California's Tom Brady and the Best Active NFL Player from Each State

The NFL has seen great players come from each of its 50 states.

Florida, Texas, California and Ohio are the top states for producing NFL talent, but the other 46 hold their own as well.

Eleven of the top 14 states that produce NFL talent are east of the Mississippi River, but the most impressive showing is by Louisiana, which ranked 25th in total population but has the sixth-most high school players in the NFL.

To be eligible for the state, players must be born and play their high school football careers in that state.

For example, Troy Polamalu was born in California, but played high school football in Oregon, so he is not eligible.

There are a few exceptions however. Maine does not have any current players who fit this criteria, but they do have a player who was born in the state.

New Hampshire and Vermont (to my knowledge) do not have anyone who currently plays in the NFL.  

With all that being said, let's take a look at the best NFL player from each of the 50 states. 

Alabama: DeMarcus Ware

Born: 7/31/1982, in Auburn, AL

High School: Auburn

College: Troy

DeMarcus Ware has developed into one of the most feared pass-rushers in the NFL today. He has 80 career sacks and has only missed one game during his six-year NFL career. 

Awards

Five-time Pro Bowl selection (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) Three-time first-team All-Pro selection (2007, 2008, 2009) Two-time second-team All-Pro Team selection (2006, 2010) Two-time NFL sack leader (2008, 2010) NFC Defensive Player of the Year (2008) Honorable Mention: Philip Rivers, Terrell Owens, Justin Tuck

Alaska: Daryn Colledge

Born: 2/11/1982, in Fairbanks, AK

High School: North Pole

College: Boise State University

Colledge was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round (47th overall) of the 2006 NFL draft, becoming the highest player ever drafted from the state of Alaska.

Colledge won the Super Bowl with Green Bay this past season but joined the Arizona Cardinals this offseason and agreed to a five-year contract.

Awards

Super Bowl champion (XLV)

Honorable Mention: Chris Kuper

Arizona: Zach Miller

Born: 12/11/1985, in Tempe, AZ

High School: Desert Vista 

College: Arizona State

The former Arizona State Wildcat was one of the best draft picks Raider Nation had seen in quite sometime. Miller reached his first Pro Bowl in 2010, but the Raiders failed to re-sign him, causing him to strike a deal with the Seattle Seahawks this past offseason. 

Awards

• Pro Bowl (2010)

Honorable Mention: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Todd Heap   

Arkansas: Kevin Williams

Born: 8/16/1980, in Arkadelphia, AR

High School: Fordyce

College: Oklahoma State

Kevin Williams has been a force since entering the league back in 2003, and in 2010 he was named to the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team.

Williams has 49.5 career sacks, and he might have much more if he wasn't moved to the defensive tackle position midway through his rookie year.

Awards

Six-time Pro Bowl selection (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008,2009, 2010) Five-time All-Pro selection (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team Honorable Mention: Peyton Hillis, Darren McFadden, DeAngelo Williams

California: Tom Brady

Born: 8/3/1977, in San Mateo, CA

High School: Serra 

College: University of Michigan

Since the inception of the Super Bowl, every decade except for the '60s has had a quarterback who has won at least three Super Bowls.

Tom Brady is the 2000s guy, and he has played in four Super Bowls, winning three of them (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX).

He has also won two Super Bowl MVP awards (XXXVI and XXXVIII), has been selected to six Pro Bowls and holds the NFL record for most touchdown passes in a single regular season. 

Awards

Rated No. 21 NFL Player of all time by NFL.com as of 2009 season Six-time Pro Bowl selection (2001, 2004, 2005, 2007,2009, 2010) Two-time first-team All-Pro selection (2007, 2010) One-time second-team All-Pro selection (2005) Three-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII,XXXIX) Two-time Super Bowl MVP (XXXVI, XXXVIII) Sportsman of the Year (2005) SI NFL POY (once) Sporting News Sportsman of the Year (2004, 2007) AP Male Athlete of the Year (2007) Two-time AP NFL MVP (2007, 2010) Two-time AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2007, 2010) AFC Offensive Player of the Year (2007) NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2009) New England Patriots all-time leader in passing touchdowns NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

Honorable Mention: Aaron Rodgers, Jared Allen, Mark Brunell, DeSean Jackson, Logan Mankins, Clay Matthews

Colorado: Vincent Jackson

Born: 1/14/1983, in Colorado Springs, CO

High School: Widefield

College: Northern Colorado

Vincent Jackson has been the main receiving threat in San Diego for the past few seasons, and he is a clear Pro Bowl talent.

