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BYU NFL Players

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BYU NFL Players – The Best of BYU

Brigham Young University has a rich history of talented football players who have significantly impacted the field. Over the years, these famous BYU football players have not only made a name for themselves, but they have also helped shape the success of BYU football. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and highlight some of the best BYU NFL players, spanning from the early years to the current stars.

The Early Years: Great BYU NFL Players in the NFL Before 2000

 

Jim McMahon

Jim McMahon is a legendary quarterback who played for BYU from 1977 to 1981. His incredible arm strength and accuracy helped him set numerous NCAA records, including the most passing yards in a season and most touchdown passes in a single game. McMahon was named a First Team All-American in 1980 and 1981 and went on to have a successful NFL career, winning two Super Bowls.

Steve Young

Another iconic quarterback in BYU history, Steve Young played for the Cougars from 1980 to 1983. Young was known for his athleticism and ability to extend plays with his legs. He was a dual-threat quarterback before it became popular. He was named the Davey O’Brien Award winner in 1983. He had a Hall of Fame NFL career, including three Super Bowl victories with the San Francisco 49ers.

Ty Detmer

Ty Detmer was the face of BYU football in the early 1990s. He played quarterback from 1988 to 1991 and won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1990, making him the only player in BYU history to receive the award. Detmer still holds several NCAA records and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012. He is still considered the best BYU quarterback.

 

The 2000s: A New Generation of Talent

Luke Staley

Running back Luke Staley was a dominant force for the Cougars from 1999 to 2001. He was named the Doak Walker Award winner in 2001, recognizing the nation’s best running back, after rushing for 1,582 yards and 24 touchdowns. Staley was instrumental in BYU’s 12-2 season in 2001, which included a Mountain West Conference championship.

Max Hall

Max Hall was the starting quarterback for BYU from 2007 to 2009, leading the team to three consecutive 10-win seasons. Hall had a knack for winning, finishing his career with a 32-7 record as a starter. He threw for over 11,000 yards and 94 touchdowns during his time at BYU and played briefly in the NFL.

Austin Collie

Wide receiver Austin Collie was a favorite target for Max Hall during their time together at BYU. Collie played from 2007 to 2008, amassing over 2,500 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in just two seasons. His route-running, hands, and ability to make big plays helped solidify his place as one of the best receivers in BYU history. Collie went on to play in the NFL, most notably with the Indianapolis Colts.

 

The 2010s: Continuing the BYU Legacy

Taysom Hill

Taysom Hill was the epitome of a dual-threat quarterback during his time at BYU from 2012 to 2016. His combination of athleticism and arm strength made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Hill rushed for over 2,800 yards and 32 touchdowns while throwing for over 2,200 yards and 10 touchdowns. His college career was plagued by injuries, but he succeeded in the NFL as a versatile weapon for the New Orleans Saints.

Jamaal Williams

Running back Jamaal Williams played for BYU from 2012 to 2016 and became the school’s all-time leading rusher with over 3,600 yards. Williams was known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles, which helped him score over 30 touchdowns during his collegiate career. He has since carved out a productive NFL career with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.

Zach Wilson

A star quarterback from 2018 to 2020, Zach Wilson quickly became a fan favorite at BYU. Wilson was a true playmaker with a strong arm and impressive mobility, leading the Cougars to an 11-1 season in 2020. He threw for over 7,000 yards and 56 touchdowns during his college career. He was selected second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, where he continues to show promise.

 

The Current Stars: Players to Watch in the 2020s

Tyler Allgeier

Tyler Allgeier has quickly emerged as one of the best running backs in college football. Playing for BYU since 2019, Allgeier has showcased his explosive running style and knack for finding the end zone. Keep an eye on this talented player as he continues to climb the ranks in BYU history.

Jaren Hall

Jaren Hall has played for BYU since 2018 and shows great potential. With a strong arm and impressive mobility, Hall has all the tools to become the next great BYU quarterback. As he gains more experience, expect him to leave his mark on the program. He has a great demeanor to take the next step.

Puka Nacua

Wide receiver Puka Nacua transferred to BYU in 2021 and immediately impacted the field. With his size, speed, and hands, Nacua is a playmaker who can stretch the field and make big plays. Keep an eye on him as he develops and makes a name for himself at BYU.

 

Honorable Mentions

Though we’ve highlighted some of the best players in BYU history, many more have left their mark on the program. Notable players such as Robbie Bosco, Todd Christensen, and Dennis Pitta all deserve recognition for their contributions to the success of BYU football.

BYU football has been home to some exceptional talent over the years. From legendary quarterbacks to powerful running backs and dynamic receivers, the program has consistently produced top-tier players who have made their mark on college football and beyond. So as we continue to watch the current stars of BYU football, we can’t help but be excited about what the future holds for this storied program.

 

FAQs

Who is the only Heisman Trophy winner from BYU? 

Ty Detmer won the Heisman Trophy in 1990.

Which BYU player has the most rushing yards in school history?

Jamaal Williams holds the record for the most rushing yards in BYU history, with 3,901 yards.

How many BYU players have been drafted into the NFL?

As of 2021, over 140 BYU players have been drafted into the NFL, with many others signing as undrafted free agents.

What is the BYU football team’s nickname?

The BYU football team’s nickname is the “Cougars,” which is also the nickname for all of BYU’s athletic teams.

Who is the current head coach of BYU football?

The current head coach of BYU football is Kalani Sitake, who has been in the position since 2016.

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