What NFL Players Went to Marshall: A Look at the Legacy of the Famous Football Program
The history of Marshall University’s football program is rich with talent and success, and it has produced a number of NFL players who have gone on to have impressive careers in the league. The Thundering Herd has a reputation for developing players who are both skilled and versatile, and this has translated into a steady stream of talent that has made its way to the professional ranks. In this article, we will take a look at some of the notable NFL players who have come from Marshall University.
One of the most famous NFL players to come out of Marshall is Ed McCaffrey. The wide receiver was a three-time All-American at Marshall and was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft. McCaffrey went on to have a 17-year career in the NFL, where he was known for his playmaking ability and his leadership on the field. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL 100 All-Time Team.
Another notable alumnus is quarterback Chad Pennington. Pennington was a two-time All-American at Marshall and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He spent the majority of his career with the Dolphins, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2000. Pennington was known for his strong arm and his ability to lead his team through tough games. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was also named to the NFL 100 All-Time Team.
Running back DeAngelo Williams is another former Marshall player who has had a successful NFL career. Williams was a two-time All-American at Marshall and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He spent the majority of his career with the Panthers, where he was known for his power and his ability to break tackles. Williams was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL 100 All-Time Team.
Defensive tackle John Copeland is another notable NFL player who attended Marshall. Copeland was a two-time All-American at Marshall and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He spent the majority of his career with the Cowboys, where he was known for his strength and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Copeland was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL 100 All-Time Team.
These are just a few examples of the many talented NFL players who have come from Marshall University. The Thundering Herd’s football program has a long history of producing players who are not only skilled on the field but also leaders off the field. As the program continues to develop new talent, it is sure to add to its already impressive list of NFL alumni.
