The 2024 NFL Season Insights: States That Produce Pro Football Stars

The 2024 NFL season has officially begun, highlighted by a thrilling matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens, the reigning Super Bowl champions. However, recent statistics reveal an intriguing aspect: neither of these celebrated teams comes from a state recognized for producing a significant number of professional football players.

According to data released by Action Network in July, Texas stands out as the top state for producing NFL talent, boasting 211 current players. This impressive figure translates to one in every twelve players in the league. Following Texas, California ranks second with 151 players, contributing about 9% of the league's total, while Florida holds third place with 149 players. North Carolina and Alabama complete the top five with 121 and 109 players, respectively.

This trend is largely attributed to the robust high school football programs in these states. NFL network analyst Marc Ross explains that the rich tradition and cultural significance of football in Texas, California, and Florida foster an environment where young athletes thrive. These high school players often evolve into stronger college athletes, increasing their chances of being recruited into the NFL.