5 Best Miami NFL Players
For a stretch in the eighties and nineties, Miami turned out pro talent faster than anyone. These five Hurricanes are ranked on their college careers, when The U set the tone for the entire sport.
1. Ed Reed
Safety · 1997 to 2001
Reed left Miami with 21 interceptions and a reputation for knowing routes better than the receivers running them. He was a unanimous All American in 2001 on an undefeated title team many call the best ever assembled. He also blocked kicks and returned picks for scores.
2. Warren Sapp
Defensive Tackle · 1992 to 1994
Sapp won the Lombardi Award and the Nagurski Trophy in 1994 after posting 10.5 sacks from the interior. He was quick off the snap in a way that big men are not supposed to be. Guards spent whole games trying to catch up to him.
3. Michael Irvin
Wide Receiver · 1985 to 1987
Irvin left as the school leader in receptions, yards, and touchdown catches. He played with an edge that fit the program perfectly and made contested catches routine before that was a stat anyone tracked. He capped it with a national title in 1987.
4. Ray Lewis
Linebacker · 1993 to 1995
Lewis had 160 tackles in 1994 and was a two time All Big East pick. He was the emotional center of the defense from the moment he arrived. Sideline to sideline speed plus a mean streak made him a matchup problem in the middle.
5. Vinny Testaverde
Quarterback · 1982 to 1986
Testaverde won the 1986 Heisman after throwing 26 touchdowns against nine interceptions. He had prototype size and one of the strongest arms college football had seen. He went first overall and helped make Miami a quarterback destination.
The Rest of the Roll Call
Jim Kelly, Cortez Kennedy, Sean Taylor, Andre Johnson, and Devin Hester all have real cases. Sean Taylor's 2003 season was a highlight tape of its own. Ranking a program with this much depth means leaving out great names.
Why The U Mattered
Miami changed how college football looked and sounded. The swagger came with substance, because the roster was stacked with future pros at nearly every position. Those teams still show up in draft history more than almost any other group.
Test Yourself on Miami Players
Reading about them is one thing. Naming them on sight is another. CollegeGuessr shows you an NFL player and asks which college he came from. Build a streak, post your score on the Big Board, and see how your football knowledge holds up.