Sports Illustrated ran a piece about NFL players and where they got their start back in 2004 I think? Don't quote me on that date. The point of the article was that the majority of NFL players are derived from the Southeast. Particularly Florida and Georgia. Texas and California were close seconds.

This was 2004, but I don't imagine the numbers are that different. KY comes in 36th, just ahead of Ohio.

 

NFL Players by State

 

Per Capita, Louisana takes the cake.

 

Louisiana - 1 N.F.L. player per 58,802 people

 

South Carolina - 1 N.F.L. player per 83,584 people

 

Florida - 1 N.F.L. player per 89,287 people

 

Georgia - 1 N.F.L. player per 90,961 people

 

Texas - 1 N.F.L. player per 118,476 people

 

Virginia - 1 N.F.L. player per 144,460 people

 

Ohio - 1 N.F.L. player per 145,553 people

 

California - 1 N.F.L. player per 170,209 people

 

Michigan - 1 N.F.L. player per 198,769 people

 

Pennsylvania - 1 N.F.L. player per 211,742 people

 

NFL Players Per Capita -- Top 10 States

Bama

Texas, Florida, and then California.

but i dont think that Elder was the best in Ohio that year, someone can correct me if im wrong.

 

Elder went on to win the Ohio Division 1 state title that season--their first.

 

 

As to this thread, even given the criteria of NFL interest, college interest, etc., I don't understand how Mississippi is the top of the list. But for those arguing for California... look at what happened to the NFL in Los Angeles.

I think that 2002 Trinity team could play with any team in the country.