NFL players from Illinois

347 NFL players on file were born in Illinois. 84 are on NFL rosters now, among them Trent Sherfield, Dennis Gardeck, and Mike Ford Jr. Jeff Zgonina leads them with 217 career games played. Rosters are on file in full from 1993; before that only some of the stars are.

NFL players who went to college at Illinois →

On NFL rosters now (84)

NFL players from Illinois on rosters now
PlayerPosYearsSeasonsCareerBorn
Trent SherfieldBUFWR2018–20269126 GP · 1,034 rec ydsDanville, IL
Dennis GardeckJAXLB2018–20269121 GP · 223 tackles, 19.5 sacksLake In The H, IL
Mike Ford Jr.ATLCB2018–20269120 GP · 141 tacklesAlton, IL
Julian LoveSEAS2019–20268114 GP · 596 tackles, 2.5 sacksWestchester, IL
T.J. EdwardsCHILB2019–20268112 GP · 761 tackles, 12 sacksLake Villa, IL
Robert TonyanPITTE2018–20268110 GP · 1,552 rec ydsMchenry, IL
Eric SaubertSEATE2017–202610109 GP · 440 rec ydsHoffman Estates, IL
Cole KmetCHITE2020–20267107 GP · 3,026 rec ydsLake Barrington, IL
Robert SpillaneNELB2019–20268106 GP · 646 tackles, 9.5 sacksOak Park, IL
AJ EpenesaPHIDE2020–2026798 GP · 142 tackles, 24 sacksGlen Carbon, IL
Scotty MillerCHIWR2019–2025793 GP · 1,216 rec ydsBarrington, IL
Jake ElliottPHIPK2017–20261092 GP · 5 tacklesWestern Springs, IL
Laquon TreadwellINDWR2016–20261090 GP · 1,457 rec ydsCrete, IL
Nick NiemannGBLB2021–2026680 GP · 113 tacklesSycamore, IL
Greg Newsome IINYGCB2021–2026679 GP · 242 tackles, 1 sacksChicago, IL
Laken TomlinsonGBG2015–2025574 GP · 7 tacklesChicago, IL
Scott DalyCHILS2021–2025468 GP · 9 tacklesDowners Grove, IL
Alec PierceINDWR2022–2026566 GP · 3,006 rec ydsGlen Ellyn, IL
Naquan JonesHOUDT2021–2026664 GP · 106 tackles, 6.5 sacksEvanston, IL
Jon RhattiganLARLB2021–2025564 GP · 50 tacklesNaperville, IL
Jack SanbornCHILB2022–2026562 GP · 203 tackles, 4.5 sacksDeer Park, IL
Tony AdamsTENS2022–2026561 GP · 261 tackles, 3 sacksBelleville, IL
Justin JacksonDETRB2018–2022559 GP · 1,210 rush ydsCarol Stream, IL
Antonio JohnsonJAXS2023–2026454 GP · 183 tackles, 3.5 sacksEast Saint Louis, IL
Lukas Van NessGBDE2023–2026452 GP · 118 tackles, 13 sacksBarrington, IL
John Ridgeway IIINODT2022–2026551 GP · 84 tacklesBloomington, IL
Sam LaPortaDETTE2023–2026450 GP · 2,503 rec ydsHighland, IL
Riley PattersonBALPK2021–2026645 GP · 9 tacklesEdwardsville, IL
Jayden ReedGBWR2023–2026442 GP · 1,881 rec ydsNaperville, IL
Cameron MitchellINDCB2023–2025340 GP · 61 tackles, 1 sacksBolingbrook, IL
Charlie JonesNYGWR2023–2026439 GP · 135 rec ydsDeerfield, IL
Bo RichterMINLB2024–2026339 GP · 25 tacklesNaperville, IL
Bucky IrvingTBRB2024–2026336 GP · 2,535 rush ydsChicago, IL
Ryan FlournoyDALWR2024–2026336 GP · 972 rec ydsHazel Crest, IL
