ed Ingram (2022-present)
Jalen Mills (2016-present)
Von Miller (2011-present)
Chris Orr (2020)
Chris Lacy (2018-19)
Marcus. Murphy (2015-18)
Zach Orr (2014-16)
Tony Jerod-Eddie (2012-16)
Cyrus Gray (2012-14)
Mike Thomas (2009-12)
Patrick Crayton (2004-11)
Brian Jackson (2010-11)
Ellis Hobbs (2005-10)
Tatum Bell (2004-08)
Marcus Tubbs (2004-06)
Jimmy Wyrick (2000-04)
Byron Hanspard (1997-99)
Tim Hendrix (1987)

30. Kiski School (Saltsburg, Pennsylvania) — 21 Players (Tie)

The Kiski School has been playing football for over 100 years. kiski.org

Founded in 1888 just outside of Pittsburgh, The Kiski School is the oldest non-military, all-male boarding school in the country.

All 210 of their students are required to participate in athletics, though in this day and age, it’s hard to field a competitive football team with that small of a pool of players.

For that reason, 21 of the 23 Kiski Cougars who made the NFL played before World War II. The only others are former quarterback Hunter Enis and former running back Curtis Enis (no relation).

NFL Players Who Attended Kiski

Curtis Enis played three seasons in the NFL. John Russell / AP Photo

Tony Bova (1942-47)
James Clark (1933-34)
Joe Crowley (1944-45)
Jim Daniell (1945-46)
Bill Edgar (1923)
Doc Elliott (1922-31)
Curtis Enis (1998-2000)
Hunter Enis (1960-62)
Paul Frank (1930)
Ralph Fritz (1941)
Sandy Hastings (1920)
Tommy Holleran (1923)
Bob Ingalls (1942)
Stan Keck (1923)
Jim MacMurdo (1932-37)
Bob Millman (1925-27)
Cliff Montgomery (1934)
Bill Moore (1939)
Monk Moscrip (1938-39)
Paul Riblett (1932-36)
Johnny Thompson (1929)
Heinie Wiesenbaugh (1935-36)
Gust Zarnas (1938-40)

30. Miami Southridge High School (Miami, Florida) — 21 Players (Tie)

Miami Southridge RBs Troy Davis and Darren Davis

Miami Southridge Athletics

Looking at the long list of Miami Southridge players who made it to the NFL, what stands out the most are the great running backs.

Three All-American running backs seem to stand at the head of the pack who also made it to the NFL with Troy Davis (Iowa State), Kevin Smith (Central Florida) and Sedrick Irvin (Michigan State).

NFL Players Who Attended Miami Southridge

Ed Zurga / AP Photo

Dicaprio Bootle (2021-present)
Justin McCray (2017-present)
Shawn Davis (2021)
Jeremiah McKinnon (2018)
Branden Oliver (2014-17)
Kevin Smith (2008-12)
Jameel Cook (2001-08)
Mark Word (1999-2003)
Courtland Bullard (2002-03)
Robert Bailey (1991-2001)
Sedrick Irvin (1999-2000)
Steve Everitt (1993-2000)
Lamont Green (1999)
Tim Lester (1992-99)
Troy Davis (1997-99)
Shevin Smith (1998-99)
Steve Grant (1992-97)
Winston Moss (1987-97)
Alberto White (1994-96)
Willie Peguese (1990-93)
Lenny Taylor (1984-87)

27. Waco High (Waco, Texas) — 22 Players (Tie)

A Waco High School football player runs the ball in 2017. artiephoto / Instagram

Located between Dallas and Austin, Waco is home to Baylor University, which is just a stone’s throw away from Waco High School. It is the city’s preeminent school for prospective football players as all other high schools in the city have produced just 18 NFL players.

Waco High alums populated the NFL in the pre-merger days, but just four have played since the 2000 season, most notably longtime Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson.

Waco High may have the edge in the quantity of NFL players from the city, but it loses the battle in quality as the city’s most famous football player, LaDainian Tomlinson, spurned Waco High for University High.

NFL Players Who Attended Waco

Derrick Johnson played 14 seasons in the NFL. Ed Zurga / AP Photo

Bruce Alford (1946-51)
Andrew Billings (2017-present)
Benny Boynton (1921-24)
Cloyce Box (1949-54)
Marv Brown (1957)
Ken Casner (1952)
Kwame Cavil (2000)
Paul Dickson (1959-71)
Lin Elliott (1992-95)
Les Gatewood (1946-47)
Aubrey Goodman (1927)
Derrick Johnson (2005-18)
Dwight Johnson (2000-02)
LaCurtis Jones (1996)
Tex Leyendecker (1933)
Clint McClain (1941)
Brian Mitchell (1991-93)
Beasley Reece (1976-84)
John Reynolds (1937)
Martin Ruby (1946-50)
George Sauer (1965-70)
Cop Weathers (1926)

27. Warren G. Harding (Warren, Ohio) — 22 Players (Tie)

A Warren Harding football game against Warren Reserve in 1986. notmadacha / YouTube

Located about halfway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, Harding High has a monopoly on the area since it’s the only high school in the Warren City School District. One-fifth of Harding’s NFL players come from the same family as the four Browner brothers (Jim, Joey, Keith, Ross) help boost the ranking of the Harding Raiders.

The school’s best player is Hall of Fame receiver Paul Warfield while the most notable player from Harding never actually played in the NFL. Former Ohio State star Maurice Clarett was a USA Today High School All-American at Harding before winning a national championship with the Buckeyes.

He then sued to enter the NFL early and ended up being a third-round draft pick by the Broncos, but was cut in the preseason and never appeared in an NFL game.

NFL Players Who Attended Warren G. Harding

Paul Warfield played 13 seasons in the NFL and won two Super Bowls. Fred Kaufman / AP Photo

David Arnold (1989)
Aaron Brown (1978-87)
Jim Browner (1979-80)
Joey Browner (1983-1992)
Keith Browner (1984-88)
Ross Browner (1978-87)
Jim Brutz (1946-48)
Prescott Burgess (2007-11)
Joe Carroll (1972-73)
John Chickerneo (1942)
James Daniels (2018-present)
LeShun Daniels (1997)
Travis Davis (1990-91)
Dan Herron (2012-15)
David Herron (2007-10)
Bill Kollar (1974-81)
Mario Manningham (2008-14)
Charley Riffle (1944-48)
Chris Rucker (2011)
Korey Stringer (1995-2000)
Paul Warfield (1964-77)

27. Dillard (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) — 22 Players (Tie)

Dillard football team captains before a game against Fort Lauderdale in 2019. Pratt Recording Productions / YouTube

Dillard alum Isaac Bruce was chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. When Bruce retired in 2009, he ranked second all-time in receiving yards, and he also has given back to the school that helped make him an NFL star by serving as both a volunteer and an assistant coach at Dillard.

