There are a lot of NFL greats that went through Kansas State. There was the trio of Locketts that built a legacy every Kansas State fan knows. Jordy Nelson started as a walk-on and went on to be one the most successful former Wildcats in the NFL.
Kansas State coaching legend Bill Snyder, who is also a College Hall of Fame member, coached several players who went on to have very successful NFL careers. These players were not only impressive on the field but were upstanding men outside of the game. Kansas State has never been a school that had superstar players all over the NFL, but when given the chance, these players became dark horses.
Here is my ranking of the top ten former Wildcats with the greatest careers in the NFL.
Darren Howard was one the best defensive players to go through Kansas State and the best defensive end in program history. Howard was drafted 33rd overall by the New Orleans Saints.
In the NFL, Howard was a problem for any offense. In his first season in the NFL, Howard came in second for the Defensive Rookie of the Year with 52 total tackles, one interception, and two fumble recoveries. After spending six seasons in New Orleans, Howard made the move to Philadephia where he started all 16 games in his first season. Howard retired in 2009 after four seasons with the Eagles.
Howard finished his career with 364 total tackles, 67 sacks, 37 QB hits, 10 fumble recoveries, and three interceptions.