The Best NFL Player from Each State

Ever wonder where Tom Brady was born? How about Troy Polamalu? Aaron Rodgers? How about the best player in the NFL today from your home state?  

Well, if you have, then this is the slideshow for you: 48 states represented, fairly and accurately. And yes, you may not be a math major, but there are 50 states in the USA. Which two do not have a player represented at all? 

Click along and find out. 

Alabama: DeMarcus Ware

DeMarcus Ware has been one of the NFL's most devastating pass-rushers since the day he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. In seven NFL seasons, Ware has had a least 11 sacks in every campaign, but his rookie one, when he recorded a measly 8.5. 

Ware finally lugged home the Defensive Player of the Year trophy at the end of last season after recording 19.5 sacks and forcing two fumbles. As dominant as he was last year, it was not even his best performance. Ware set career marks with 20 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2008. 

If Ware keeps up the pace, he has a shot at Bruce Smith's record of 200 sack. Ware is still only 29 years old and is nearly halfway there, with 99.5. 

Honorable Mention: Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers; Justin Tuck, DE, New York Giants

Alaska: Daryn Colledge

Daryn Colledge does not have a lot competition from Alaska, and perhaps, a healthy Steve Smith (the former Giant) could have wrestled the title from him. 

Regardless, Colledge has been a solid guard since he was drafted in the second round by the Green Bay Packers in 2006.

Colledge was part of a starting offensive line that kept an intimidating Pittsburgh Steelers' defense off Aaron Rodgers in Super Bowl XLV. 

Honorable Mention: Steve Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Arizona: Zach Miller

Zach Miller was the only dependable part of the Oakland Raiders' offense for years. Finally tired of that coach-a-yeary system, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks, and promptly had the worst season of his career.

Miller only managed 25 catches for 255 yards and was shut out of the end zone. Miller's track record points to this being a Seahawks' quarterback problem, rather than a Miller problem. If they can get more dependable QB play, expect Miller to back to his Raiders' form, where he had between 44 and 66 catches in his four seasons. 

Honorable Mention: Todd Heap, TE, Arizona Cardinals

Arkansas: Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden has proven he is one of the NFL's most explosive backs, averaging nearly five yards per carry for his career. Unfortunately, he cannot stay on the field to give the Raiders the most of his production, as he has missed 19 games out of a possible 64. 

I'll give McFadden's ability the benefit of the doubt, here, as Kevin Williams has been slumping in recent seasons and might be showing his mileage. 

Honorable Mention: Kevin Williams, DT, Minnesota Vikings

California: Aaron Rodgers

Yes, I believe Aaron Rodgers is a better quarterback than Tom Brady.

Rodgers has been the more productive of the two quarterbacks since he finally got the job from Brett Favre, beating Brady in touchdowns 103 to 99 in the last three years (Brady tore his ACL Rodgers' first year starting) and leading him in Super Bowl trophies, 1-0. 

The reason I believe Rodgers is better than Brady (and the best quarterback in the NFL today) will not show up in any box score. Rodgers has the accuracy of Brady but is much more mobile, and thus, more difficult to stop.

While Brady has one move against the rush (step up and hope a second pocket develops), Rodgers can extend the play with his legs and beat you downfield.

I see at least one more Lombardi Trophy in Rodgers' future.  

Honorable Mention: Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots; Clay Matthews, LB, Green Bay Packers; Troy Polamalu, SS, Pittsburgh Steelers; DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadephia Eagles; Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Colorado: Matt Hasselbeck

As if just to remind us he was a pretty darn good quarterback, Matt Hasselbeck turned back the clock in 2011. 

Hasselbeck stayed healthy, playing in all 16 games for the first time since 2007, and was extremely effective. The Boulder native threw for over 3,500 yards and nearly led the upstart Tennessee Titans to a surprising playoff berth.

Hasselbeck will be in a quarterback battle next season with second-year man Jake Locker, but if he keeps playing like this, should hold off the youngster for at least one more season.   

Honorable Mention: Vincent Jackson, Free-Agent WR

Connecticut: Dwight Freeney

Dwight Freeney has represented the state of Connecticut with pride for the last decade. 

Freeney has 102.5 sacks and was the most important player on the defensive side of the ball for the Indianapolis Colts.

Indianapolis competed for a Super Bowl in about every year the dominant defensive end was on the team until this one.  

