NFL Players From New Jersey Who Have Made It To The Big Leagues
The National Football League (NFL) is still the most-watched sport in the United States. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it features players from every part of the country. By ranking, New Jersey stands at number 10 among states with the highest number of players in the league. A total of 56 players from NJ currently play in the NFL.
When it comes to American football, history is incomplete without mentioning NJ. Over the years, there have been different NFL Players from New Jersey who have made a name for themselves and the state while playing in the league. These guys are exceptional players who have displayed excellence in their profession and have been identified as notable figures from the state. Below are players who started from New Jersey and are now masters of the big games.
1. Quenton Nelson
If we are going to identify players who have contributed immensely to the growth of their teams and the league, then Quenton Nelson should be considered. He is a native of Holmdel Township and attended Notre Dame University, where he started his career as a footballer. He started off as an exceptional player, earning the All-American honor in his junior year.
In 2018, he became a professional player after he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and has since been playing for the team. It is worthy of note that during the drafting season, Quenton was the 6th most picked person, confirming his skillfulness in the game. He has used over 4 years in the professional league and has been named to the All-pro team and pro-bowl.
2. Mark Ingram Jr.
A lot of people who are not informed will always think that Mark Ingram Jr. is a Michigan born since he was raised there. However, he was born in New Jersey and can be said to be a state member but grew up somewhere else. He started playing in high school and achieved all-state accolades during his senior year. Mark also played football during college and earned the Heisman award due to his skillfulness.
Mark was drafted into the professional league by New Orlean and has spent most of his career year with the team. His dexterity and mastery of the game are never unnoticed as he has been awarded the pro-bowl 3 times, including in 2014, 2017, and 2019.
3. Minkan Fitzpatrick
Another interesting New Jersey profit making a beautiful impact in the NFL is Minkan Fitzpatrick. He started his exceptional feat in high school when he was rated one of the top cornerback prospects by ESPN. He was a native of Old Bridge, where he attended high school and started his football endeavor.
Minkan had his collegiate career at Alabama, where he played 3 seasons with a record of 42 games. He has achieved a lot of feats, including two national championships, two all-American awards, the Jim Thorpe award for a top defensive back, and the Chuck Bednarik award for defenders. He has also been named as an All-pro and pro-bowler for two consecutive seasons- 2019 and 2020.
4. Malcolm Jenkins
Malcolm Jenkins is the fourth person on the list of New Jersey players in the NFL. He won 3 state championships and a title in track while in Piscataway playing in the high school. He then advanced to play in Columbus with the Buckeyes team, where he won 4 conference championships. Other recognition he had in his senior years are the All-American, All-Big Ten, and John Thorpe awards.
Jenkins played in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints, where he both displayed another excellent career. His total tackle was estimated to be over 1000, alongside 21 interceptions. As a professional, he was able to achieve the pro-bowler award thrice in the years 2015, 2017, and 2018.
Final Words
New Jersey has produced some of the most beautiful players in American football and the NFL. The top 4 of the 56 players from NJ are identified in this post. They have exhibited excellence and received some of the best awards in the game.
