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The 5 best walk-ons in Kansas State football history

By Ericka Brockish

Nov 19, 2005; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver (27) Jordy Nelson dives for a pass in the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium in Manhattan, KS. The pass fell incomplete. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2005 John Rieger
Nov 19, 2005; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver (27) Jordy Nelson dives for a pass in the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium in Manhattan, KS. The pass fell incomplete. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2005 John Rieger / John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
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Kansas State has benefitted from walk-ons for as long as some people can remember. Legendary coach Bill Snyder was known for taking walk-on players and making them into big-name players.

There have been many walk-ons at Kansas State that have gone on to have great careers in the NFL or have bright futures ahead of them.

With the future of walk-ons up in the air due to the House vs. NCAA settlement, it is time to look back at some of the greatest walk-ons in Kansas State football history.

Kansas State walk-ons. . 5. 2018-2023. Phillip Brooks. player. . . Phillip Brooks. 463

Phillips Brooks just recently graduated from Kansas State and unlike a lot of undrafted free agents, has already signed a deal with an NFL team. Brooks will help build up the Kansas City Chiefs' shorthanded wide receiver room.

However, during his time at Kansas State, Brooks went from walk-on to starter in just one season. He saw action in four games in 2018, and then he jumped and saw action in 12 games in 2019 and he saw his production and numbers grow with each season.

Brooks had his best season in 2023 with 53 receptions for 589 yards and five touchdowns. He was also used sparingly in the run game when necessary. Brooks tallied 2,127 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns at Kansas State and is even on many career leaderboards at Kansas State.

Now with the Chiefs, Brooks may see time, or he may not, but to go from walk-on to the NFL, especially for a winning franchise, is impressive.

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