Jackson sat out most of last year due to a holdout, but he is looking to make up for lost time and wants to cash in with a huge contract next season. 

Awards

Pro Bowl selection (2009) Honorable Mention: Bo Scaife

Connecticut: Dwight Freeney

Born: 1/4/1978, in Hartford, CT

High School: Bloomfield

College: Syracuse University

Dwight Freeney is unquestionably the best current player out of Connecticut in the NFL, and he very well could be the best of all time.

The Colts defensive end has 94 career sacks, and with a few more great seasons, he'll make a push for the Hall of Fame.

Awards

Six-time Pro Bowl selection (2003, 2004, 2005, 2008,2009, 2010) Three-time first-team All-Pro selection (2004, 2005,2009) One-time second-team All-Pro selection (2003) Super Bowl XLI champion AFC Defensive Player Of The Year (2005) Led NFL with 16 sacks in 2004 Indianapolis Colts all-time sacks leader with 90 NFL 2000s All-Decade Team Honorable Mention: None

Delaware: Montell Ownes

Born: 5/4/1984, in Wilmington, ME

High School: Concord

College: University of Maine

Owens is not a huge name, but he was selected to the 2011 Pro Bowl as a special teams player.

In the Pro Bowl, he recovered a fumble by Devin Hester on a kickoff and returned it for a touchdown. In the same game he caught a pass for a touchdown from Matt Cassel.

Owens is one of the best players to ever come out of the state of Delaware.

Awards

Listed in the Top 200 Players in the NFL Today by NFL Power Rankings 2011 Holds the franchise record for career special teams tackles One of 20 players in NFL history to score two or more touchdowns in a Pro Bowl game. Honorable Mention: None

Florida: Ray Lewis

Born: 5/15/1975, in Bartow, FL

High School: Kathleen

College: University of Miami

Ray Lewis is the closest thing to Lawrence Taylor that this league has ever seen.

Lewis is tough, resilient and emotional, and every offensive player wishes this guy was on their team.

Lewis has all the accolades and awards, but the only thing missing in his eyes is holding up that Lombardi trophy for the second time in his illustrious career.

Awards

Rated No. 18 NFL player of all time by NFL.com as of 2009 season 12-time Pro Bowl selection (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) Seven-time AP first-team All-Pro selection (1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009) Three-time AP second-team All-Pro selection (1997,1998, 2010) Super Bowl champion (XXXV) Super Bowl XXXV MVP Two-time AP NFL Defensive Player of Year (2000, 2003) Three-time AFC Defensive Player Of The Year (2000, 2001, 2003) Two-time NFL Alumni Linebacker Of The Year (1999, 2003) Two-time All-American (1994, 1995) Record 12 Pro Bowls for an inside/middle linebacker Record 10 All-Pro selections for inside/middle linebacker Record 10 All-Pro selections for a linebacker (tied with Lawrence Taylor) Most games started at inside/middle linebacker (209) Most interception return yards for an inside/middle linebacker (499) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

Honorable Mention: Jon Beason, Anquan Boldin, Brian Dawkins, Devin Hester, Steve Hutchinson, Andre Johnson, Chris Johnson, Ed Reed, Santana Moss  

Georgia: Calvin Johnson

Born: 9/25/1985, in Tyrone, GA

High School: Sandy Creek 

College: Georgia Tech

"Megatron" was the fourth wide receiver that the Lions took in five years during the first round of the draft, and he has become their main threat on offense. Johnson has been a bright spot for a struggling franchise, and he is the main focal point of the Lions' resurgence.