Tyler NubinNYGS2024–2026333 GP · 200 tacklesSaint Charles, IL
LaCale LondonATLDE2023–2026329 GP · 76 tackles, 7 sacksPeoria, IL
Dallis FlowersCHICB2022–2025422 GP · 39 tacklesChicago, IL
Aidan O'ConnellLVQB2023–2025321 GP · 3,932 pass ydsLong Grove, IL
Keondre JacksonBALS2025–2026221 GP · 22 tacklesFreeport, IL
Zaire BarnesNYGLB2025–2026220 GP · 43 tackles, 1 sacksMundelein, IL
Andre SzmytCLEPK2025–2026217 GP · 2 tacklesVernon Hills, IL
David EdwardsNOG2021117 GP · 1 tacklesDowners Grove, IL
Nick AllegrettiWSHG2024117 GP · 0 pass ydsFrankfort, IL
Peter SkoronskiTENG2024117 GP · 1 tacklesPark Ridge, IL
Ethan PocicBALC2017–2024316 GP · 1 tacklesLemont, IL
C.J. WestSFDT2025–2026216 GP · 26 tackles, 1 sacksChicago, IL
J.J. McCarthyNYGQB2025–2026215 GP · 2,547 pass ydsLa Grange Park, IL
Kendrick GreenNYGC2021115 GP · 2 tacklesPeoria, IL
Vederian LoweSFOT2023–2024214 GP · 4 rec ydsRockford, IL
Cam GrandyCINTE2024–2025213 GP · 35 rec ydsBenson, IL
Rylie MillsSEADT2025–2026213 GP · 12 tacklesLake Bluff, IL
John Michael Schmitz Jr.NYGC2023113 GP · 0 pass ydsFlossmoor, IL
Jack HeflinNYJDT2021–2026411 GP · 9 tacklesProphetstown, IL
Sebastian CastroPITS202519 GP · 3 tacklesOak Lawn, IL
Kai KroegerHOUP2025–202628 GP · 0 pass ydsLake Forest, IL
Carnell TateTENWR202617 GP · 413 rec ydsChicago, IL
Logan LeePITDT202517 GP · 2 tacklesOrion, IL
Tanner KoziolJAXTE202616 GP · 23 rec ydsBloomingdale, IL
George Gumbs Jr.INDLB202615 GP · 3 tacklesChicago, IL
Jimmy RolderDETLB202615 GP · 11 tackles, 1 sacksOrland Park, IL
Rodney McGrawMIADE202615 GP · 8 tacklesChicago, IL
Lewis BondHOUWR202612 GP · 0 pass ydsChicago, IL
Athan KaliakmanisWSHQB202611 GP · 186 pass ydsAntioch, IL
Jacardia WrightSEARB202511 GP · 20 rush ydsDecatur, IL
Dominic LovettDETWR20251—Belleville, IL
AJ HenningMIAWRNo games yet——Frankfort, IL
Alex PalczewskiDENOTNo games yet——Mount Prospect, IL
Alex WollschlaegerNOOTNo games yet——Aurora, IL
Andrew RupcichNEGNo games yet——Wonder Lake, IL
Blake HanceLARGNo games yet——Jacksonville, IL
Dan FeeneyTBGNo games yet——Orland Park, IL
Enrique Cruz Jr.SFOTNo games yet——Chicago, IL
Gennings DunkerPITGNo games yet——Lena, IL
Josh GeskyNYGGNo games yet——Manteno, IL
Keagen TrostLAROTNo games yet——Kankakee, IL
Kiran AmegadjiePHIOTNo games yet——Hinsdale, IL
Kyle DixonNEWRNo games yet——Carlinville, IL
Marcellus JohnsonDALOTNo games yet——Normal, IL
Mason ReigerPHILBNo games yet——Hoffman Estates, IL
Miles ScottDENSNo games yet——Dolton, IL
Nick BroekerBUFGNo games yet——Springfield, IL
Pat CooganTENCNo games yet——Palos Heights, IL
Trevor KeeganTBGNo games yet——Crystal Lake, IL
Will PaulingSFWRNo games yet——Chicago, IL

