The University of Kentucky has a storied history of producing NFL talent, with a legacy spanning nearly nine decades. From the early days of the NFL draft in the 1930s to the modern era, the Wildcats have sent 207 players to the professional ranks through the draft, showcasing the program’s ability to develop athletes across positions. This article chronicles every Kentucky player selected in the NFL draft, highlighting the program’s impact on the league from a sports perspective.
The early years: 1930s to 1940s
Kentucky’s NFL draft history began in 1937, with three players selected. Running back Bert Johnson (5th round, Brooklyn Dodgers) and Gene Myers (8th round, New York Giants), along with tackle Stan Nevers (10th round, Pittsburgh Pirates), marked the program’s first draftees. The 1940s saw a steady stream of Wildcats, including notable names like Clyde Johnson (1943, 5th round, Cleveland Rams) and George Blanda (1949, 12th round, Chicago Bears). Blanda, a quarterback, became one of Kentucky’s most celebrated alumni, earning NFL MVP honors in 1970, multiple AFL championships, and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981.
The 1950s: Building momentum
The 1950s were a prolific decade for Kentucky, with 37 players drafted. Standouts included tackle Bob Gain (1951, 1st round, Green Bay Packers), who earned a Pro Bowl nod in 1957, and quarterback Babe Parilli (1952, 1st round, Green Bay Packers), who won a Super Bowl and multiple AFL championships. The decade also saw Harry Ulinski (1950, 4th round, Washington Redskins) and Frank Fuller (1952, 26th round, Los Angeles Rams) earn Pro Bowl honors, while Don Phelps (1950, 5th round, Cleveland Browns) claimed an NFL championship.
The 1960s: First-round dominance
Kentucky produced 17 draftees in the 1960s, with six first-round picks, underscoring the program’s ability to develop elite talent. Irv Goode (1962, 1st round, St. Louis Cardinals) won a Super Bowl, while Sam Ball (1966, 1st round, Baltimore Colts) also claimed a Super Bowl ring. Other notable selections included Tom Hutchinson (1963, 1st round, Cleveland Browns) and Rick Norton (1966, 2nd round, Cleveland Browns), who helped elevate Kentucky’s reputation as a producer of high-end prospects.
The 1970s: Versatility across positions
The 1970s saw 27 Wildcats drafted, with players excelling at various positions. Art Still (1978, 1st round, Kansas City Chiefs), a defensive end, earned four Pro Bowl selections, while Jeff Van Note (1969, 11th round, Atlanta Falcons) became a five-time Pro Bowl linebacker. The decade also featured Warren Bryant (1977, 1st round, Atlanta Falcons) and Sonny Collins (1976, 2nd round, Atlanta Falcons), showcasing Kentucky’s ability to produce both offensive and defensive standouts.
The 1980s: Hall of Fame talent
The 1980s produced 22 draftees, headlined by center Dermontti Dawson (1988, 2nd round, Pittsburgh Steelers), a Pro Football Hall of Famer and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. Other notable picks included George Adams (1985, 1st round, New York Giants) and Marc Logan (1987, 5th round, Cincinnati Bengals), reflecting Kentucky’s continued pipeline of versatile players.
The 1990s: Quarterbacks and kickers
The 1990s saw 18 Wildcats drafted, with quarterback Tim Couch (1999, 1st round, Cleveland Browns) leading the way as the top overall pick. Kicker Doug Pelfrey (1993, 8th round, Cincinnati Bengals) also made an impact, showcasing Kentucky’s ability to produce specialists alongside traditional skill players.
The 2000s: Defensive strength
The 2000s featured 17 draftees, with a strong emphasis on defensive talent. Dewayne Robertson (2003, 1st round, New York Jets) anchored the defensive line, while Jacob Tamme (2008, 4th round, Indianapolis Colts) and Stevie Johnson (2008, 7th round, Buffalo Bills) added offensive firepower. The decade highlighted Kentucky’s balanced production across both sides of the ball.
The 2010s: Pro Bowl performers
The 2010s saw 19 players drafted, including Pro Bowl standouts Randall Cobb (2011, 2nd round, Green Bay Packers), Za’Darius Smith (2015, 4th round, Baltimore Ravens), and Josh Allen (2019, 1st round, Jacksonville Jaguars). Danny Trevathan (2012, 6th round, Denver Broncos) and Mike Edwards (2019, 3rd round, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) each won Super Bowl rings, further cementing Kentucky’s reputation for producing championship-caliber players.
The 2020s: Modern era success
Since 2020, Kentucky has produced 18 draftees, with Jamin Davis (2021, 1st round, Washington Football Team) and Will Levis (2023, 2nd round, Tennessee Titans) among the headliners. The 2024 draft saw four Wildcats selected, including Andru Phillips (3rd round, New York Giants) and Ray Davis (4th round, Buffalo Bills). In 2025, cornerback Maxwell Hairston (1st round, Buffalo Bills) continued the program’s tradition of producing high-end defensive backs.
Kentucky’s ongoing impact
Kentucky’s 174 NFL draftees span every position, from quarterbacks like George Blanda and Tim Couch to defensive stars like Art Still and Josh Allen. The program has produced 12 first-round picks, 19 Pro Bowl players, and two Hall of Famers (Blanda and Dawson), with multiple Super Bowl and NFL championship winners. The Wildcats’ ability to consistently develop talent across eras underscores their place as a respected pipeline to the NFL, with players leaving a lasting mark on the league through skill, versatility, and championship pedigree.
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