NFL Players Who Attended Dillard

Tom Gannam / AP Photo

Earnest Adams (1987)
Matthias Askew (2004-05)
James Bostic (1998-99)
Isaac Bruce (1994-2009)
Lorenzo Davis (1990)
Charles Goodrum (1973-79)
Quinn Gray (2005-08)
Percy Howard (1975)
Calvin Jackson (1994-99)
Tron LaFavor (2003)
Leonard Myers (2001-03)
Jim Osbourne (1972-84)
Frank Sanders (1995-2003)
Josh Shaw (2002-08)
Herman Smith (1995-96)
Pat Sims (2008-17)
Brian Tyms (2012-14)
Lorenzo White (1988-95)

24. Compton (Compton, California) — 23 Players (Tie)

Rap music may have put Compton on the map, but Compton High School also has produced some NFL players. ComptonHSFB / Twitter

Compton High’s most famous alum is someone who is as important as anyone mentioned on this list — even though he never played a snap. Former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle graduated from Compton High in 1944, long before the city became associated with hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre (who attended Centennial and then Fremont across town).

The most notable player from Compton High is Marv Fleming, who won five NFL championships (four of which were Super Bowls) while playing for the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins in the 1960s and 1970s.

The city of Compton had a demographic shift over the last 20 years, and the pipeline to the NFL has all but dried up. Only one player from Compton High has been drafted since 1992: Datone Jones. The Packers selected the defensive end in the first round of the 2013 draft out of UCLA, and he retired in 2018.

NFL Players Who Attended Compton

Marv Fleming won four Super Bowls and three NFL championships. AP Photo

LeFrancis Arnold (1974)
Rod Barksdale (1986-87)
Victor Burnett (1987)
Cedrick Brown (1987)
Joe Cain (1989-97)
Robin Cole (1977-88)
Aaron Craver (1991-99)
David Croudip (1984-88)
Marv Fleming (1963-74)
Danny Greene (1985)
Tim Harris (1983)
Eric Hurt (1980)
Roy Jefferson (1965-76)
Rex Johnston (1960)
Datone Jones (2013-20)
Don Klosterman (1952)
Derrick Martin (1987)
John Morton (1953)
Mike Richardson (1983-89)
Walter Roberts (1964-70)
Bobby Smith (1962-66)
Ricky Turner (1988)
Bev Wallace (1947-51)

24. Glades Central (Belle Glade, Florida) — 23 Players (Tie)

Glades Central during a playoff game in 2012. WPTV News / YouTube

In the early 2000s, Glades Central had the honor of having the most active players in the NFL. Now, it will have to settle for 11th place with their four NFL players.

That number still is equal to the total from some FBS schools, including Syracuse and East Carolina.

Glades Central’s best player is former Pro Bowl running back Fred Taylor, but this school specializes in sending wide receivers to the NFL. Santonio Holmes, Jessie Hester, Deonte Thompson, Kelvin Benjamin and Travis Benjamin (no relation) also have gone from Glades to the NFL, and many of them were teammates in high school.

NFL Players Who Attended Glades Central

Fred Taylor rushed for 11,695 yards and 66 touchdowns in his NFL career. Charlie Riedel / AP Photo

Reidel Anthony (1997-2001)
Kelvin Benjamin (2014-18)
Travis Benjamin (2012-21)
Roosevelt Blackmon (1998-99)
Jatavis Brown (2016-19)
John Ford (1989)
Jessie Hester (1985-95)
Santonio Holmes (2006-14)
James Jackson (2001-05)
Willie Jones (2001-02)
Cre’von LeBlanc (2016-20)
James Lee (2008-11)
Ray McDonald (2007-14)
Robert Newkirk (1999-2001)
Louis Oliver (1989-96)
Randy Phillips (2010)
Johnny Rutledge (1999-2003)
Jimmy Spencer (1992-2003)
Fred Taylor (1998-2010)
Santonio Thomas (2007-08)
Deonte Thompson (2012-18)
Clive Walford (2015-19)
Rhondy Weston (1989)

24. Jack Yates (Houston, Texas) — 23 Players (Tie)

Yates has won five state titles in Texas. DefenderNetwork / YouTube

Yates was once one of the biggest high schools in Houston with over 3,600 students in the mid-1980s. The 1985 Yates team won the Texas state title and is considered one of the best high school football teams of all time.

But now the school has fewer than 1,000 students, and that decrease in enrollment also has impacted the football program. The number of Yates alums to go to the NFL gradually has decreased since the 1990s, and just three have played in the league in the last 20 years.

Dexter Manley is the school’s most famous graduate, and his NFL career mirrors that of Yates’ football program. Manley had a great run with the Redskins, won two Super Bowls in the 1980s and is the team’s all-time leader in sacks. But he fizzled out in later years and was banned for life in 1991 after failing his fourth drug test.

NFL Players Who Attended Yates

Dexter Manley recorded 97.5 sacks in his career. Rusty Kennedy / AP Photo

Harold Bailey (1981-82)
Johnny Bailey (1990-95)
Aubrey Beavers (1994-96)
Grady Cavness (1969-70)
Al Dotson (1965-70)
Santana Dotson (1992-2001)
Bo Farrington (1960-63)
Albert Fontenot (1993-2001)
Jerrell Franklin (1987)
Doug Greene (1978-80)
Phillip James (1987)
Mike Lewis (1971-80)
Dexter Manley (1981-91)
Robert Miller (1975-80)
Jerald Moore (1996-2000)
Elvis Patterson (1984-93)
Reggie Phillips (1985-88)
John Roper (1989-93)
Eric Smith (1987)
Quintin Smith (1990)
Damion Square (2013-21)
Sammie Taylor (1965)

19. William Raines (Jacksonville, Florida) — 24 Players (Tie)

Brian Dawkins makes a hit during his playing days at Raines High School. Chad Cushnir / YouTube

Jacksonville is the biggest city in the lower 48 and is well represented with 11active NFL players who were born in the city.

That’s nine more than the number of Raines High graduates who were teammates on the Philadelphia Eagles for nearly a decade. Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins and All-Pro cornerback Lito Sheppard patrolled the defensive backfield for the Raines Vikings before doing the same for the Eagles.

Another Viking-turned-Eagle was 6-foot-8-inch receiver Harold Carmichael who, unsurprisingly, also played basketball at Raines and, surprisingly, played clarinet in the school band.

NFL Players Who Attended Raines

Harold Carmichael was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. Gene Puskar / AP Photo

Derrick Alexander (1995-99)
Lewis Bennett (1987)
Larry Brown (1978-79)
Ken Burrough (1970-81)
Harold Carmichael (1971-84)
Thornton Chandler (1986-89)
Greg Coleman (1977-88)
Darrel Crutchfield (2001)
Brian Dawkins (1996-2011)
Derrick Gaffney (1978-87)
Jabar Gaffney (2002-12)
Rod Gardner (2001-06)
Shawn Jefferson (1991-2003)
Terry LeCount (1978-87)
Ron Lewis (1990-94)
Anthone Lott (1997)
Calvin Muhammad (1982-87)
Louis Nix (2014-15)
Dominique Ross (1995-96)
Patrick Sapp (1996-99)
Lito Sheppard (2002-11)
Kion Wilson (2010-14)
Kevin Youngblood (2006)

19. Junipero Serra (Gardena, California) — 24 Players (Tie)

Junipero Serra wide receiver Robert Woods receiving a pass in the 2009 CIF Division III bowl championship game against Marin Catholic. NFHS Network / YouTube

Not to be confused with the Junipero Serra High School in Northern California that produced Tom Brady, this Junipero Serra High School is in Southern California. It has no Tom Brady, but it has plenty of players at the position that Brady likes throwing to.