Awards

One-time Pro Bowl selection (2010) One-time second-team All-Pro selection (2010) Ranked 27 on NFL Network's NFL Top 100 Players of 2011

Honorable Mention: Keith Brooking, Robert Mathis, Jeff Saturday, Marcus Stroud 

Hawaii: Olin Kreutz

Born: 6/9/1977, in Honolulu, HI

High School: St. Louis

College: University of Washington

Olin Kreutz was the anchor of the Bears offensive line for as long as I can remember.

He is a tough, strong, smart presence that any coach would love to have, and it really surprised me how easily Chicago let him go.

Kreutz still dominates defensive linemen, and in 2010, he was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.

Awards

Six-time Pro Bowl selection (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) Four-time All-Pro selection (2001, 2004, 2005, 2006) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team Honorable Mention: None

Idaho: Jordan Gross

Born: 7/20/1980, in Fruitland, ID

High School: Fruitland 

College: Utah

Jordan Gross was drafted eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2003 NFL draft, and he has not disappointed.

Gross has been opening up lanes for backs such as Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams, DeShaun Foster and Stephan Davis.

Gross will go down as the best player to come out of Idaho when his career is all said and done.

Awards

Two-time Pro Bowl selection (2008, 2010) First-team All-Pro selection (2008) Ed Block Courage Award (2010) Ranked 87 on NFL Network's NFL's Top 100 Players of 2011 Honorable Mention: None

Illinois: Donovan McNabb

Born: 11/25/1976, in Chicago, IL

High School: Mount Carmel 

College: Syracuse 

Donovan McNabb was drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1999 NFL draft, and Eagle fans let it be known that they were not happy with the selection.

McNabb eventually became the face of the franchise, which would go on to have its best years in its rich history.

McNabb is approaching the 40,000-yard passing mark, and he has done it without ever eclipsing 4,000 yards in one season.   

Awards

Six-time Pro Bowl selection (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009) One-time All-Pro selection (2004) NFC Offensive Player of the Year (2004) Super Bowl XXXIX appearance Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team Ranked 100 on NFL Network's NFL's Top 100 Players of 2011 Honorable Mention: David Diehl, Owen Daniels, Rashard Mendenhall, Shaun O'Hara, Eric Steinbach

Indiana: Jay Cutler

Born: 4/29/1983, in Santa Claus, IN 

High School: Heritage Hills 

College: Vanderbilt University

Jay Cutler was selected after Matt Leinart and Vince Young in the 2006 NFL draft, but you could argue that he has had the best career so far out of the three.

Cutler lead his Bears to the NFC Championship Game last season, and he has eclipsed 20 or more touchdown passes in each of the four years he has started.  

Awards

Pro Bowl selection (2008) FedEx "Air" Player of the Week (Week 16 2009)

Honorable Mention: Mathius Kiwanuka 

Iowa: Dallas Clark

Born: 6/12/1979, in Livermore, IA

High School: Twin River Valley 

College: University of Iowa

The connection of Peyton Manning to Dallas Clark has been a well-known commodity in the NFL over the past eight seasons.

Clark is one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the game today and has been an All-Pro twice because of it. 

Awards

Football Digest NFL All-Rookie Team (2003) Super Bowl Champion (XLI) One-time Pro Bowl selection (2009) Two-time All-Pro selection (2008, 2009) Honorable Mention: Aaron Kampman, Kyle Orton

Kansas: Brian Moorman

Born: 2/8/1976, in Wichita, KS

High School: Sedgwick

College: Pittsburg State University

Moorman became the first four-time All-American football player in Pittsburg State University history, which is a Division II school located in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Moorman went undrafted and signed with the Seattle Seahawks, but he eventually made it over to the Bills in 2001, which was where he made his first career start.

Moorman is also another player to be honored on the NFL 2000s All-Decade team.   

Awards

Two-time Pro Bowl selection (2005, 2006) Two-time All-Pro selection (2005, 2006) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team Buffalo Bills 50th Anniversary Team

Honorable Mention: Terence Newman  

Kentucky: David Akers

Born: 12/9/1974, in Lexington, KY

High School: Tates Creeks

College: University of Louisville

Akers is again one of the obvious choices for his respective state.