Honorable Mention: Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots; John Carney, K, New Orleans Saints

Delaware: Montell Owens

The first providence to declare statehood, little Delaware currently has only one player in the NFL—special teams ace Montell Owens. 

Owens, a backup running back, holds the Jacksonville Jaguars' record for special teams tackles.

His prowess on punts and kickoffs has landed him in the pro bowl, where he has scored two touchdowns. 

Honorable Mention: None

Florida: Andre Johnson

Florida has produced a ton of high-caliber NFL talent, making picking just one difficult.

Do you go with the aging future Hall of Famers still producing at a high level or a player still in his prime? 

I had to go with Andre Johnson here. Until this season, when Johnson battled hamstring injuries while Calvin Johnson exploded onto the scene, the Texans' standout was widely considered the best receiver in the game.

We'll chalk this year up to one lost by injury and hope the usually-dependable Johnson (16 games played in five out of nine seasons) builds on a resume that includes three 100-catch seasons and two 1,500-yard seasons. 

Honorable Mention: Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens; Ed Reed, FS, Baltimore Ravens; Antonio Cromartie, CB, New York Jets; Brian Dawkins, S, Denver Broncos; Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Georgia: Calvin Johnson

Give it another season and Calvin Johnson is going to have some serious competition for this title. For now, we will give the proven vet the edge over the explosive rook. 

Johnson was on a record-setting pace last season before slowing down. He still managed over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns while leading the Detroit Lions to their first playoff berth in over a decade.

Johnson, the NFL's most difficult cover, and Stafford will have a lot of Lions fans smiling for many years.   

Honorable Mention: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers; Robert Mathis, DE, Indianapolis Colts

Hawaii: Olin Kreutz

Another guy who does not have any competition, Olin Kreutz is the only productive Hawaiian-born player in the NFL. Regardless, Kreutz is a great player and would be tough to beat no matter where he was from. 

Kreutz is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and member of the NFL's All-Decade team for the 2000s.

Kreutz was the prized free-agent signee for the New Orleans Saints last season, as they concentrated on rebuilding their running game. Kruetz did his part, as the Saints skyrocketed up to sixth in the league in rushing yards per game. 

Honorable Mention: None

Idaho: Jordan Gross

Jordan Gross may be Idaho's lone representative producing in the NFL, but he's representing the folks of Nampa with pride. 

Gross has been a constant in the Panther's transition from contenders to rebuilders, manning the left tackle spot.

Gross has been selected to two Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro since being drafted eight overall in 2003. 

Honorable Mention: None

Illinois: Rashard Mendenhall

Rashard Mendenhall definitely leaves a lot to be desired, but he has done just enough to be named the best player in the NFL from the state of Illinois. 

Mendenhall's competition is a bunch of solid NFL veterans. Mendenhall has shown flashes of brilliance, and overall, has been a pretty dependable back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, in spite of the criticism.

Mendenhall has eclipsed 1,000 yards twice in four seasons and has averaged over four yards per carry for his career.  

Honorable Mention: David Diehl, OL, New York Giants; Owen Daniels, TE, Houston Texans; Shaun O'Hara, Free-Agent C; Eric Steinbach, OL, Cleveland Browns  

Indiana: Jay Cutler

It's funny how similar Jay Cutler's game is to Brett Favre's while Favre is revered and Cutler is made a scapegoat wherever he goes.

Don't worry Jay, the state of Indiana still loves you!

From Santa Clause, IN, Cutler has come short of delivering the ultimate gift to Bears fans though they would have been a force in the playoffs had their enigmatic quarterback not broken his thumb.

Look out for Cutler and the Bears in 2012.  

Honorable Mention: Mathias Kiwanuka, LB, New York Giants; Dustin Keller, TE, New York Jets

Iowa: Darren Sproles

We all knew Darren Sproles was a good player, but boy did he explode last year for the New Orleans Saints.

The question is, did he sign in a perfect situation with New Orleans, or did the San Diego Chargers not know what they had?

With over 1,300 combined receiving and rushing yards, Sproles nearly doubled the total from his two best seasons in San Diego. Between the catches, the rushes and the kickoffs, Sproles found pay dirt 10 times last year, also a career high. 

Sproles could be the Saints' version of Wes Welker: A good role player elsewhere whose talents perfectly fit the system of his new team.  

Honorable Mention: Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis Colts; Kyle Orton, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas: Jordy Nelson

Going into last season, Jordy Nelson had 1,268 receiving yards and six touchdowns for his career. In 2011, Nelson exploded onto the scene for 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns.  