At one point, the school had Robert Woods, Marqise Lee and Paul Richardson all at wideout on the same team. As you would expect, that team dominated its competition to the tune of a 15-0 record and the school’s first football state championship.

NFL Players Who Attended Junipero Serra

Robert Woods was a second-round draft pick (No. 41 overall) of the Buffalo Bills in 2013. Kyusung Gong / AP Photo

Bene Benwikere (2014-present)
Joe Cormier (1987)
Matt Dickerson (2018-present)
George Farmer (2016)
Deon Figures (1993-98)
Rasheem Green (2018-present)
DaJohn Harris (2012)
Adoree’ Jackson (2017-present)
Carl Ihenacho (2012)
Duke Ihenacho (2012-16)
Marqise Lee (2014-17)
Kache Palacio (2017)
Jemeel Powell (2003)
Gene Profit (1986-88)
Kris Richard (2002-05)
Paul Richardson (2014-19)
Phil Smith (1983-87)
Jashon Sykes (2003-04)
Theophile Viltz (1966)
David Williams (1986-87)
Oliver Williams (1985-87)
Essop Winston (2021)
Robert Woods (2013-present)

19. Massillon Washington (Massillon, Ohio) — 24 Players (Tie)

How big a legend was Chris Spielman at Massillon High School in Ohio? He was the first high school athlete to get his own Wheaties box. Chuck Brown / YouTube

You always have to take high school national championships with a grain of salt since many of them are self-claimed. But it says something that Massillon Washington High School has more “mythical” national titles than any other school.

Massillon won nine national championships with all of them coming between 1939 and 1961. Paul Brown won four of those titles as head coach before he went on to found both the Browns and the Bengals in the state of Ohio.

Most of the Massillon players played during the pre-merger era of the NFL with just five alums being drafted in the last 40 years. Pro Bowl linebacker Chris Spielman is the most prominent of that bunch, and Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley is the only active player from Massillon.

NFL Players Who Attended Massillon Washington

Gareon Conley was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 2017 draft, No. 24 overall. Nick Wass / AP Photo

Andy Alleman (2008-09)
Gerry Allen (1966-69)
Charlie Brown (1966-68)
Fred Cardinal (1947)
Gareon Conley (2017-19)
Shawn Crable (2010)
Will Foster (1973-74)
Dennis Franklin (1975-76)
Tom Hannon (1977-84)
Jim Houston (1960-72)
Horace Gillom (1947-56)
Lin Houston (1946-53)
Walt Houston (1955)
Tommy James (1947-56)
Steve Luke (1975-80)
Thayer Munford (2022-present)
Don Nelson (1926)
Dave Reese (1920-23)
Ben Roderick (1923-27)
Devin Smith (2015-21)
Willie Spencer (1976-78)
Chris Spielman (1988-97)
Harry Stuhldreher (1926)
Bob Vogel (1963-72)

19. John Tyler (Tyler, Texas) — 24 Players (Tie)

Tyus Bowser (81) with his Tyler teammates before their senior season in 2012. tyus23 / Instagram

John Tyler High has had at least one player in the NFL every year since Earl Campbell made his debut in 1978. Campbell was nicknamed “The Tyler Rose,” and he led his high school to their first state championship in 1973 en route to being named Mr. Football USA.

Outside of Campbell, Tyler’s NFL products lean heavily on the defensive side of the ball, including Super Bowl-winning defensive backs Aaron Ross (New York Giants) and Jeremy Lane (Seattle Seahawks).

The current NFL players from Tyler High are Tyus Bowser of the Baltimore Ravens, who likely would make anyone’s “All-Name Team,” and Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Greg Ward.

NFL Players Who Attended John Tyler

Earl Campbell was nicknamed “The Tyler Rose.” Ed Kolenovsky / AP Photo

Gary Baxter (2001-06)
Tyus Bowser (2017-21)
Earl Campbell (1978-85)
Chris Carter (1997-2002)
Tim Crowder (2007-11)
Don Flynn (1960-61)
Keith Guthrie (1984)
Kendall Hunter (2011-15)
Bill Johnson (1948-56)
Gil Johnson (1949)
Gary Jones (1990-96)
Jeremy Lane (2012-17)
Ronnie Lee (1979-92)
Andrew Melontree (1980)
Charlie Milstead (1960-61)
Tony Newsom (1987)
Howie Parker (1948)
Terrence Robinson (2003)
Aaron Ross (2007-14)
Quincy Stewart (2001-03)
Larry Strickland (1954-59)
Greg Ward (2019-21)
Teddy Williams (2012-16)
Doug Wyatt (1970-74)

19. Miami Carol City (Miami Gardens, Florida) — 24 Players (Tie)

Rick Ross and the Miami Carol City football team

Rick Ross has never forgotten where he comes from. The rapper and former Miami Carol City football player visits with the 2016 team. fatboy6661 / Instagram

Miami is known for its huge influence on both sports and music, and Miami Carol City Senior High has produced notable alums in both.

Longtime Redskins receiver Santana Moss played football there, although he was more known for his accomplishments in track and field. Moss won two state titles in the triple jump and another one in the long jump while just being third-team all-state in football.

On the musical side of the school is Flo Rida, who was a football teammate of Moss in the late 1990s. Additionally, Rick Ross played football at the school and was even good enough to be awarded a scholarship to Albany State.

NFL Players Who Attended Miami Carol City

Santana Moss scored 69 touchdowns in his NFL career. Evan Vucci / AP Photo

Stedman Bailey (2013-15)
Kantroy Barber (1999)
Delvin Brown (2001)
Allen Hurns (2014-19)
Rashad Fenton (2019-present)
Ricky Jean-Francois (2009-18)
Rashad Jeanty (2006-09)
Dwayne Joseph (1995)
Santana Moss (2001-14)
Godfrey Myles (1991-96)
Fred Nixon (1980-81)
Kenny Phillips (2008-15)
William Roberts (1984-97)
Robert Sands (2011-12)
Kevin Simons (1989)
Khreem Smith (2006-07)
Simeon Thomas (2019)
Del Speer (1993-94)
John Swain (1981-87)
Lester Williams (1982-87)
Randy Young (1976)

13. Crenshaw (Los Angeles, California) — 25 Players (Tie)

Robert Garrett, left, the football coach at Crenshaw for over 25 years, was named the 2017 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year. Akbar_Gbaja / Twitter

Los Angeles is the only city with two top 20 schools on this list, and Crenshaw High gives L.A. its first entry. Pro Bowlers Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Wendell Tyler are the most famous Crenshaw graduates while the Chiefs’ De’Anthony Thomas tops among active players.

The school also has produced some pretty good athletes in other sports, including Darryl Strawberry in Major League Baseball and Marques Johnson of the NBA and “White Men Can’t Jump” fame.

Crenshaw’s football team has won six state titles, with five of those coming since the 2005 season. Legendary coach Robert Garrett, who started coaching at Crenshaw in 1987, is a big reason why.

“He’s served the community very well,” Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Brandon Mebane, one of Garrett’s former players in the NFL, told the Los Angeles Times. “He’s helped a lot of kids become great men.”

