NFL Draft, Top Drafted Schools, Undrafted Stories and Draft Tech

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Friends,

It’s NFL Draft weekend which means athletes dreams will be made, fans dreams will be crushed (in some cases) and there will be an absurd amount of money talked about this weekend. Let’s get it!

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Breaking Down the NFL Draft: A Journey Through History

As we reflect on the rich tapestry of NFL Draft history, it's intriguing to explore the universities that have consistently served as breeding grounds for gridiron greatness. Here, we delve into the top 5 schools in NFL Draft history, examining their collective impact on the league and showcasing some of their notable alumni.

1. University of Southern California (USC)

  • Total Athletes Drafted: 511

  • Notable Alumni: Ronnie Lott, Anthony Muñoz, Troy Polamalu

2. University of Notre Dame

  • Total Athletes Drafted: 499

  • Notable Alumni: Joe Montana, Tim Brown, Jerome Bettis

3. University of Michigan

  • Total Athletes Drafted: 373

  • Notable Alumni: Tom Brady, Charles Woodson, Desmond Howard

4. Ohio State University

  • Total Athletes Drafted: 355

  • Notable Alumni: Eddie George, Joey Bosa, Cris Carter

5. University of Alabama

  • Total Athletes Drafted: 343

  • Notable Alumni: Derrick Thomas, Julio Jones, Joe Namath

These figures illuminate the enduring legacy of these esteemed institutions within the annals of NFL Draft lore. From legendary Hall of Famers to modern-day superstars, their contributions to the league are immeasurable.

Two notable undrafted NFL success stories:

  1. Kurt Warner

    • Teams: St. Louis Rams, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals

    • Career Earnings: Throughout his NFL career, Kurt Warner earned an estimated total of over $49 million in salary alone. Additionally, his success on the field led to lucrative endorsements and other opportunities, further increasing his overall earnings. Warner's remarkable journey from undrafted rookie to Super Bowl-winning quarterback exemplifies perseverance and dedication in the face of adversity.

  2. Tony Romo

    • Team: Dallas Cowboys

    • Career Earnings: Tony Romo's NFL career saw him earn an estimated total of over $127 million in salary. His tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent his entire playing career, was marked by numerous achievements, including four Pro Bowl selections and numerous franchise records. Romo's success extended beyond the gridiron, as he seamlessly transitioned into a prominent broadcasting career after retiring from football, further solidifying his financial success and legacy in the sport.

Sports Tech: 

  1. Catapult Sports

    • What They Do: Catapult Sports provides wearable technology and analytics solutions for athlete monitoring and performance optimization. Their devices track various metrics such as speed, acceleration, deceleration, distance covered, and more during training sessions and competitions.

    • Website: Catapult Sports

  2. Zebra Technologies

    • What They Do: Zebra Technologies specializes in RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology and provides player tracking solutions for sports teams. Their systems capture real-time player movement data, allowing teams to analyze performance metrics and optimize training regimens.

    • Website: Zebra Technologies - Sports Tracking

  3. Fusionetics

    • What They Do: Fusionetics offers a comprehensive performance optimization platform that combines movement assessment, performance data analysis, and personalized training programs. Their system helps teams identify injury risks, improve movement efficiency, and enhance overall athletic performance.

    • Website: Fusionetics

These tech companies play pivotal roles in helping NFL teams evaluate and enhance the performance of athletes during the draft process and beyond.