Granted, some of that had to do with the injury to Greg Jennings, but Nelson definitely moved up the pecking order with his breakout campaign. The folks in Manhattan, KS would be proud. 

Honorable Mention: Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Bucs; Kamerion Wimbley, LB, Oakland Raiders

Kentucky: David Akers

Not many players have been doing what they do as good, or as long, as David Akers. 

Akers is a five-time Pro Bowler and member of the NFL's All-Decade team for the 2000s.

Akers followed his long career with the Philadelphia Eagles by continuing to split the uprights for the San Francisco 49ers. 

Honorable Mention: Rob Bironas, K, Tennessee Titans

Louisiana: Eli Manning

Allow me to be the first to place Eli Manning above big brother Peyton on the old family tree. 

Eli now holds family bragging rights with two Super Bowls wins over Peyton's arch-rival (Peyton only beat Brady once in the playoffs), so why not? Besides, we still do not know where Peyton will play next season or how good he will be. 

Manning enjoyed the best season of his career, throwing for nearly 5,000 yards with 29 touchdowns and only 16 interceptions. Eli was best when it mattered most, setting the record for most fourth-quarter comebacks including the all-important Super Bowl. 

Until Peyton can come back and prove, he's still Peyton Manning, give it to Little Brother. 

Honorable Mention: Peyton Manning, QB, ???

Maine: Will Montgomery

Will Montgomery is the lone Maine native in the NFL and is a pretty good center in his own right.

Montgomery is the starter for the Washington Redskins and has also spent time with the Carolina Panther and New York Jets.  

Honorable Mention: None

Maryland: Cameron Wake

I was surprised that Maryland did not have more competition for this spot. However, beastly University of Maryland products EJ Henderson and Vernon Davis were not actually born in Maryland. 

Vernon Davis was born in Washington, DC, and the Hendersons moved from Kentucky to Maryland sometime between EJ and Erin's birth. Erin Henderson is a good player, but not up to the caliber of big bro.

That leaves us with Cameron Wake, who has produced 28 sacks and four forced fumbles in three seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Wake is a staple for the rebuilding Dolphins and peaked with 14 sacks in 2010 though he fell off a bit last season with 8.5 sacks.

Wake is undoubtedly a great player, I just expected a little more competition for the crown of best NFL player born in Maryland.  

Honorable Mention: Erin Henderson, LB, Minnesota Vikings

Massachusetts: Stephen Cooper

Stephen Cooper is a solid player; it just has been a while since he has displayed it for the San Diego Chargers.

Cooper tore his bicep from the bone this past offseason, and somehow, tried to play through it. He managed one tackle in the first game of the season before being placed in the IR. 

Before that, Cooper had two seasons with over 100 tackles. Cooper is also a great linebacker in coverage, recording eight interceptions and 31 passes defensed in his eight-year career. 

Honorable Mention: Ovie Mughelli, FB, Atlanta Falcons

Michigan: Jake Long

Only Joe Thomas can be argued as a better tackle than Jake Long.

Long, the top overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, has not disappointed as the cornerstone of a solid offensive line. 

Long has been selected to the Pro Bowl for every one of his four NFL seasons and was named first-team All-Pro in 2010. 

Honorable Mention: Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers; Braylon Edwards, Free-Agent WR

Minneosta: Larry Fitzgerald

It would be tough beating out Larry Fitzgerald's production from any state. People are dismissing him in favor of Calvin Johnson as the game's best receiver, but once the Cardinals stabilize their quarterback situation, watch as Fitzgerald skyrockets back into media attention. 

The Minneapolis native has gone for over 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns in four of his eight seasons. Fitzgerald was a perfect pass and catch from dragging the Cardinals to a Super Bowl championship in 2008 and has never been held to fewer than six touchdowns in a season. 

His blend of size, speed and power (and just for good measure, he has spectacular hands) is one-of-a-kind. 

Honorable Mention: Marion Barber, RB, Chicago Bears; Matt Birk, C, Baltimore Ravens

Mississippi: Jason Campbell

In spite of Jason Campbell's hard-luck NFL career, he's still the best player from his home state. 

Campbell was drafted by the Washington Redskins where they rotated offensive coordinators with every change in the wind. Then, when he had a good thing going for him with the Oakland Raiders, Campbell broke his collarbone. Had Campbell not gone down with the injury, the Raiders would have likely won the division, and Campbell probably just signed a contract extension. 

