These states produce the BEST NFL players, according to new data
A study conducted by PikaKasinotSuomi showed Texas, California and Pennsylvania lead in producing the best NFL players.
- Texas takes the top spot, followed by California and Pennsylvania
- Analysis of current and historic NFL player data shows which states produce the best NFL players
- Vermont ranks as the state that produces the worst NFL players
A new study has revealed the states that produce the best NFL players.
The study by PikaKasinotSuomi analyzed the lifetime stats of current and former NFL players across every state, creating an index score factoring in the career stats of over 25,000 professional NFL players nationwide.
The data saw that Wisconsin produces better-than-average NFL players. Coming in at 16th place, Wisconsin came in with a score of 28.35 out of 100, whereas collectively, the national average was 24.36 out of 100 – meaning that Wisconsin came in at 3.99 points higher.
Texas comfortably takes the first place on the list, scoring an impressive 87.55 out of 100. LaDainian Tomlinson, former San Diego Chargers and New York Jets running back, has the most touchdowns of any player in the state, with an impressive 162 touchdowns to his name.
Texas also has the highest number of former and current professional players (2,644), the most Hall of Famers from the state (36), the most combined games played of any state (136,317), as well as the most combined touchdowns of any state at 8,841.
Second place goes to California, scoring 72.36 out of 100. Marcus Allen, former running back of the Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, saw by far the highest number of touchdowns of any former or current player from California, with an impressive 145. Second only to Texas in terms of the number of former and current professional players (2,618), total combined games played (134,283), as well as Total combined touchdowns (8,010), California surprisingly ranks 16th in terms of the average salary, coming in at $1,953,244
In third place is Pennsylvania, scoring 64.31 out of 100. Pennsylvania sees the second-highest number of Hall of Famers, only two behind Texas at 34 players. Marvin Harrison holds the touchdown record for Pennsylvanian-born players with an impressive 128 throughout his career. George Blanda holds the state record for most games played, with 340 games throughout his professional career.
Florida takes the fourth spot on the list, scoring 57.86 out of 100. Florida’s Emmett Smith, former running back for the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals, holds the record for the most career touchdowns, racking up 175 – the second-highest nationwide, behind Mississippi’s Jerry Rice with 208 career touchdowns.
In fifth place is Ohio, scoring 51.68 out of 100. Cris Carter, wide receiver formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins, holds the state record for the most touchdowns, accumulating 131 throughout his career.
The remainder of the top ten features Louisiana in sixth place, scoring 45.25 out of 100. Marshall Faulk holds the state touchdown record with an impressive 136 throughout his career. Peyton Manning holds the state record for most career games, participating in 266.
Seventh place goes to Georgia, scoring 41.77 out of 100. Jim Brown holds the state touchdown record with 126 throughout his career.
Oklahoma takes the eighth spot on the list, scoring 40.77 out of 100. Steve Largent holds the state touchdown record with 101 throughout his career.
Virginia comes in at ninth, scoring 37.34 out of 100. Thomas Jones holds the state touchdown record with 71 throughout his career.
Illinois rounds out the list in tenth place, scoring 36.83 out of 100. Bill Brown holds the state touchdown record with 76 throughout his career.
Interestingly, Vermont came last in the list, scoring zero points. Vermont came last in every section, having the lowest average salary across all Vermont-born professional NFL players, The lowest amount of total professional NFL players, having no players in the Hall of Fame, having the least amount of games played in total at 444, as well as the least amount of combined touchdowns of any state at just 16.
| Rank | State | Index Score / 100 |
| 1. | Texas | 87.55 |
| 2. | California | 72.36 |
| 3. | Pennsylvania | 64.31 |
| 4. | Florida | 57.86 |
| 5. | Ohio | 51.68 |
| 6. | Louisiana | 45.25 |
| 7. | Georgia | 41.77 |
| 8. | Oklahoma | 40.77 |
| 9. | Virginia | 37.34 |
| 10. | Illinois | 36.82 |
A spokesperson for PikaKasinotSuomi commented on the findings, saying:
“Delving into the career trajectories of more than 25,000 NFL players paints a vivid picture of the varied landscapes contributing to their success. Each state seems to bring its unique flavor to the league from coast to coast.”
“This study sparks conversations about local influences, whether the high school football culture or college programs shape these athletes’ journeys. It’s a testament to the rich tapestry of talent the NFL draws from, showcasing the nation’s diverse football ecosystems.”
This study was conducted by PikaKasinotSuomi
************************************
2023 OnFocus Central Wisconsin Football Conference Standings: Links to Area Conferences
Know some top athletic performances? Seeing some great teams in action?
We can use your help, and it’s simple. Witness some great performances? Hear about top athletes and top teams in our area?
Athlete of the Week and Team of the Week:
Nominate an athlete or team: HERE
**********************************************
Pancakes or Waffles! We feature top area athletes with our world-renowned feature. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
College Athlete Roundup! We want to recognize student-athletes from the area who are competing at the college level. Send us information on college athletes from the area with our simple form HERE
Where are they Now? We feature athletes and difference makers from the past, standouts in sports who excelled over the years and have moved on. Know of a former athlete, coach, or difference maker who we should feature? Know of a former standout competitor whose journey beyond central Wisconsin sports is one we should share? Send us information on athletes and difference makers of the past with our simple form HERE
Baked or Fried! We also feature difference makers throughout central Wisconsin: coaches, booster club leaders, administration, volunteers, you name it. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
