Left to right: Saints quarterback Derek Carr, Bills quarterback Josh Allen, and Raiders wide receiver Davantae Adams are Central Valley products that have made it big in the NFL. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)
- Dallas Cowboys boast three Central Valley players, including DaRon Bland, Eric Kendricks, and Jalen Moreno-Cropper.
- Super Bowl contenders like Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs feature Valley connections such as Josh Allen and Xavier Worthy, respectively.
- Veteran players like Davantae Adams seek championship glory, while rookies like Jalen McMillan aim to make their mark in the NFL.
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Steven Sanchez
Sports
The Dallas Cowboys like to think of themselves as “America’s Team.”
They also might be the Central Valley’s team. Three players with local connections are on the roster as owner Jerry Jones once again dreams of winning a Super Bowl for the first time since the 1995 season. There are cornerback DaRon Bland (Fresno State), wide receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper (Parlier High/Buchanan High/Fresno State), and linebacker Eric Kendricks (Hoover High).
Bland led the NFL in interceptions with nine last season set the NFL record for most defensive touchdowns in a season by returning five picks for touchdowns. However, he suffered a stress fracture in his left foot and is expected to miss the first six weeks.
Related Story: NFL Rookie QBs Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix Set to Start in Week 1
Valley Connections on Super Bowl Contenders
A look around the NFL reveals Valley connections with several other Super Bowl contenders. There are quarterback Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills (Firebaugh High/Reedley College) and rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy (Central High), as well as practice squad member Nikko Remigio (Fresno State) on the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Worthy, a first-round draft pick, showed the nation what he can do Thursday night, scoring twice in the Chiefs’ win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees (Kingsburg High) is with the Ravens, one of the few AFC teams that can contend with the Chiefs.
Former Fresno State tailback Ronnie Rivers is back with the Los Angeles Rams, who are thought of as potentially giving the San Francisco 49ers a fight for the NFC West title.
Related Story: 49ers Bid to Become First Team to 3-Peat in NFC West in Nearly Two Decades
Rising Stars and Promising Teams
Analysts view the Green Bay Packers as a team on the rise. Defensive end Aaron Mosby (Sanger High/Fresno State) made the roster after an impressive exhibition season. And there’s another Valley connection. Quarterback Jordan Love starred at Bakersfield’s Liberty High before going on to Utah State. They’ll be joined by rookie defensive back Evan Williams (Fresno State).
In the NFL, fans start the season believing their team has a shot at the Super Bowl regardless of last season’s record.
For example, even though the New Orleans Saints didn’t make the playoffs last year, they’re counting on quarterback Derek Carr (Fresno State) to lead them to the promised land. The Saints also have two other players with Fresno State connections, rookie running back Jordan Mims, and backup quarterback Jake Haener. In addition, the Saints’ roster include fullback Adam Prentice (Clovis High).
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson (Central High) of the Chicago Bears is considered one of the premiere defensive backs in the league. With a recent contract extension and being named a team captain, he and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams are being looked at to lead the team back to prominence.
Related Story: Bettors Banking on Eagles Resurgence, Cowboys Regression as NFL Season Begins
Players Seeking Championship Glory
Wide receiver Davantae Adams (Fresno State) signed with the Las Vegas Raiders to win the championship that has always alluded him. His time there has been clouded with mishaps and controversies. By not reaching playoff contention this can be a telling year on whether Adams decides to remain a Raider.
Other players are seeking opportunities to be on teams where they can rise and make a name for themselves. Linebacker Levelle Bailey (Fresno State) just signed with the Denver Broncos’ practice squad after an impressive showcase during the preseason. Run-stuffing linebacker Mykal Walker (Fresno State) has had stints with the Falcons, Bears, Raiders, Steelers, but is now with the Washington Commanders.
After an impressive season leading the Birmingham Stallions to a championship in the United Football League, quarterback Adrian Martinez (Clovis West High) signed to the New York Jets’ practice squad. He’ll compete to be a backup for Aaron Rodgers.
And, there are those on rosters who won’t see the field due to injuries. Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker David Perales (Fresno State) and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Netane Muti (Fresno State) are on the injured reserve list.
Rookies Looking to Standout
Wide receiver Jalen McMillan (Fresno’s Memorial High) was the No. 92 pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Running back Kendall Milton (Buchanan High) was an undrafted free agent who just signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
It’s a prideful feeling knowing the Central Valley has turned out so much NFL talent. The anticipation will be great to see if a Valley product will hold up a Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season.
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