He is part of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, and was a model of consistency for the Eagles for 12 seasons. Akers joined the 49ers in the offseason, but he will go down as one of the greatest Eagles of all time.  

Awards

Five-time Pro Bowl selection (2001, 2002, 2004, 2009, 2010) Five-time All-Pro selection (2001, 2002, 2004, 2009,2010) Three-time NFC Special Teams Player of the Month (Oct. 2007, Nov. 2009, Nov. 2010) Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

Honorable Mention: Yeremiah Bell, Rob Bironas 

Louisiana: Peyton Manning

Born: 3/24/1976, in New Orleans, LA

High School: Isidore Newman 

College: University of Tennessee

Peyton Manning is an unbelievable talent, and one could argue for him to be the best of all time.

In 2009, he was listed by The Sporting News as the No. 1 player in the NFL today, as well as Fox Sports naming him Player of the Decade.

Awards

Rated No. 8 NFL Player of all time by NFL.com as of 2009 season 11-time Pro Bowl selection (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) Five-time first-team All-Pro selection (2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009) Three-time second-team All-Pro selection (1999, 2000,2006) Four-time AP NFL MVP (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009) Six-time AFC Player of the Year (1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009) Indianapolis Colts all-time leader (career wins, passing touchdowns, pass attempts, pass completions and passing yards) Pro Bowl MVP (2005) Super Bowl champion (XLI) Super Bowl MVP (XLI) Fastest ever to reach 50,000 yards passing

Honorable Mention: Ryan Clark, Stephan Gostkowski, Brandon Jacobs, Eli Manning, Reggie Wayne   

Maine: Will Montgomery

Born: 2/13/1983, in Brunswick, ME

High School: Centreville (VA) 

College: Virginia Tech

As said in the front slide, Maine is the only state not to have a current player fit the mold, so I went with Will Montgomery, who is the only player to even be born in Maine that plays in the NFL.

Montgomery is a center for the Redskins and has also spent time with the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets.

Awards: None

Honorable Mention: None 

Maryland: Larry Johnson

Born: 11/19/1979, in Pomfret, Maryland

High School: La Plata

College: Penn State

Larry Johnson is known for two magical years with the Kansas City Chiefs, in which he rushed for over 1,700 yards during each season.

Johnson has bounced around since leaving the Chiefs in 2009 and is currently playing for the Miami Dolphins.

Johnson had a chance at a Hall of Fame career, if he wasn't held up by injury and suspension during the 2007 and 2008 seasons.  

Awards

Two-time Pro Bowl selection (2005, 2006) Two-time All-Pro selection (2005, 2006) Kansas City Chiefs MVP (2005) Holds the all-time NFL record for single-season rushing attempts (416)

Honorable Mention: Cameron Wake, Bryant Johnson, Larry Johnson

Massachusetts: Stephan Cooper

Born: 6/19/1979, in Wareham, MA

High School: Wareham

College: Maine

Cooper went undrafted out of Maine in 2003, but he has been a solid piece of the Chargers defensive since that time. Cooper had his best season in 2008, when he had 108 tackles to go along with two sacks and two interceptions.

Awards: None

Honorable Mention: Zack Deossie  

Michigan: Antonio Gates

Born: 6/18/1980, in Detroit, MI

High School: Central 

College: Kent State 

The former college basketball player received a chance form the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent back in 2003, and neither party has looked back since.

Gates has went on to become the best tight end in pro football, and he still has some solid years left in the tank.

Gates has eclipsed 1,000 yards twice in his career, which is rare for a tight end. 

Awards

Seven-time Pro Bowl selection (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) Five-time All-Pro selection (2004, 2005, 2006, 2009,2010) NFL Alumni Tight End of the Year (2005) San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

Honorable Mention: Braylon Edwards, Jake Long, Derrick Mason

Minnesota: Larry Fitzgerald

Born: 8/31/1983, in Minneapolis, MN

High School: Holy Angels 

College: University of Pittsburgh

Larry Fitzgerald watched his numbers go down last year without future Hall of Famer Kurt Warner throwing him the ball, but with Kevin Kolb making his way to the desert, the future looks bright.