Instead, he's looking for a job, overlooked in favor of Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn and Alex Smith. Personally, I hope Campbell gets another chance to be the starting quarterback he has the ability and desire to be. 

Honorable Mention: Jerious Norwood, RB, St. Louis Rams

Missouri: Justin Smith

How did Justin Smith have his best season at the ripe age of 32? Maybe he smelled a legitimate chance at winning a Super Bowl for the first time in his 11-year NFL career. 

Playing mostly for a bunch of losers (last season was just his second playoff appearance), Smith was a catalyst for the dominant San Francisco 49ers' defense.

Smith recorded 7.5 sacks and forced a career-high three fumbles. One of those was the hustle play of the year, when he tracked down Jeremy Maclin and his 4.4 40 time to force the game-sealing turnover. 

Good for Smith to finally be playing for a contender. The folks in Jefferson City would be proud. 

Honorable Mention: Brandon Lloyd, WR, St. Louis Rams

Montana: Dwan Edwards

Dwan Edwards is a serviceable defensive lineman, but more importantly, is the pride of Billing, MT. 

Edwards won't make any Pro Bowls but is a consummate professional and great team guy. He has played for the Baltimore Ravens and now the Buffalo Bills.  

Honorable Mention: None

Nebraska: Barrett Ruud

Raise your hand if you knew Barrett Ruud had recorded 100 tackles in a season. Well, he actually has done it four times. 

One of the top linebackers to fly under the radar, the pride of Lincoln had a four-year streak going before injuries limited his production in his first season with the Tennessee Titans.

Ruud will be back next year and personifies a pesky and scrappy Titans defense. 

Honorable Mention: Sam Koch, P, Baltimore Ravens

Nevada: Steven Jackson

In spite of battling numerous injuries (and eight men in the box), Steven Jackson has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his seven NFL seasons since his rookie year.

Jackson peaked with over 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2006 and undoubtedly would have had more seasons like that if the woeful St. Louis Rams could get him any help. Big, fast and aggressive, Jackson has never complained about the constantly rebuilding Rams.  

I hope they can contend soon. It is always a shame to see a running back, with the punishment they take, of Jackson's caliber, waste away for a losing franchise.  

Honorable Mention: Chris Carr, CB, Baltimore Ravens 

New Hampshire: None

There has not been a player from New Hampshire since defensive tackle Chad Eaton retired in 2004.

New Jersey: Victor Cruz

There are some good players in the NFL from the state of New Jersey, but Victor Cruz's star is shining the brightest.

The record-breaking, secondary-burning, salsa-dancing wideout broke out for 82 catches and over 1,500 yards receiving for the New York Giants. Cruz was clearly the main focus of Bill Belichick's defense in the Super Bowl (which opened up the big plays for Mario Manningham and company) but still managed to snag four catches and a touchdown.

The only question is what will the NFL's biggest breakout star do for an encore?   

New Jersey: Miles Austin, WR, Dallas Cowboys; Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens

New Mexico: Arian Foster

Arian Foster is the catalyst for a Houston Texans team that will be a trendy Super Bowl pick last season. 

In the franchise's first playoff appearance, the Texans blew out the Cincinnati Bengals, then gave the Baltimore Ravens a fight in a 20-13 loss. Foster rushed for 285 yards and three touchdowns in those two games.

This offseason, 2010's rushing king was rewarded with a five-year contract that will keep him churning out yards and touchdowns in Houston. 

Honorable Mention: None 

New York: Ray Rice

You would think there would be more big-time NFL talent from New York.

There are plenty of fringe players and great players from the past, but only a few elite athletes in the game today; none better than the Baltimore Ravens' Ray Rice.

Rice rushed for a career-high 1,369 yards last year and has eclipsed 1,200 yards rushing in three of his four seasons. A true dual-threat halfback, Rice had 2,000 yards from scrimmage for the second time in his career.

The Rutgers' product is such a great player that Ravens' offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was basically given an ultimatum: Give Rice the ball or find a new job.

He complied, and the ultimatum was a Lee Evans drop from landing the Ravens in the Super Bowl.   

Honorable Mention: Rob Gronkowski, TE, New Englan Patriots; Ryan Grant, RB, Green Bay Packers; D'Brickashaw Ferguson, LT, New York Jets

North Carolina: Julius Peppers

The competition for "Best Player from North Carolina" comes down to two of the most similarly dominant players in the NFL today.