NFL Players Who Attended Crenshaw

Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Brandon Mebane made his NFL debut in 2007. Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP Photo

Albert Bell (1988)
Jerome Boyd (1983)
James Davis (1982-87)
Charles DeJurnett (1976-86)
Greg Ducre (2014-15)
Duane Galloway (1985-87)
Akbar Gbaja-Biamila (2003-07)
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (2000-08)
Don Goodman (1987)
Dominique Hatfield (2017-18)
Dante Hughes (2007-11)
Kerry Justin (1978-87)
Sid Justin (1979-82)
Reggie Lewis (1982-84)
Charles Lockett (1987-88)
Jim Looney (1981)
Marcus Martin (2014-20)
Brandon Mebane (2007-19)
Brian Price (2010-12)
Hayes Pullard (2015-18)
Clint Sampson (1983-86)
De’Anthony Thomas (2014-19)
Wendell Tyler (1977-86)
Michael Williams (1995)
Eric Yarber (1986-87)

13. Evanston Township (Evanston, Illinois) — 25 Players (Tie)

The Evanston Township team gets pumped up before a game in 2017. Robert Gill / YouTube

With over 3,300 students, Evanston Township High School is one of the largest high schools in the United States, and it leverages its enrollment. The school currently has over 1,000 students that participate in sports, and just by happenstance, some of those are going to make their way to the NFL, although none recently.

Eleven of the school’s 24 NFL players joined the league within its first five years of existence in the 1920s, including Hall of Famer Paddy Driscoll. Another noteworthy player is offensive tackle Mike Kenn, who made five Pro Bowls for the Atlanta Falcons in the 1980s and ’90s.

The last NFL player from Evanston Township was Cecil Martin. He played five seasons and retired in 2003, and the school hasn’t had any players drafted in this millennium.

NFL Players Who Attended Evanston Township

Paddy Driscoll became an NFL Hall of Famer after attending Evanston Township. Wikipedia

Alex Agase (1947-53)
John Bosdett (1920)
Chuck Carney (1922)
Paddy Driscoll (1920-29)
Dick Falcon (1920)
Guil Falcon (1920-25)
Hal Faverty (1952)
Bob Hoel (1935-38)
Red Jackson (1921)
Damon Jones (1997-2001)
Naquan Jones (2021-present)
Yonel Jourdain (1994-95)
Mike Kenn (1978-94)
Charlie Knight (1920-21)
Rube Marquardt (1921)
Cecil Martin (1999-2003)
Bill McElwain (1924-26)
Emery Moorehead (1977-88)
Steve Parker (1983-84)
Bob Pickens (1967-69)
Jim Purnell (1964-72)
Joe Stewart (1978-79)
Jim Turner (1923-23)
Laurie Walquist (1922-31)
Trevor Wilmot (1995)

13. South Oak Cliff (Dallas, Texas) — 25 Players (Tie)

Harvey Martin graduated from Dallas’ South Oak Cliff High School in 1969 and then went on to star for his hometown team, the Dallas Cowboys. tshofinductees / www.tshofinductees.org

An article about high school football wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Texas and South Oak Cliff (SOC). However, SOC’s placement comes with a bit of a caveat. That’s because 25 percent of its NFL alumni were “scab players,” who only participated during the 1987 strike. Those six players combined to play just 20 NFL games and were never heard from again.

Apart from those players, the school has a handful of notable names, the best player being former Cowboy Harvey Martin, who won the Super Bowl XII MVP award and was a four-time Pro Bowler.

South Oak also produced one Hall of Famer, but it comes in another sport, basketball, as Dennis Rodman wormed his way through school halls.

NFL Players Who Attended South Oak Cliff (Years in League)

Harvey Martin was a four-time Pro Bowler Bill Haber / AP Photo

Lendy Holmes (2009)
LaTarence Dunbar (2003)
Ja’Marcus Ingram (2022-present)
Rod Jones (1986-96)
Joe King (1991-95)
Michael Downs (1981-89)
Ira Albright (1987)
Egypt Allen (1987)
Marvin Ayers (1987)
Cornelius Dozier (1987)
John Preston (1987)
Durwood Roquemore (1982-87)
Gary Spann (1987)
Joe Hayes (1984)
Wayne Morris (1976-84)
Tim Collier (1976-83)
Harvey Martin (1973-83)
Mike Livingston (1968-79)
Oscar Roan (1975-78)
Ricky Wesson (1977)
Danny Colbert (1974-76)
Jackie Allen (1969-72)
Karl Sweetan (1966-70)
Malcolm Walker (1966-70)
Guy Reese (1962-66)

13. Ball (Galveston, Texas) — 25 Players (Tie)

Mike Evans, now a wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, makes a play during his Ball High career. MikeEvans13_ / Twitter

Named after local businessman George Ball, Ball High has been around since 1884. The famous graduates of Ball come in different sizes and shapes, such as the long and lean Mike Evans and the short and stout Casey Hampton.

Evans is the only Ball graduate to make the NFL over the last dozen years because rising real estate costs in Galveston have forced many families to move out of the area. Since Ball High School is the only public high school in the city, it’s either Ball High or relocate, and many have chosen the latter option.

NFL Players Who Attended Ball

Mike Evans caught 462 passes in his first six seasons in the NFL. Mark LoMoglio / AP Photo

Patrise Alexander (1996-98)
Kimble Anders (1991-2000)
Charles Alexander (1979-85)
Rodney Artmore (1999)
Patrick Bates (1993-96)
Thomas Brown (1980-83)
Vince Courville (1987)
Tim Denton (1998-2000)
Mike Evans (2014-present)
Casey Hampton (2001-12)
Eric Hill (1989-99)
Carl Hilton (1986-89)
Mike Holmes (1974-76)
Terry Irving (1994-98)
Joe Magliolo (1948)
George McCullough (1997-2001)
Harold Paul (1974)
Whitney Paul (1976-86)
Anthony Phillips (1994-98)
Derrick Pope (2004-07)
Ken Pope (1974)
Todd Scott (1991-97)
Billy Stevens (1968-69)
Robert Williams (1987-93)

13. Longview (Longview, Texas) — 25 Players (Tie)

The 2018 Longview football team prepares to take the field for a game. LongviewISD / Twitter

Despite being the 45th biggest city in Texas, Longview pops out future NFL pros like a Pez dispenser.

The city of Longview has produced 28 NFL players with 23 coming from the school of Longview. At least one of those players has been on a team every year since 1995, and three are currently in the league with linebackers Travin Howard, Pete Robertson and Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams.

The school also produced quarterback Jeb Blount, who played in the 1970s and finished his career with no touchdowns and seven interceptions. Surprisingly, that is not the record for most interceptions without a touchdown pass as Jim Musick posted a 0:15 ratio in the 1930s.

