The 2026 NFL Draft runs April 23-25, and while two former Wildcats await the start of their professional careers, the program’s track record is already defined by those who came before them. For Kansas State’s recent NFL alumni, success has been built on promise, precision, and steady development that carried into the league.
Breaking down the NFL success of former Kansas State football stars
Tyler Lockett
Tyler Lockett is a name that Kansas State football fans won't soon forget. After four seasons at Kansas State from 2011 to 2014, Lockett is entering his 12th season in the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders.
If there’s any benchmark for success at skill positions out of Manhattan, Lockett’s name should be the first to come to mind. He’s one of the rare receivers in NFL history to spend 10 or more seasons with a single franchise, the Seattle Seahawks. Lockett is arguably one of the most consistent and durable wideouts of his era.
His time in Seattle was full of ups and downs. Lockett saw the "Legion of Boom" era in 2016, anchored a receiving core with the likes of Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse and Paul Richardson.
Lockett has since seen time with the Tennessee Titans before signing with the Raiders. Should they play their cards right, he could become a primary target for the top-overall quarterback projection Fernando Mendoza.
Darren Sproles
Similar to Lockett, Darren Sproles also spent a considerable amount of time in the NFL. Sproles, however, saw his college football days come sooner. He played for Kansas State from 2001 to 2004.
Funny enough, it was Sproles' record broken by sophomore running back Joe Jackson against Utah in 2025. Prior to Jackson's performance, he rushed for 292 yards in a single game back in 2004. Once in the NFL, he carried much of the same talent.
Sproles was originally drafted by the San Diego Chargers, who have since relocated to Los Angeles. He spent time with the New Orleans Saints from 2011 to 2013, and played his final seasons with the Eagles from 2014 to 2019.
His career spanned 183 games, 732 rushing attempts, and over 3500 rushing yards. Unlike Lockett, Sproles won a Super Bowl ring with the Eagles in 2017.
Both he and Lockett have their numbers retired, etched in history inside of Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Jordy Nelson
When thinking of the all-time great receivers to play for Kansas State, Lockett isn't the only name that comes to mind. Jordy Nelson, another name to come before Lockett, is also in the conversation.
Nelson played for Kansas State from 2003 to 2007. For a brief period of time, both he and Sproles occupied the same roster. Not long after, both were leading prominent careers in the NFL.
Nelson's career out of college started in 2008 with the Green Bay Packers. He started just two games, but ended the year north of 300 yards receiving. From that point on, he was an immediate impact.
That lone season turned into eight more in Green Bay, many of which were anchored by quarterback Aaron Rogers before his departure to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. Unfortunately for those who loved watching Nelson, that move came six years after his retirement in 2018.
Nelson's careen in Green Bay ended after nine seasons, totaling 924 targets, 613 receptions and 8,587 yards. He later spent a season with the Raiders in 2018, but saw limited production.
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