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For five straight years now, the Wildcats have had multiple players selected in the NFL draft. For Sam Hecht and VJ Payne, who joined both the Carolina Panthers and the New York Jets, respectively, plus Jerand Bradley and Uso Seumalo, who were signed to deals after being free agents, it was a special moment. Additionally, though, it was another notable achievement for the Kansas State Wildcats’ college football program.

With yet another cohort of talented youngsters joining the NFL, it’s fair to say the Wildcats’ football program has the highest of reputations. These bright sparks will now go on to feature in football fans’ fantasy teams, they’ll be covered by the press, and fans could back their respective franchises when they’re assessing NFL betting lines. Having reached the top of the sport, these professional football players are in new territory.

Like so many before them, despite the challenges they’ll undoubtedly face, these future stars are well prepared having been under the guidance of highly knowledgeable coaches associated with Kansas State. With another year of success stories to celebrate, below we salute some former local players who the likes of Sam Hecht and VJ Payne can look to for inspiration as they embark on their NFL careers.

Darren Sproles

Starting with a player Kansas State is proud of, Darren Sproles is a former professional NFL player who achieved it all. From his Super Bowl LII triumph with the Eagles to being named in the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s, Sproles was a fantastic football player who was always capable of putting on world-class displays. While he isn’t the biggest player the NFL has ever seen, coming in at just 5 ft 6 in, for many of his former coaches at Kansas State, Darren Sproles is a true giant of the game.

Clarence Scott

It’s fair to say only more senior fans in Kansas’ football community will remember Clarence Scott, but he’s a player all youngsters should look to for motivation. The 1971 first-round draft pick managed to establish himself as a key performer in the NFL after departing Kansas State, with his stellar showings for the Cleveland Browns seeing Scott become one of the team’s key cogs. His top displays were recognized further when the cornerback earned a Pro Bowl selection.

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Jordy Nelson

When assessing the plethora of wide receivers teams could rely on over the years, not many former NFL players come close to Jordy Nelson. The Packers legend reigned supreme at Super Bowl XLV; he was selected for the Pro Bowl, and he also earned the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2016.

Martin Gramatica

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Part of Kansas State’s esteemed college football program between 1994-1998, Martin Gramatica’s career in the NFL is hard to beat. Sure, the Argentine-American kicker didn’t win every season, but the fact he managed to get his hands on the Super Bowl makes him one of the biggest success stories associated with Kansas State. Not only did Gramatica triumph at Super Bowl XXXVI with the Buccaneers, but he was also a one-time Pro Bowl selection. Overall, for any aspiring professionals around today, Martin Gramatica is an undoubted inspiration.

Darren Howard

On his day, Darren Howard was a formidable player. After being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2000 draft, he didn’t really look back. In fact, the former Eagles star had a solid career after being under the tutelage of some of college football’s most respected coaches during his time with the Wildcats, and he eventually played ten seasons in the NFL.