NFL Players Who Attended Longview

Running back Chris Ivory played nine seasons in the NFL. Adrian Kraus / AP Photo

Willie Andrews (2006-07)
Don Barton (1953)
Jeb Blount (1977)
Shawn Byrdsong (2002-02)
Mike Clark (1963-73)
Bobby Collier (1951)
Chubby Grigg (1946-52)
Jamycal Hasty (2020-present0
Robert Henson (2009)
Travin Howard (2019-21)
Earnest Hunter (1995-96)
Gaylon Hyder (1999-2000)
Chris Ivory (2010-18)
Malcolm Kelly (2008-09)
Don Menasco (1952-54)
Mike Mock (1978)
Loyd Phillips (1967-69)
Pete Robertson (2017-19)
Josh Scobee (2004-15)
Bobby Taylor (1995-2004)
Hosea Taylor (1981-83)
Broderick Washington Jr. (2020-present)
Rickey Watts (1979-83)
Eugene Williams (1982-83)
Trent Williams (2010-present)

13. Abraham Lincoln (San Diego, California) — 25 Players (Tie)

Marcus Allen played quarterback and safety at Lincoln High School in San Diego and was the 1978 prep athlete of the year. San Diego History

Lincoln High has not had an active NFL player since 2007, but the star power of their alumni may be unmatched. They’ve had not one, but two Hall of Fame running backs: Marcus Allen and Terrell Davis.

Additionally, Marcus’ brother Damon became a Canadian Football Hall of Famer due to his exploits in the CFL. Six-time Pro Bowl defensive back Dave Grayson also came from Lincoln as did notorious bust Akili Smith.

Why hasn’t the school had any NFL players in over a decade? You can likely point to stricter academic requirements that went into place in the 2007-08 school year.

NFL Players Who Attended Abraham Lincoln

Terrell Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. Jack Dempsey / AP Photo

Marcus Allen (1982-97)
Lew Barnes (1986-89)
Len Burnett (1961)
Scott Byers (1984)
Kern Carson (1965)
Terrell Davis (1995-2001)
Willie Franklin (1972)
Dave Grayson (1961-70)
David Grayson (1987-91)
Jimmy Gunn (1970-76)
Luther Hayes (1961)
Wally Henry (1977-82)
Doug Jones (1973-79)
Mike Lee (1974)
Dave Lewis (1977-83)
Saladin Martin (1980-81)
Martin Moss (1982-85)
Pat Newman (1991-94)
Steve Pierce (1987)
Doug Reed (1984-90)
Patrick Rowe (1993)
Nate Shaw (1969-70)
Akili Smith (1999-2002)
Robert West (1972-74)
Dwayne Wright (2007)

11. Miami Central (Miami, Florida) — 27 Players (Tie)

Willis McGahee playing running back at Miami Central. South Florida Legends / YouTube

Many different colleges have the rightful claim to “Running Back U,” but the moniker of “Running Back High” resides with the Miami Central Rockets. Willis McGahee, Devonta Freeman, Dalvin Cook, Najeh Davenport and Travaris Cadet are some of the backs who’ve made their way from Central to the NFL.

However, it seems as though Miami Central put all its eggs into the running back basket as the school hasn’t produced many quality players at any other position.

The one exception is former lineman Bruce Armstrong, who made six Pro Bowls for the New England Patriots in the 1990s.

NFL Players Who Attended Miami Central

Running back Dalvin Cook was a second-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2017 NFL draft after starring at Florida State and Miami Central. Brett Duke / AP Photo

Bruce Armstrong (1987-2000)
Antonio Brown (2003-05)
Reggie Brown (1993-94)
Travaris Cadet (2012-present)
Dalvin Cook (2017-present)
James Cook (2022-present)
Ivory Curry (1987)
Najeh Davenport(2002-08)
Dwight Drane (1986-91)
Devonta Freeman (2014-21)
Charles Gaines (2015)
Ali Highsmith (2008-09)
Rod Issac (2011)
Stanley Jean-Baptiste (2014-17)
Darnell Jenkins (2008)
Cedric Killings (2000-07)
Emanuel Martin (1993-99)
Willis McGahee (2004-13)
John Miller (2015-21)
Deatrick Nichols (2018)
Kevin Pamphile (2014-18)
Elvis Peacock (1979-81)
Carroll Phillips (2017-19)
Al Richardson (1980-85)
Ahmad Thomas (2018-19)
Keir Thomas (2022-present)
Anthony Toribio(2009-13)

11. Glenville (Cleveland, Ohio) — 27 Players (Tie)

Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. and players

Glenville football coach Ted Ginn St., right, shares some words of wisdom with his players. cleveland.com / YouTube

This list of alums from Glenville High School reads just like the list of alums from Ohio State University. Heisman winner Troy Smith, Cardale Jones, Marshon Lattimore and Ted Ginn Jr. all took the path from Glenville to Columbus to the NFL.

Ginn’s father, Ted Sr., is the longtime football and track coach at Glenville, and because of his success, Cleveland has named a local street after him. Ted Ginn Sr. Avenue is just a short distance from Steve Harvey Way, which is named after the actor and TV host who attended Glenville at the same time that Ginn Sr. did.

NFL Players Who Attended Glenville

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark celebrates after beating the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl 54. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Richard Bishop (1976-83)
Bryant Browning (2011-12)
C.B. Bryant (2014-16)
Coby Bryant (2022-present)
Chris Chambers (2001-10)
Frank Clark (2015-present)
Davon Coleman (2014-15)
Jayrone Elliott (2014-20)
Donnie Fletcher (2012)
Benny Friedman (1927-34)
Ted Ginn Jr. (2007-20)
Donn Greenshields (1932-33)
Mark Gunn (1991-96)
Justin Hardee (2017-present)
Willie Henry (2017-20)
Jermale Hines (2011)
Cardale Jones (2016)
Marshon Lattimore (2017-present)
Franklin Lewis (1931)
Saul Mielziner (1929-34)
Antwaun Molden (2008-12)
Jonathan Newsome (2014-15)
Mike Robinson (1981-82)
Troy Smith (2007-10)
Donte Whitner (2006-16)
Pierre Woods (2006-10)
Chris Worley (2018)
Shane Wynn (2016)

10. Male (Louisville, Kentucky) — 29 Players

The Male High School football is ready for work. MaleBulldogs / Twitter

Founded in 1856, Male Traditional High School is the oldest school on this list and the first high school established west of the Allegheny Mountains. Thus, there is a lot of history with this school, and 15 of its 28 alumni played during the first four years of the NFL’s existence (1920-23).

The school produced only a handful of players over the rest of the century before experiencing a renaissance in the 2000s, with players such as Chris Redman and Michael Bush making it to the NFL.

Entering the 2018 season, Male had the third-winningest high school football program in the nation, trailing only Valdosta (Georgia) and Highlands (Kentucky).

NFL Players Who Attended Male

Running back Michael Bush played in 89 NFL games with the Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears from 2008 to 2013. Marcio Sanchez / AP Photo

Abe Addams (1949)
Chris Barclay (2007)
Chase Boldt (1921-23)
Michael Bush (2008-14)
Harper Card (1921-22)
Chris Demaree (2002)
Tony Driver (2001-02)
Joe Engelhard (1921-22)
Al Espie (1923)
Salem Ford (1922-23)
Dick Gibson (1922-23)
Patsy Giugliano (1923)
Justin Green (2013-14)
Marcus Green (2006)
Herb Gruber (1921-23)
Nate Hobbs (2021-present)
Rashad Holman (2001-03)
D.J. Johnson (1989-96)
Mike Jones (1977)
Charlie Lanham (1922-23)
Henry Lewis (1921)
Max MacCollum (1922)
Bubba McCollum (1974)
Bill Netherton (1921-22)
John Quast (1923)
Chris Redman (2000-11)
Earl Reiser (1923)
Terry Samuels (1994-95)
Jimmy Van Dyke (1921-23)

7. Hargrave Military Academy (Chatham, Virginia) — 32 Players (Tie)

Hargrave Military Academy before a game in 2013. HMA VIDEO / YouTube

One of two military academies on this list, Hargrave started a post-graduate football program in the 1990s, but shut it down in 2013, and now only has a varsity team.

