Quick answer: A LOT.

The University of Iowa has 33 former players in the National Football League. Iowa State has five. The University of Northern Iowa has four.

The Alabama Crimson Tide has the most with 54 players in the NFL. Ohio State is second with 51.  LSU has 48 (including Bengals QB Joe Burrows who was born in Ames in 1996) Georgia and Notre Dame have 35. Clemson, Florida, Michigan, and Penn State each have 34 former players in the pros.

Of course, this number can and will fluctuate throughout the season as players are dropped and added to team rosters.

FORMER IOWA HAWKEYES currently in the NFL, per espn.com:

PLAYERTEAMPOSITION
C.J. BeathardJacksonville JaguarsQuarterback
Austin BlytheKansas City ChiefsCenter
Ike BoettgerBuffalo BillsGuard
Bryan BulagaLos Angeles ChargersOffensive Tackle
James DanielsChicago BearsGuard
Carl DavisNew England PatriotsDefensive Tackle
AJ EpenesaBuffalo BillsDefensive End
Noah FantDenver BroncosTight End
Chauncey GolstonDallas CowboysDefensive End
Jack HeflinGreen Bay PackersDefensive Tackle
Anthony HitchensKansas City ChiefsLinebacker
T.J. HockensonDetroit LionsTight End
Amani HookerTennessee TitansSafety
Micah HydeBuffalo BillsSafety
Josh JacksonNew York GiantsCornerback
AJ JacksonLos Angeles RamsOffensive Tackle
Josey JewellDenver BroncosLinebacker
Desmond King IIHouston TexansCornerback
Christian KirkseyHouston TexansLinebacker
George KittleSan Francisco 49ersTight End
Casey KreiterNew York GiantsLong Snapper
Matt NelsonDetroit LionsOffensive Tackle
Anthony NelsonTampa Bay BuccaneersLinebacker
Ben NiemannKansas City ChiefsLinebacker
Nick NiemannLos Angeles ChargersLinebacker
Daviyon NixonCarolina PanthersDefensive Tackle
Riley ReiffCincinnati BengalsOffensive Tackle
Mekhi SargentTennessee TitansRunning Back
Brandon ScherffWashington nullGuard
Ihmir Smith-MarsetteMinnesota VikingsWide Receiver
Geno StoneBaltimore RavensSafety
Kristian WelchBaltimore RavensLinebacker
Tristan WirfsTampa Bay BuccaneersOffensive Tackle

Former Iowa State players currently in the NFL:

PLAYERTEAMPOSITION
A.J. KleinBuffalo BillsLinebacker
Allen LazardGreen Bay PackersWide Receiver
David MontgomeryChicago BearsRunning Back
D'Andre PayneTennessee TitansCornerback
Jamal PerryMiami DolphinsCornerback

Former University of Northern Iowa players currently in the NFL:

Spencer BrownBuffalo BillsOffensive Tackle
Elijah CampbellMiami DolphinsSafety
Daurice FountainKansas City ChiefsWide Receiver
David JohnsonHouston TexansRunning Back

According to profootballreference.com, the STATE of Iowa has had a total of 333 players BORN IN IOWA play in the NFL.

Iowa Born Sports Stars

What do each of these stellar athletes have in common? They all hail from the Hawkeye State.

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

 

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