When NFL Pros Were In College

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Aug 10, 2016

When NFL Pros Were In College

Aaron Rodgers | California, 2002-04

After spending one season in junior college, the lightly recruited QB transferred to Cal. He torched the Pac-10 and was considered a possible No. 1 overall pick, but he slipped all the way to 24th, where the Packers got him.

Antonio Brown | Central Michigan, 2007-09

The league's leader in catches in each of the past two seasons for the Steelers walked on for the Chippewas. He was quickly given a scholarship and put up big numbers for three years. Pittsburgh grabbed him in the sixth round of the 2010 draft.

J.J. Watt | Central Michigan, 2007; Wisconsin, 2009-10

A tight end in high school, Watt spent one season as Brown's teammate before transferring to Wisconsin, where he walked on and became a first-round talent.

Von Miller | Texas A&M, 2007-10

The Super Bowl 50 MVP transitioned from defensive end to outside linebacker for the Aggies, winning the Butkus Award in 2010.

Luke Kuechly | Boston College, 2009-11

The Panthers star became the first true freshman to lead the Eagles in tackles. Carolina took him ninth overall after his Butkus-winning junior season.

Tom Brady | Michigan, 1996-99

The Patriots' signal-caller was seventh on the depth chart when he enrolled at Michigan. He left the school with the fourth-most yards in Wolverines history, but that was only good enough to get him drafted in the sixth round.

Todd Gurley | Georgia, 2012-14

Gurley had 100 yards rushing and a 100-yard kickoff return in his first game as a Bulldog. His his career was cut short by a knee injury in his junior season, but that didn't stop him: Gurley ran for 1,106 yards for the Rams last year and was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Russell Wilson | NC State, 2008-10; Wisconsin, 2011

After three successful seasons with the Wolfpack, Wilson transferred to Wisconsin and led the Badgers to the Rose Bowl. Still, he wasn't drafted until the third round.

Julio Jones | Alabama, 2008-10

The Falcons receiver has been destined for stardom since he arrived at Bama. In 2008, he became just the 11th true freshman to start a season opener for the Crimson Tide.

Rob Gronkowski | Arizona, 2007-09

Injuries limited Gronk to just 22 college games — none after his sophomore season, in which he led the Pac-10 in TD receptions. The Patriots saw his potential and took him in the second round, and he has become one of the NFL's most dangerous weapons.

When NFL Pros Were In College