Seven-time Pro Bowler Torry Holt was this school’s most famous NFL alum, but defense has been the calling card at Hargrave as 24 of its 32 NFL players have come from that side of the ball.

The last 15 players from Hargrave are defenders, including current linebackers Leonard Floyd and Zach Brown.

NFL Players Who Attended Hargrave Military Academy

Chicago Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd was drafted in the first round (No. 9 overall) in the 2016 NFL draft out Georgia. Nam Y. Huh / AP Photo

Brandon Anderson (2009)
John Atkins (2018-19)
Zach Brown (2012-19)
Quinton Coples (2012-15)
Anthony Davis (2004-08)
Kevin Dodd (2016-17)
Ras-I Dowling (2011-14)
Ego Ferguson (2014-15)
Leonard Floyd (2016-present)
Clifton Geathers (2010-14)
Charles Grant (2002-09)
Jermaine Hardy (2005)
Marcus Harrison (2008-10)
Mario Harvey (2012-14)
Anthony Hill (2009-11)
Torry Holt (1999-2009)
Peria Jerry (2009-13)
Carlos King (1998)
Shaq Lawson (2016-present)
Bobby Massie (2012-21)
Onterio McCalebb (2014)
Jonathan Meeks (2013-16)
Solomon Page (1999-2003)
Leonard Pope (2006-12)
Jerrell Powe (2011-14)
Kevin Reddick (2013-15)
Jarran Reed (2016-present)
Carlos Rogers (2005-14)
Tony Scott (2000-01)
Johnathan Sullivan (2003-05)
Cordrea Tankersley (2017-20)
Danny Ware (2007-12)
Keiland Williams (2010-12)

7. DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Maryland) — 32 Players (Tie)

Elijah Brooks was DeMatha Catholic’s head coach from 2011 to 2018. DMCoachBrooks / Twitter

DeMatha is one of those rare schools that would place in the top 10 for most players in the NFL and the NBA. In addition to NFL players like Brian Westbrook and Cameron Wake coming from DeMatha, NBA stars such as Victor Oladipo, Markelle Fultz and Adrian Dantley also have walked the halls.

The first former DeMatha students to make it to the NFL were Garrett Ford and Brendan McCarthy in 1968, so much of the school’s success is rather recent. Student-athletes in Prince George’s County, Maryland, know that DeMatha is the best path to the NFL since it has produced twice as many NFL players as any other Maryland high school.

NFL Players Who Attended DeMatha

Safety Rodney McLeod, right, made 97 starts in his first eight NFL seasons with the St. Louis Rams and Philadelphia Eagles. Adrian Kraus / AP Photo

Rogers Alexander (1986-87)
Jacob Bender (2007)
Ja’Whaun Bentley (2018-present)
J.B. Brown (1989-2000)
Nick Cross (2022)
D.J. Turner (2022)
Garrett Ford (1968)
Tom Forrest (1974)
Mike Graybill (1989)
Garland Hawkins (1995)
Bobby Houston (1990-98)
Mike Johnson (1986-95)
Andre Jones (1992)
Jamal Jones (2005-06)
Jeff Komlo (1979-83)
Arie Kouandjio (2015-17)
Cyrus Kouandjio (2014-18)
Brendan McCarthy (1968-69)
Anthony McFarland Jr. (2020-21)
Rodney McLeod (2012-present)
Quinn Ojinnaka (2006-12)
Tony Okanlawon (2003)
John Owens (2002-09)
Tony Paige (1984-92)
Cam Phillips (2018)
Steve Smith (1987-95)
Cameron Wake (2009-19)
Brian Westbrook (2002-10)
Byron Westbrook (2009-11)
Edwin Williams (2009-12)
Josh Wilson (2007-15)
Chase Young (2020-present)

7. McKinley (Canton, Ohio) — 32 Players (Tie)

The McKinley High School football team in August 2017, before the first official high school football game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, a $137-million facility in Canton, Ohio. 82McKinley / YouTube

Ohio is the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Buckeye State has a long tradition of high school football excellence. Canton McKinley High School plays its home games at the stadium that hosts the NFL’s Hall of Fame game, so these students get to pass by the Hall every time they take the seven-minute bus ride from their school to the stadium.

No active NFL players from McKinley High are in the NFL. The last played in 2015. But the school has produced Hall of Fame running back Marion Motley, current Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and entering play in 2018, McKinley ranked 10th in the nation in all-time football wins.

NFL Players Who Attended McKinley

Legendary Cleveland Browns fullback Marion Motley is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. AP Photo

Hal Broda (1927)
Reggie Corner (2008-11)
Jamal Davis (2019)
Mike Doss (2003-08)
Jack Dugger (1946-49)
Tyler Everett (2006)
Ray Ellis (1981-87)
Ralph Fife (1942-46)
Wayne Fontes (1962)
Butch Gibson (1930-34)
Wayne Gift (1937)
Ed Grimsley (1987)
John Grimsley (1984-93)
Ted Hopkins (1921-22)
John Kompara (1960)
Sid Lewis (1987)
Jamar Martin (2003-06)
Joe Morgan (2012-15)
Marion Motley (1946-55)
Mike Obrovac (1981-83)
Kenny Peterson (2003-09)
Eli Popa (1952)
Ed Rate (1923)
Garland Rivers (1987)
Dominique Robinson (2022-present)
Nick Roman (1970-74)
Robert Sedlock (1960)
Marv Smith (1921)
Percy Snow (1990-93)
Dutch Speck (1920-26)
Dutch Strassner (1925)
Harold Zerbe (1926)

6. St. Augustine (New Orleans, Louisiana) — 34 Players

St. Augustine running back Leonard Fournette was the No. 1 overall high school football recruit in 2014 and chose to attend LSU. utrhighlightvideos / YouTube

Louisiana makes its second appearance on this list with the all-boys private high school known as St. Aug. The school starts at eighth grade to give students an extra year of high school life, and with its close proximity to LSU, many St. Augustine football players matriculate to Tiger Stadium.

Players such as Leonard Fournette and Tyrann Matheiu have worn the purple and gold of both St. Aug and LSU, while alums such as BenJarvus Green-Ellis headed off to other colleges.

St. Aug was one of many New Orleans high schools that temporarily shut down after Hurricane Katrina, but it reopened and has reclaimed its status as a football powerhouse.

