Montana is not a state that is usually associated with producing NFL talent, as it has a small population and a relatively low profile in college football. However, the University of Montana, known as the Grizzlies, has a long and proud history of sending players to the NFL. Montana has been one of the most successful Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs, formerly Division I-AA.
The Grizzlies have won two national championships, in 1995 and 2001, and have made 24 playoff appearances, including 17 consecutive trips from 1993 to 2009. They have also produced 57 pro players, including 53 draft picks, who have played in the NFL since 1922.
Most Well-Known Montana Grizzlies in the NFL
Some of the most notable Grizzlies who have played in the NFL include Doug Betters, Marc Mariana, Trumaine Johnson, Colt Anderson, and Kroy Bierman.
Betters was a defensive end who played for Montana from 1974 to 1977, earning All-American honors in his senior year.
He then played for the Miami Dolphins from 1978 to 1987, helping them reach two Super Bowls and winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 1983. He was a two-time All-Pro and a member of the Dolphins’ Honor Roll.
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Mariana played wide receiver and return specialist for Montana from 2006 to 2009, setting several school and conference records for receiving and kick returning.
He played for the Tennessee Titans from 2010 to 2016 and the Chicago Bears in 2016, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2010 as a returner. He holds the Titans’ franchise record for the longest punt return touchdown (79 yards).
Johnson was a star cornerback for Montana from 2008 to 2011, becoming the school’s all-time leader in interceptions (15) and earning All-American honors twice. He then played for the Los Angeles Rams from 2012 to 2017 and the New York Jets from 2018 to 2019, signing a five-year, $72.5 million contract with the Jets in 2018. He has 23 career interceptions and 74 pass breakups in the NFL.
Anderson, a safety and special teams ace, played for Montana from 2004 to 2008, earning All-American honors and leading the team in tackles in his senior year.
He then played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2010 to 2013, the Indianapolis Colts from 2014 to 2015, and the Buffalo Bills from 2016 to 2017, becoming one of the best special teams players in the league. He has 121 career tackles and two forced fumbles in the NFL.
Linebacker and defensive end Kroy Bierman played for Montana from 2004 to 2007, becoming the school’s all-time leader in sacks (32) and earning the Buck Buchanan Award as the best defensive player in the FCS in 2007.
He then played for the Atlanta Falcons from 2008 to 2015 and the Buffalo Bills in 2016, recording 23.5 career sacks and 12 forced fumbles in the NFL. He also appeared on the reality TV show “Don’t Be Tardy” with his wife, Kim Zolciak.
These are just some examples of Grizzlies who have played in the NFL, as many more have made their mark and left their legacy in the league. The Grizzlies have also produced some NFL coaches, such as Marty Mornhinweg, Bobby Hauck, and Brent Pease, who have worked for various teams in different capacities.
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