Both Julius Peppers and Mario Williams stand between 6'6" and 6'7", are listed between 283 and 287 lbs and possess unreal speed for men of that size. A slight edge goes to Peppers for consistency and longevity.

Peppers has been held to single-digit sack seasons in just three out of 10 years. Williams has already been held under 10 sacks in four out of six years.

The intriguing thing about Williams is he was transitioning to a 3-4 outside linebacker, which could have made him even more dangerous before suffering a torn pectoral muscle that landed him on the IR. 

Williams is a free agent now, so it will be interesting to see if he will continue the transition to outside linebacker. If he continues to progress (he had five sacks in five games last year), this slide could easily change in year or two.  

Honorable Mention: Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans

North Dakota: Jim Kleinsasser

Jim Kleinsasser is purely a blocker now, but for a brief period, he was actually a pass-catching threat.

After being moved from fullback to tight end, Kleinsasser displayed surprisingly good hands by hauling in 46 balls back in 2003. 

Kleinsasser has just 69 catches in the eight years since then as he has gone back to doing what he does best: Getting linebackers out of the way for ball-carriers. 

Honorable Mention: None

Ohio: Ben Roethlisberger

Ohio is known for football from the high school level on up, so it is no surprise the caliber of players the state has produced. 

Ben Roethlisberger takes the title in a decision that will definitely inspire some debate. Roethlisberger was in the midst of his best season before an ankle injury that should have sidelined him for the rest of the season. 

Roethlisberger is one of three active quarterbacks to win multiple Super Bowls and has played in three. Four years ago, Roethlisberger engineered one of the great game-winning drives in NFL history that resulted in the perfect pitch and catch to win the game. 

It's not always pretty, but Ben Roethlisberger just wins football games. 

Honorable Mention: Charles Woodson, DB, Green Bay Packers; James Harrison, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers; Nate Clements, DB, Cincinnati Bengals, London Fletcher, LB, Washington Redskins

Oklahoma: Wes Welker

There are some good players from Oklahoma, but we will give the edge to the New England Patriots' Wes Welker. 

Welker's gaudy statistics (four of five seasons with 111 catches or more) are undoubtedly the result of a perfect player in a perfect system for his talents, but Welker is still a great player. Welker just signed a franchise tag to stay with the Patriots, and will have a fat long-term contract waiting for him down the road.

It seems like Tom Brady and Welker should be doing this until the end of time, but we will see how the contract negotiations end up at this time next year.    

Honorable Mention: Curtis Lofton, LB, Atlanta Falcons, Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys, Jeremy Shockey, TE, Carolina Panthers

Oregon: Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh exploded onto the scene for all the right reasons in his rookie season. Then he was all over television coverage for the wrong reasons. 

Suh had ten sacks as a rookie and became an instant fan favorite. Rumors of dirty play presided even then and he took it to another level in 2011, culminating in a two-game suspension for his Thanksgiving Day face stomp. Suh's play also regressed, as he went from ten sacks to four and had a little more than half as many tackles. 

Hopefully, Suh can channel his aggression in the right way and return to his 2010 form. 

Honorable Mention: Jeff Faine, C, Tampa Bucs; Kevin Boss, TE, Oakland Raiders

Pennsylvania: Darrelle Revis

Darrelle Revis is the latest standout NFL player from a legendary lineup of Aliquippa High School alums.

The list includes Hall of Famers Mike Ditka and Tony Dorsett as well as borderline HOFer Ty Law. 

Revis is widely considered the best cornerback in the NFL and could someday join his fellow alums in Canton.

Before Revis scared quarterbacks from throwing his way, the New York Jets' cornerback peaked with six interceptions in 2009. Revis has returned a pick for a touchdown in three of his five NFL seasons.  

Honorable Mention: Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints; Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons; Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans; LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles; Brandon Marshall, WR, Miami Dolphins

Rhode Island: Will Blackmon

Will Blackmon is a backup cornerback and return man. He is also the only native of Rhode Island in the NFL. 

Blackmon has three touchdowns to his credit and is a Super Bowl champion after spending the past season with the New York Giants. 

Honorable Mention: None

South Carolina: John Abraham

Twelve years later, John Abraham is still terrorizing quarterbacks.

Abraham got to the quarterback 9.5 times this season, falling just short of his seventh season with double-digit sacks. 

Abraham forced four fumbles and has forced at least one in every season of his career. Abraham has some competition for the spot, but for now, the grizzled vet is still holding off the young guns. 