NFL Players Who Attended St. Augustine

Tyrann Mathieu is a Super Bowl champion. Patrick Semansky / AP Photo

Louis Age (1992)
Glenn Alexander (1970)
Sidney Brown (1978)
Selvish Capers (2012)
Oliver Celestin (2004-08)
Nat Dorsey (2004-07)
Lorenzo Doss (2015-18)
Leonard Fournette (2017-present)
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (2008-13)
James Hall (2000-11)
Cortez Hankton (2003-06)
Leroy Hoard (1990-99)
Sam Holden (1971)
Tyrone Hughes (1993-98)
Paul Irons (2005)
Al Jenkins (1969-73)
Rishaw Johnson (2012-14)
Charles Jones (2019)
Lonnie Marts (1991-2000)
Tyrann Mathieu (2013-present)
Stanley Morgan Jr. (2019-present)
Louis Oubre (1982-87)
Marcus Quinn (1987)
Jerry Reese (1979-80)
Derrick Rodgers (1997-2004)
Malcolm Scott (1983-87)
Treg Songy (1987)
Brian Taylor (1989-91)
Raynoch Thompson (2000-04)
Patrick Trahan (2011-12)
Trai Turner (2014-present)
Jackie Wallace (1974-79)
David White (1993-96)
Jason Wiltz (1999-2000)

5. Susan Miller Dorsey (Los Angeles, California) — 36 Players

The Dorsey Dons take a knee for the national anthem before a 2017 game. sarahrosereport / Instagram

The strength of Dorsey High School’s NFL alumni is in its past, but the school still does have two active players in the league: Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Marvin Hall and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jaydon Mickens.

Dorsey also had a coach, until the Browns fired Hue Jackson during the 2018 season. However, the school’s most famous former player is Keyshawn Johnson.

Another recent player from Dorsey is wide receiver Chris Matthews, who last played in 2017 and is best remembered for breaking out with the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX against the New England Patriots.

Dorsey also has many notable graduates outside of football, including Baseball Hall of Famer Sparky Anderson, former MLB All-Star Chili Davis and reality television’s Judge Joe Brown.

NFL Players Who Attended Dorsey

Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson had 814 pass receptions in his 11-year career, was a three-time Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Charles Agel / AP Photo

Karim Abdul-Jabbar (1996-2000)
Billy Anderson (1953-54)
Jerome Boyd (2009-11)
Keith Browner (2012-14)
Beno Bryant (1994)
Frank Buncom (1962-68)
Antonio Chatman (2003-08)
Aaron Cox (1988-93)
Ron Copeland (1969)
Na’il Diggs (2000-11)
Johnathan Franklin (2013)
David Gettis (2010-12)
Marvin Hall (2017-21)
Jeremy Harris (2014-15)
Robert Herron (2014)
Bernard Jackson (1972-80)
Butch Johnson (1976-85)
Holbert Johnson (1987)
Jeremiah Johnson (2011-12)
Jerome Johnson (2010)
Keyshawn Johnson (1996-2006)
Jack Kirby (1949)
Daryl Knox (1987)
Ron Lewis (1995)
Chris Matthews (2014-17)
Jaydon Mickens (2017-21)
Chris Mims (1992-99)
Charles Mincy (1991-99)
Rahim Moore (2011-15)
Reynaud Moore (1971)
Jack Nix (1950)
Dennis Northcutt (2000-09)
Chris Owens (2009-15)
Edell Shepherd (2003-06)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (2022-present)
Lamont Warren (1994-2002)

4. Miami Northwestern (Miami, Florida) — 37 Players

Amari Cooper started making a name for himself at Miami Northwestern. Prep1Force / YouTube

Anyone who follows the NFL knows that Miami is a hotbed for players. Miami Northwestern Senior High School has produced not just NFL players, but Pro Bowl players such as Amari Cooper and Lavonte David.

Throw in recent first-round picks Teddy Bridgewater and Artie Burns, and you can see why Miami Northwestern is one of three South Florida high schools to be named national champion over the last decade.

But Miami Northwestern is not without controversy. In 2006, the school’s football head coach and his entire staff were among those fired for covering up a sex scandal involving their star running back. Even though 98 percent of the players had nothing to do with it, the entire team was placed on probation for one year as a result of the cover-up.

NFL Players Who Attended Miami Northwestern (Years in League)

Teddy Bridgewater was a first-round pick (No. 32 overall) of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 NFL draft. Mark Black / AP Photo

Tutu Atwell (2021-present)
Deandre Baker (2019-21)
Mel Bratton (1989-90)
Teddy Bridgewater (2014-present)
Larry Brinson (1977-80)
Artie Burns (2016-present)
Antonio Bryant (2002-09)
Vernon Carey (2004-11)
Amari Cooper (2015-present)
Torrie Cox (2004-09)
Lavonte David (2012-present)
Onzy Elam (1987-89)
Bobby Felts (1965-67)
Trevor Ford (2009)
Marcus Forston (2012-13)
Anthony Gaitor (2011-14)
Lonnie Hepburn (1971-74)
Don Holmes (1986-90)
Mark Irvin (1987)
Marvin Jones (1993-2003)
Donnell Johnson (1993)
Olrick Johnson (1999-2000)
Dave McDaniels (1968)
Snoop Minnis (2001-02)
Derrell Mitchell (1994)
Vernand Morency (2005-07)
Brett Perriman (1988-97)
Eli Rogers (2016-present)
Buster Rhymes (1985-86)
Sean Spence (2012-17)
Tommy Streeter (2012-14)
Kenbrell Thompkins (2013-15)
Tray Walker (2015)
Brandon Washington (2012-14)
Dick Washington (1968)
Nate Webster (2000-08)
Rachad Wildgoose (2021-present)

3. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) — 44 Players

Michael Irvin at St. Thomas Aquinas High School

Michael Irvin presents a golden football during a Super Bowl High School Honor Roll ceremony at St. Thomas Aquinas in 2015. Mitchell Zachs / AP Images for National Football League

South Florida nabs back-to-back entries on this list with St. Thomas Aquinas High. It is the largest Catholic high school in the country by enrollment, and a who’s who of South Florida residents have made it from this school to the NFL.

Michael Irvin, Geno Atkins, Joey Bosa and Nick Bosa have played at Thomas Aquinas, which has won 11 state titles and three high school national championships.

St. Thomas Aquinas has had an exceptional run of producing NFL players lately, with 15 players currently in the NFL, the most of any high school in the United States.

In fact, Thomas Aquinas has more current NFL players than many colleges in Power 5 conferences such as Washington State (14), Kansas State (12), Kentucky (12) and Purdue (11).