Fitzgerald has four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and he will look to continue that streak this season. 

Awards

Five-time Pro Bowl selection (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) Three-time All-Pro selection (2007, 2008, 2009) NFC receiving yards champion (2008) 2008 NFC champion Pro Bowl MVP (2009) Ranked 14 on NFL Network's on NFL Top 100 Players of 2011

Honorable Mention: Marion Barber, Matt Birk

Mississippi: Jason Campbell

Born: 12/31/1981, in Laurel, MS

High School: Taylorsville

College: Auburn University

Jason Campbell has been a solid NFL quarterback for both the Redskins and Raiders, and he takes home the trophy for being Mississippi's No. 1 guy.

Campbell was drafted 25th overall by the Washington Redskins back in 2005 and has passed for over 13,000 yards during his career. 

Awards

NFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 5, 2007)

Honorable Mention: Correll Buckhalter, Jerious Norwood

Missouri: Justin Smith

Born: 9/30/1979, in Jefferson City, MO

High School: Jefferson City

College: University of Missouri

Justin Smith was the fourth overall selection in the 2001 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Smith set a Bengals rookie record for most sacks in a season, and in 2008 he signed a huge six-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers.

Smith has been selected to two Pro Bowls since joining the 49ers, which were the first two of his career.   

Awards

Two-time Pro Bowl selection (2009, 2010)

Honorable Mention: Brandon Lloyd, Neil Rackers

Montana: Dwan Edwards

Born: 5/16/1981, in Billings, MT, USA

High School: Columbus (MT)

College: Oregon State 

Dwan Edwards' NFL career has been a disappointment since being drafted in the second round of the 2004 draft, due to several injuries.

Edwards has just 3.5 career sacks and is one of two active players from Montana in the NFL. 

Awards: None

Honorable Mention: Lex Hillard

Nebraska: Sam Koch

Born: 8/13/1982, in York, NE, USA

High School: Seward

College: Nebraska

Sam Koch was arguably the best punter in the league during the 2010 season.

He pined 39 punts inside the 20-yard line, and he looks to be a vital piece to the Ravens once again in 2011.  

Awards

All-Fundamentals Team (2010)

Honorable Mention: Barrett Rudd

Nevada: Steven Jackson

Born: 7/22/1983, in Las Vegas, NV

High School: Eldorado

College: Oregon State

The Oregon State product is considered the best player ever from the Las Vegas region, and he may just be the best player to come out of Nevada period.

Jackson was a first-round pick back in 2004, and he has yet to disappoint.

Jackson has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in six out of his seven NFL seasons, and he will mostly likely to continue that streak this season.

Awards

St. Louis Rams Rookie of the Year (2004) Three-time Pro Bowl selection (2006, 2009, 2010) Two-time Second-team All-Pro selection (2006, 2009) Three-time Rams MVP Award (2006, 2009, 2010) NFC rushing champion (2009) St. Louis Rams all-time leading rusher Honorable Mention: Chris Carr

New Hampshire: None

New Hampshire is a state that has never been known for producing football players. The last player to come from the state to play in the NFL was defensive tackle Chad Eaton. 

New Jersey: Joe Flacco

Born: 1/16/1985, in Audubon, NJ

High School: Audubon

College: Delaware

Flacco became just the fourth quarterback to bring his team to the playoffs in his first three seasons and is the first to win a game in each.

Joe has been good but not great for the Ravens during his time Baltimore, but this season looks to be a breakout season for the young quarterback.

Flacco was a tough call over Miles Austin for the choice, but the playoff victories ultimately gave him the nod. 

Awards

2008 Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year Two-time 2008 Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week (Weeks 8 and 17) AFC Offensive Player of the Week (2008) NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month (October 2008) Ranked 90 on NFL Network's NFL's Top 100 Players of 2011

Honorable Mention: Miles Austin, Luis Castillo

New Mexico: Ryan Cook

Born: 5/8/1983, in Albuquerque, NM

High School: Cibola 

College: New Mexico

Ryan Cook has seen less playing time each year that he has been in the league, but the offensive tackle has preformed well when he has been called upon.

