Penn State In The NFL: 32 Nittany Lions Attending NFL Training Camps
Penn State is known for having one of the largest alumni networks in the world, and that’s even visible in the NFL. 32 Nittany Lions have made their way into NFL training camps, and whether this will be their first year or 11th, they’re all looking forward to trying to crack rosters and getting the season underway.
In addition to 32 players, 10 Penn Staters are a part of NFL coaching staffs, including three running back coaches. Among the NFL’s 21 teams that feature a Penn State player, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ four leads the league, while eight other teams each have two.
Seven of the Lions trying to make NFL rosters are rookies: Adrian Amos (Chicago), Brad Bars (NY Giants), Mike Hull (Miami), Deion Barnes (NY Jets), Miles Dieffenbach (Pittsburgh), Jesse James (Pittsburgh) and Donovan Smith (Tampa Bay). Including the most recent draft class, Penn State has produced 39 NFL Draft picks since 2006, 17 of whom were selected in the first three rounds. Tragically, all NFL teams remain Ficken-less, at least for now.
While some of the players are fresh faces straight out of college, the majority are more battle-hardened and more experienced. Chicago Bears All-Pro kicker Robbie Gould is the eldest of the group, as he’s entering his 11th season in the league. Right behind him is Tamba Hali — a ten-year veteran and All-Pro linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs. They’re followed by eight-year veteran Jacksonville linebacker Paul Posluszny and seven-year pros Jordan Norwood, a Denver Broncos wide receiver, and Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake.
In light of the upcoming NFL season, here is the comprehensive list of Nittany Lions at NFL training camps along with their years of experience:
Arizona Cardinals: Glenn Carson (2), A. Q. Shipley (6)
Atlanta Falcons: Mickey Shuler (6), Nathan Stupar (4)
Baltimore Ravens: John Urschel (2)
Cincinnati Bengals: Devon Still (4)
Chicago Bears: Adrian Amos (1), Robbie Gould (11)
Dallas Cowboys: Jack Crawford (4), Sean Lee (6)
Denver Broncos: Jordan Norwood (7)
Green Bay Packers: Andrew Quarless (6)
Jacksonville Jaguars: Jared Odrick (6), Paul Posluszny (9), Allen Robinson (2), Stefen Wisniewski (5)
Kansas City Chiefs: Tamba Hali (10)
Miami Dolphins: Mike Hull (1), Cameron Wake (7)
Minnesota Vikings: Gerald Hodges (3), Michael Mauti (3)
New York Giants: Brad Bars (1)
New York Jets: Deion Barnes (1)
Oakland Raiders: Matt McGloin (3)
Pittsburgh Steelers: Miles Dieffenbach (1), Jesse James (1)
San Diego Chargers: Johnnie Troutman (4)
San Francisco 49ers: NaVorro Bowman (6)
Seattle Seahawks: Garry Gilliam (2), Jordan Hill (3)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Smith (1)
Tennessee Titans: DaQuan Jones (2)
Image: Bobby Chen
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