NFL Players Who Attended St. Thomas Aquinas

Defensive end Nick Bosa, right, recorded nine sacks with the San Francisco 49ers in his rookie season in 2019. Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP Photo

Damon Arnette (2020-21)
Geno Atkins (2010-20)
Giovani Bernard (2013-present)
Joey Bosa (2016-present)
Nick Bosa (2019-present)
Ken Bowen (1987)
Bobby Brown (2000)
Jeremy Cain (2004-14)
Barry Cantrell (2000)
Bryan Cox Jr. (2017-20)
James Crawford (2018-19)
Phillip Dorsett (2015-present)
Marcus Gilbert (2011-18)
Tavares Gooden (2008-13)
Richard Goodman (2010-12)
Rashad Greene (2015-18)
Leonard Hankerson (2011-15)
Bobby Hart (2015-present)
Gabe Holmes (2017-18)
Stefan Humphries (1984-88)
Michael Irvin (1988-99)
Lamarcus Joyner (2014-present)
Brandon Linder (2014-21)
Elijah Moore (2021-present)
Michael Palardy (2014-21)
Sterling Palmer (1993-96)
Josh Palmer (2021-present)
Brian Piccolo (1966-69)
Daryl Porter (1997-2001)
Wyatt Ray (2020-present)
Cody Riggs (2015-16)
Marcus Roberson (2014-16)
Jake Rudock (2017)
Twan Russell (1997-2003)
Nate Salley (2006-08)
Asante Samuel Jr. (2021-present)
Jordan Scarlett (2019-21)
Dezmen Southward (2014-17)
Christian Thompson (2012)
Jamaal Westerman (2009-13)
James White (2014-21)
Major Wright (2010-16)
Sam Young (2010-20)

2. Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, California) — 59 Players

Once a Jackrabbit always a Jackrabbit. Long Beach Poly is known as the home of scholars and champions. LBPoly_Football / Twitter

Sports Illustrated labeled Long Beach Poly “Sports School of the Century” — and for good reason. It’s one thing to have run-of-the-mill players come from your school, but it’s another to have star NFL players come from your school.

DeSean Jackson, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Willie McGinest are just some of the NFL players who have contributed to the 19 CIF-Southern Section championships for the Jackrabbits. The school even has surpassed numerous FBS programs in terms of NFL players produced, including South Florida (56) and Central Michigan (49).

Equally as impressive as the NFL players Long Beach Poly has produced are the non-football players who have come from the school. Hall of Famers Tony Gwynn and Billie Jean King came from Long Beach Poly as did actress Cameron Diaz and rapper Snoop Dogg.

NFL Players Who Attended Long Beach Poly (Years in League)

Willie McGinest played 15 seasons in the NFL and won three Super Bowls. Stephan Savoia / AP Photo

Marques Anderson (2002-05)
Corrie Artman (1931-33)
Terrence Austin (2010-11)
Bullet Baker (1927-31)
Darnell Bing (2008-09)
Jayon Brown (2017-present)
Willie Brown (1964-66)
James Burton (1994-97)
Mark Carrier (1990-2000)
Jurrell Casey (2011-20)
Royal Cathcart (1950)
Sam Cathcart (1949-52)
Kaelin Clay (2015-18)
Charles Clinton (1987)
Larry Croom (2004)
Jack Evans (1929)
Red Franklin (1935-37)
Isaiah Green (2012-13)
Don Hill (1929)
Tony Hill (1977-86)
David Howard (1985-92)
DeSean Jackson (2008-21)
Bill Jessup (1951-60)
Kirk Jones (1987)
Jack Jones (2022-present)
Winston Justice (2007-13)
Mike Kellogg (1966-67)
Quentin Klenk (1946)
Jim Lawson (1927)
Marcedes Lewis (2006-present)
Earl McCullouch (1968-74)
James McDonald (1983-87)
Gerry McDougall (1962-64)
Willie McGinest (1994-2008)
Chuckie Miller (1988-88)
Kelly Moan (1939)
Johnny Morris (1958-67)
Randall Morris (1984-88)
Jamize Olawale (2012-19)
Stephone Paige (1983-91)
Samie Parker (2004-07)
Marquez Pope (1992-2001)
Dennis Price (1988-92)
Ken-Yon Rambo (2001-02)
Leonard Russell (1991-96)
Don Sasa (1995-98)
Jeff Smith (1966)
JuJu Smith-Schuster (2017-present)
Omar Stoutmire (1997-2007)
Pago Togafau (2007-09)
Andre Tyler (1983)
Henry Wallace (1960)
Gene Washington (1969-79)
Mark Washington (2007)
Carl Weathers (1970-71)
Brandon Whiting (1998-2004)
Al Williams (1987)
Kendall Williams (1983)
Manuel Wright (2005-07)

1. Fork Union Military Academy (Fork Union, Virginia) — 67 Players

Fork Union Military Academy post-graduate football team (in blue) plays Hampton Roads Collegiate Prep in a 2017 game. Xan Thomas / YouTube

Fork Union deserves somewhat of an asterisk. Not only is it a high school, but it is also a post-graduate school that many kids go to before heading off to college.

Heisman winners like Vinny Testaverde and Eddie George went this route and spent, in essence, five years in high school before heading to their respective colleges.

Pro Bowl receivers Plaxico Burress and Michael Thomas called FUMA home, and the discipline that a military academy installs in students carries over from the classroom to the football field.

Fork Union is first on this list, and their 13 active players are second for the most active players in the NFL.

NFL Players Who Attended Fork Union Military Academy (Years in League)

Eddie George rushed for 10,441 yards and 68 touchdowns in his nine-year NFL career. John Russell / AP Photo

Gaines Adams (2007-09)
Danny Aiken (2011-15)
Antonio Allen (2012-16)
Michael Badgley (2018-21)
Darryl Blackstock (2005-11)
Russell Bodine (2014-18)
Plaxico Burress (2000-12)
Anthony Castonzo (2011-20)
Erik Christensen (1956)
Topper Clemons (1987)
Dexter Coakley (1997-2006)
Al Crow (1960)
Jim Davis (2005)
Tyrone Davis (1995-2002)
Antonio Dingle (1999)
Ernest Dixon (1994-98)
John Dorsey (1984-88)
Marcus Dowtin (2012-13)
Darren Drozdov (1993)
Jim Druckenmiller (1997-98)
Rickey Dudley (1996-2004)
Jacoby Ford (2010-13)
Will Furrer (1992-95)
Eddie George (1996-2004)
Chris Gerhard (1987)
Marques Hagans (2007-08)
Steve Hamilton (1985-88)
Marquis Haynes (2018-present)
John Hilton (1965-73)
Mack Hollins (2017-present)
Carlos Hyde (2014-21)
James Jackson (2001-05)
Kareem Jackson (2010-present)
Cardale Jones (2016)
Robert Jones (1992-2001)
Dave Kadela (2001-04)
Zach Kerr (2014-21)
Brian Kozlowski (1994-2007)
John Lascari (1942)
Brandon London (2008)
Don Majkowski (1987-96)
Billy McMullen (2003-08)
Steve Meilinger (1956-61)
Phillip Merling (2008-13)
Tom Miller (1943-46)
Josh Morgan (2008-14)
Morgan Moses (2014-present)
Don Oakes (1961-68)
Roman Oben (1996-2007)
Austin Pasztor (2012-18)
Chris Perry (2004-08)
Bobby Phillips (1995)
Olsen Pierre (2017-19)
Kelcy Quarles (2014)
Mike Quick (1982-90)
Sonny Randle (1959-68)
Derek Rivers (2018-21)
Tyrone Robertson (2001)
Mohammed Seisay (2014)
Ashley Sheppard (1993-95)
C.J. Spillman (2009-14)
Linden Stephens (2019-20)
Shannon Taylor (2000-03)
Vinny Testaverde (1987-2007)
Michael Thomas (2016-present)
Stacy Tutt (2006-07)
Terrance West (2014-17)
Ernest Wilford (2004-10)
Jamaine Winborne (2006-07)
Bill Wood (1963)