Cook started all 16 games during 2007, and he looks to be more of an impact player with Bryant McKinnie now gone.  

Awards: None

Honorable Mention: Hank Baskett 

New York: Keith Bulluck

Born: 4/4/1977, in Suffern, NY

High School: Clarkstown

College: Syracuse University

Keith Bulluck grew up idolizing Lawrence Taylor, and in 2010, he finally got his chance to put that Giants uniform that his idol had on for so many seasons.

Bulluck is a three-time All-Pro selection and was the anchor of the Titans defense from 2002-2009.

Awards

One-time Pro Bowl selection (2003) Three-time All-Pro selection (2002, 2003, 2007) Sports Illustrated All-Pro (2004)

Honorable Mention: Ray Rice, Ryan Grant, D'Brickashaw Ferguson

North Carolina: Julius Peppers

Born: 1/18/1980, in Wilson, NC

High School: Southern Nash

College: University of North Carolina

Julius Peppers was the second overall pick of the 2002 NFL draft, and has been a force ever since.

Peppers has 89 career sacks, with 81 being with his hometown team the Carolina Panthers.

The defensive end signed a six-year deal with the Chicago Bears in 2010 and will look to continue his pace towards reaching Canton. 

Awards

Six-time Pro Bowl selection (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010) Five-time All-Pro selection (2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010) NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year (2004) Three-time NFC Defensive Player of the Month (Nov. 2004, Nov. 2008, Nov. 2010) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team Ranked 10 on NFL Network's on NFL Top 100 Players of 2011

Honorable Mention: Adrian Wilson, Mario Williams

North Dakota: Jim Kleinsasser

Born: 1/31/1977, in Carrington, ND

High School: Carrington

College: North Dakota 

Jim Kleinsasser was drafted as a tight end back in the 1999 NFL draft but has mainly been used in run-blocking situations.

Kleinsasser had his best statistical season back in 2002, when he grabbed 37 passes for 393 yards.

Awards: None

Honorable Mention: None 

Ohio: Charles Woodson

Born: 10/7/1976, in Fremont, OH

High School: Ross

College: Michigan

Charles Woodson has nothing left to prove when it comes to football.

Woodson is the only primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy, and a recent Super Bowl victory doesn't hurt either.

Woodson won the defensive MVP award at age 34, which is saying something in its own right.

Awards

AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1998) PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year (1998) Seven-time Pro Bowl selection (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2009, 2010) Six-time All-Pro selection (1999, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2009, 2010) Super Bowl champion (XLV) NFC Defensive Player of the Year (2009) AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2009) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team  Honorable Mention: Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison, Nate Clements, Trent Cole, London Fletcher, Matt Light

Oklahoma: Wes Welker

Born: 5/1/1981, in Oklahoma City, OK

High School: Heritage Hall 

College: Texas Tech University

The Patriots struck gold once again, when they acquired Wes Welker from their division rivals, the Miami Dolphins.

Since joining the Pats, Welker has been to three Pro Bowls and has a been a three-time All Pro selection. 

Awards

Three-time Pro Bowl selection (2008, 2009, 2010) Three-time All-Pro selection (2007, 2008, 2009) Two-time NFL receptions leader (2007 (tied), 2009) Mosi Tatupu Award Winner (2003) New England Patriots 12th Player Award (2007) Pop Warner Inspiration to Youth Award (2008) Two-time Ed Block Courage Award (2007, 2010) New England Patriots All-2000s Team Honorable Mention: Jeremy Shockey

Oregon: Kevin Boss

Born: 1/11/1984, in Philomath, OR

High School: Philomath 

College: Western Oregon University

Kevin Boss had two solid back-to-back seasons with the New York Giants, averaging over 500 yards and five touchdowns a season.

Boss was lured out of New York this offseason, due to Oakland offering him a four-year $16 million deal.  

