UGA football players always seem to make an impact in the NFL, but which ones have had the greatest pro careers of all?
There are a lot of UGA football players in the NFL, and there are a lot of UGA football players who are making big contributions. Some of them had long, illustrious careers without the joy of winning a championship. Others, such as Sony Michel and Mecole Hardman, were lucky enough to catch on with championship teams early in their careers.
But beyond rings, which former Georgia Bulldogs have had the best NFL careers during the Super Bowl era?
UGA football greats still playing in the NFL
Matthew Stafford: The former Georgia quarterback has played his entire career with the Detroit Lions thus far, and already owns most of the Lions career passing records, including yards, attempts, completions, and touchdowns.
Thomas Davis: The hard-hitting defensive back made a name for himself not only as one of the greats on the field but as one of the best faces of the NFL off the field. He “retired” in 2018 only to decide he wasn’t done, playing a season with the L.A. Chargers. He’s currently on the Washington Redskins roster.
A.J. Green: The electric receiver has been at or near the top of the stat list every year he’s played for Cincinnati. He trails only Chad Johnson in career receiving yards and touchdowns for the franchise. After a year away due to injury in 2019, he’s ready to come back in 2020 with new quarterback Joe Burrow spinning it his way.
Ben Jones: Just like he was at Georgia, Jones has been an anchor at center for both the Texans and the Titans. He has started 106 of his 127 NFL games since joining the league in 2012.
David Andrews: Like Jones, Andrews has been the glue that holds the offensive line together in New England, including two Super Bowl-winning teams. He missed the 2019 season after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism but hopefully will be able to return to his team in 2020.
Todd Gurley: After spending five years breaking records and making a name for himself with the St. Louis and L.A. Rams, Gurley is on to the next chapter of his career with the Atlanta Falcons. Some feel his surgically repaired knee will only continue to get worse, but Gurley feels he’s ready to prove them all wrong.
Justin Houston: There have been few defensive players to make as big an impact as Justin Houston has done over the first decade of his career. After eight years of leading the Chiefs defense, he’s heading into his second season with the Colts. He had a career year with Kansas City in 2014.
Geno Atkins: A member of the Cincinnati Bengals his entire career, Atkins has developed a reputation as one of the most fierce defensive linemen in the league. He’s heading into his 11th year of service with Cincy as the team goes through yet another rebuilding project.
15 Best UGA football Former NFL Players
For UGA football players who are no longer in the league, here are fifteen names who really gave their best in the pros and became legends on their teams or for the league in general.