Honorable Mention: Lawrence Timmons, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers; Jonathan Joseph, CB, Houston Texans

South Dakota: Chad Greenway

Chad Greenway is part of an extremely underrated Minnesota Vikings' linebacking corps. For football fans that don't know Greenway, you should. 

The fifth-year vet has recorded at least 100 tackles in every season of his NFL career, but one.

The year he didn't (2009), he had a mere 99 stops. Greenway's personal best came this past season when he took down opposing ball carriers 154 times. 

Honorable Mention: Adam Vinatieri, K, Indianapolis Colts

Tennessee: Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis is on his way to becoming "Ray Lewis-West" for the San Francisco 49ers.

This season, the injury bug caught up to Willis, holding him out of three games, which kept him from being a perfect 5-for-5 in the 100-tackle mark. 

Willis is a devastating tackler and has forced 12 fumbles in his career. Like the Ravens, the 49ers defense will be solid for as long as No. 52 is manning the middle of the field as the emotional on-field leader. 

Honorable Mention: Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys

Texas: Drew Brees

Football and Texas go together like birthday cake and ice cream, so it's no surprise at the amount of Pro Bowls racked up by their current natives. 

There are some great players, but it's tough to go with anyone but Drew Brees.

Brees is a Super Bowl MVP, an Offensive Player of the Year and fresh off torching Dan Marino's record for passing yards in a season. 

I know quarterbacks get too much of the glory, but in this case, Brees is that good. 

Honorable Mention: Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings; Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals; Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay Packers

Utah: Haloti Ngata

There are actually no Utah-born players in the NFL, but Haloti Ngata is the closest.

Ngata was born in Inglewood, CA, but attended high school in Salt Lake City, UT. For the sake of putting a player in this slide (besides, California is hogging all the Pro Bowlers), we'll give Ngata UT residency.

Ngata's blend of size, speed and tenacity are second to none on the defensive line, league-wide.

For a 330-lb man who plays on the interior of the line, any pressure Ngata puts on the quarterback is an added bonus. The last couple of years, he has been pretty good at that too, recording at least five sacks in each.  

Honorable Mention: None

Vermont

The last player from Vermont to play in the NFL was Stephen Wisniewski—a journeyman guard who retired in 2001.  

Virginia: Michael Vick

Michael Vick is still one of the most explosive players in the NFL, but which Vick will the Philadelphia Eagles get next season?

The one from 2010 who clearly spent more time dedicated to his craft than he had at any point in his career? Or the one in 2011 that regressed to his poor-technique form and threw a career-high 14 interceptions?

The Eagles made him a 100-million-dollar man just last year, so they better hope they get the one determined to be a quarterback first and a runner second.  

Honorable Mention: Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants; DeAngelo Hall, DB, Washington Redskins

Washington: Jonathan Stewart

Washington has produced some solid NFL talent, but the best by far is the Chicago Bears' Brian Urlacher. 

Urlacher has been remarkably durable, playing all 16 games in 10 out of 12 seasons. Chiago's superstar linebacker has reached the 100-tackle plateau in nine of those years, and has been the on-field leader for the Bears in every game he has played. 

Urlacher continues to lead a Super Bowl-caliber defense and has shown no signs of slowing down. 

Honorable Mention: Nate Burleson, WR, Detroit Lions; Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers Jason Hanson, K, Detroit Lions

West Virginia: Chris Massey?

Chris Massey is a 10-year NFL vet and a respected long snapper. That's good enough to make him the best player from West Virginia in the NFL. 

At least until Randy Moss signs with a new team. 

Honorable Mention: None

Wisconsin: Joe Thomas

Joe Thomas is the NFL's best left tackle by any discernible measure.

He has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of his five seasons and is just waiting for a franchise quarterback's blindside to protect in Cleveland.

Barring any career-threatening injury, Thomas is a lock to make the NFL's All-Decade team for the 2010s. 

Honorable Mention: Rich Seubert, Free-Agent G; Jim Leonhard, DB, New York Jets

Wyoming: Brady Poppinga

Brady Poppinga is a serviceable NFL linebacker and an NFL champion via Super Bowl XLV.

That's all it took for the man from Evanston to be named the best player from Wyoming. 

Honorable Mention: None

Alexander is a featured columnist for bleacherreport.com. You can follow Alexander on Twitter @thesportsdude7 or become a fan on his Bleacher Report profile.