Awards

Super Bowl XLII champion Pro Bowl first alternate (2008) Honorable Mention: Jeff Faine

Pennsylvania: Darrelle Revis

Born: 7/14/1985, in Aliquippa, PA

High School: Aliquippa 

College: University of Pittsburgh

Darrelle Revis is the best cornerback in the game today, and he could go down as one of the best of all time, which is why I have him as the king of Pennsylvania.

Guys like Kerry Collins and Jason Taylor have had longer careers, but I feel that Revis will go down as the best player of the three.

Darrelle has been selected to two All-Pro teams in four years.  

Awards

Three-time Pro Bowl selection (2008, 2009, 2010) Two-time All-Pro selection (2009, 2010) AFC Defensive Player of the Year (2009) Curtis Martin MVP Award (2009) Ranked eighth in NFL Network's NFL Top 100 NFL Players of 2011

Honorable Mention: Kerry Collins, Marques Colston, Jahri Evans, Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub, Jason Taylor

Rhode Island: Will Blackmon

Born: 10/27/1984, in Cranston, RI

High School: Bishop Hendricken

College: Boston College

The smallest state in the nation is also small when it comes to producing NFL talent, but it did produce return specialist Will Blackmon.

Blackmon is currently a free agent, most likely due to the fact that teams are filling roster spots with extra position players instead of return guys.

Blackmon has played for the Green Bay Packers and most recently the New york Giants.

Awards: None

Honorable Mention: None 

South Carolina: John Abraham

Born: 5/6/1978, in Timmonsville, SC

High School: Lamar 

College: University of South Carolina

John Abraham has been a stud for both the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons. He has had six seasons where he has eclipsed double-digit sacks and is a three-time All-Pro because of it. 

Awards

Four-time Pro Bowl selection (2001, 2002, 2004,2010) Three-time All-Pro selection (2001, 2008, 2010) New York Jets All-Time Four Decade Team 100 sacks club Ranked 69 on NFL Network's NFL's Top 100 Players of 2011

Honorable Mention: Shaun Ellis, Albert Haynesworth, Jonathan Joseph, Sidney Rice, Lawrence Timmons 

South Dakota: Adam Vinatieri

Born: 12/28/1972, in Yankton, SD

High School: Central 

College: South Dakota State

Adam Vinatieri will go down as one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history.

He is a four-time Super Bowl champion and is part of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.

Vinatieri also holds numerous NFL records which include the most postseason field goals in a career with 42 and the most field goals in Super Bowls with seven.

Awards

Two-time Pro Bowl selection (2002, 2004) Two-time All-Pro selection (2002, 2004) Two-time PFWA's Golden Toe Award (2002, 2004) Four-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLI) NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year (2004) New England Patriots All-1990s Team New England Patriots All-2000s Team New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team NFL 2000s All-Decade Team 11th place NFL history for field goals made Honorable Mention: Chad Greenway

Tennessee: Patrick Willis

Born: 1/25/1985, in Bruceton, TN

High School:  Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central 

College: Mississippi 

Patrick Willis is the second coming of Ray Lewis.

He is fierce, competitive and hits as hard as anyone.

Willis has played for some bad 49ers teams, but with moderate success comes more recognition for the All-Pro linebacker.

Awards

Four-time Pro Bowl selection (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) Three-time first-team All-Pro selection (2007, 2009, 2010) One-time second-team All-Pro selection (2008) AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2007) Three-time NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year (2007, 2009, 2010) Honorable Mention: Jason Witten

Texas: Drew Brees

Born: 1/15/1979, in Austin, TX

High School: Westlake

College: Purdue University

Drew Brees was the first quarterback to hail from the great state of Texas to win a Super Bowl, which is amazing when you think about it.

Brees has been doubted his entire career but is now one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL today. 

Awards

Five-time Pro Bowl selection (2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010) Three-time All-Pro selection (2006, 2008, 2009) Super Bowl champion (XLIV) Super Bowl MVP (XLIV) AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2008) Two-time NFC MVP (2008, 2009) Three-time NFC Offensive Player of the Year (2006, 2008, 2009) Three-time FedEx Air Player of the Year Award (2006, 2008, 2009) AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award(2004) AP Male Athlete of the Year (2010)

Honorable Mention: Cedric Benson, Leonard Davis, Donald Driver, Adrian Peterson, Roy Williams, Vince Young

Utah: Haloti Ngata

Born: 1/21/1984, in Salt Lake City, UT

High School: Highland  

College: Oregon

Haloti Ngata has developed into a premier defensive lineman in the NFL.

Since being drafted, Ngata has taken double-team after double-team, which has allowed Ray Lewis to flourish.

Ngata can play the end position, or he can sit in the middle and be a nose tackle, which makes him much more effective.  

Awards

Two-time Pro Bowl selection (2009, 2010) Three-time All-Pro selection (2008, 2009, 2010) Honorable Mention: None

Vermont: None

Just like its neighbor New Hampshire, Vermont has never been known for producing professional athletes.

The state has seen roughly 10 of its athletes make it to the NFL over the years, with the last being Steve Wisniewski. 

Virginia: Michael Vick

Born: 6/26/1980, in Newport News, VA

High School: Warwick

College: Virginia Tech

Michael Vick has had his ups and downs during his career, but this is clearly a peak in the quarterback's career.

Vick recently signed a six-year contract worth $100 million, just two years after being set free from jail.

Vick had one of the most memorable seasons for a quarterback last season and is one of the most exciting players in the game, if not the most.

Awards

Best NFL Player ESPY Award (2003) Four-time Pro Bowl selection (2002, 2004, 2005,2010) Galloping Gobbler Award (2005) Eagles Ed Block Courage Award recipient (2009) NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2010)

Honorable Mention: Ahmad Bradshaw, James Farrior, DeAngelo Hall, Thomas Jones

Washington: Jason Hanson

Born: 6/17/1970, in Spokane, WA

High School: Mead

College: Washington State 

Jason Hanson was selected in the second round of the 1992 NFL draft by the Lions and is only the second placekicker the Lions have employed since the start of the 1980 season. 

No active NFL kicker has been with the same team as long as Hanson, and only former Cleveland Browns kicker Lou Groza has played longer with one team.

With the trade of Brett Favre, as well as the retirement of Michael Strahan, Hanson is the last player to have played for the same team he played for prior to the era of free agency and the salary cap in the NFL. 

Awards

PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year (1992) Two-time Pro Bowl Selection (1998, 1999) Three-time All-Pro selection (1993, 1997, 1999) PFWA's Golden Toe Award (2008) Multiple NFL records Honorable Mention: Jonathan Stewart, Marcus Trufant

West Virginia: Chris Massey

Born: 11/21/1979, in Charleston, WV

High School: East Bank

College: Marshall University

With one of West Virginia's greatest athletes of all time in Randy Moss retiring early this season, West Virginia's best player is eight-year veteran long snapper Chris Massey.

Massey recently signed with the Carolina Panthers but spent the previous eight years in St. Louis with the Rams. 

Awards: None

Honorable Mention: None 

Wisconsin: Joe Thomas

Born: 12/4/1984, in Brookfield, WI

High School: Central

College: Wisconsin

Joe Thomas has turned into one of the best left tackles in the game, and the Cleveland Browns are lucky enough to have him locked up for the next seven seasons.

Thomas was drafted third overall in the 2007 NFL draft and has been to a Pro Bowl in every season that he's been in the league.  

Awards

Four-time Pro Bowl selection (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) Two-time first-team All-Pro (2009, 2010) One-time second-team All-Pro (2008)

Honorable Mention: Doug Free, Jim Leonhard, Rich Seubert, Mark Tauscher  

Wyoming: Brady Poppinga

Born: 9/21/1979, in Evanston, WY

High School: Evanston

College: BYU

Brady Poppinga was a fourth-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers back in 2005, and he earned a Super Bowl ring with the team this season.

Poppinga signed with the Rams in the offseason and will look to make an impact in Steve Spagnolo's defense. 

Awards

Super Bowl XLV champion Honorable Mention: None