Former NFL players (263)

Former NFL players from Illinois
PlayerPosYearsSeasonsCareerBorn
Jeff ZgoninaDT1993–200916217 GP · 445 tackles, 26 sacksChicago, IL
Bryant YoungDT1994–200714208 GP · 605 tackles, 89.5 sacksChicago Heights, IL
Shannon SharpeTE1990–200314204 GP · 10,060 rec ydsChicago, IL
Rodney HarrisonS1994–200815186 GP · 1,198 tackles, 30.5 sacksMarkham, IL
Mike TomczakQB1985–199915185 GP · 16,079 pass ydsChicago, IL
Greg KragenDT1985–199712184 GP · 206 tackles, 28.5 sacksChicago, IL
Ray BuchananFS1993–200412184 GP · 799 tackles, 3.5 sacksChicago, IL
Mike PriorDB1985–199813182 GP · 185 tackles, 3.5 sacksChicago Heights, IL
Renaldo WynnDE1997–200913182 GP · 345 tackles, 27 sacksChicago, IL
Simeon RiceDE1996–200712174 GP · 470 tackles, 122 sacksChicago, IL
Charles TillmanCB2003–201513168 GP · 912 tackles, 3 sacksChicago, IL
Danny ClarkLB2000–201011168 GP · 668 tackles, 7 sacksBlue Island, IL
Donovan McNabbQB1999–201113167 GP · 37,276 pass ydsChicago, IL
Steve AtwaterFS1989–199911167 GP · 519 tackles, 5 sacksChicago, IL
Bryan CoxLB1991–200212165 GP · 708 tackles, 51.5 sacksEast Saint Louis, IL
Raylee JohnsonDE1993–200411159 GP · 231 tackles, 47 sacksChicago, IL
Chris CallowayWR1990–200011158 GP · 5,497 rec ydsChicago, IL
Mike AlstottFB1996–200611158 GP · 5,088 rush ydsJoliet, IL
Ken NortonLB1989–200010156 GP · 814 tackles, 12.5 sacksLincoln, IL
Russell MarylandDT1991–200010154 GP · 371 tackles, 24.5 sacksChicago, IL
Kevin WalterWR2003–201210152 GP · 4,379 rec ydsLake Forest, IL
Jason AvantWR2006–201510148 GP · 4,118 rec ydsChicago, IL
Craig HentrichP1994–200916143 GP · 16 tacklesAlton, IL
Toi CookDB1987–199711143 GP · 122 tackles, 9 sacksChicago, IL
Antwaan Randle ElWR2002–20109143 GP · 4,467 rec ydsRiverdale, IL
Sherrick McManisS2010–202011142 GP · 153 tackles, 1 sacksPeoria, IL
Brendon AyanbadejoLB2003–201210142 GP · 252 tackles, 4.5 sacksChicago, IL
David DiehlOG2003–20119140 GP · 18 tacklesChicago, IL
Michael TurnerRB2004–20129134 GP · 7,338 rush ydsWaukegan, IL
Oliver GibsonDT1995–20039133 GP · 243 tackles, 17.5 sacksChicago, IL
Dean LowryDT2016–20249132 GP · 272 tackles, 16.5 sacksRockford, IL
Owen DanielsTE2006–201510131 GP · 5,661 rec ydsNaperville, IL
Rob NinkovichLB2006–201610130 GP · 460 tackles, 46 sacksNew Lenox, IL
Derrick WalkerTE1990–19999129 GP · 1,770 rec ydsGlenwood, IL
Mark IngramWR1987–199610128 GP · 3,926 rec ydsRockford, IL
Nolan HarrisonDE1991–200010128 GP · 173 tackles, 22 sacksChicago, IL
Mark JacksonWR1986–19949128 GP · 5,551 rec ydsChicago, IL
Cameron BrateTE2014–20229126 GP · 2,857 rec ydsNaperville, IL
Howard GriffithRB1993–20008121 GP · 844 rec ydsChicago, IL
Corwin BrownSS1993–20008120 GP · 192 tackles, 0.5 sacksChicago, IL
Flozell AdamsOT1999–20108118 GP · 8 tacklesChicago, IL
Don BeebeWR1989–19979116 GP · 3,416 rec ydsAurora, IL
Greg LewisWR2003–20108116 GP · 1,992 rec ydsChicago, IL
Justin McCareinsWR2001–20088114 GP · 3,676 rec ydsNaperville, IL
Sterling SharpeWR1988–19947112 GP · 8,134 rec ydsChicago, IL
Adoree' JacksonCB2017–20259111 GP · 459 tacklesBelleville, IL
Shaun O'HaraC2001–20109111 GP · 16 tacklesChicago, IL
Barry GardnerLB1999–20057110 GP · 256 tackles, 2 sacksHarvey, IL
Pierre ThomasRB2007–20159109 GP · 3,809 rush ydsChicago, IL
Anthony CastonzoOT2011–20197105 GP · 11 tacklesDes Plaines, IL
Desmond BryantDL2009–20157104 GP · 237 tackles, 26 sacksShorewood, IL
Ben NiemannLB2018–20247103 GP · 264 tackles, 2 sacksSycamore, IL
Kelvin HaydenDB2005–20128101 GP · 359 tacklesChicago, IL
Napoleon HarrisLB2002–20087100 GP · 481 tackles, 8.5 sacksChicago, IL
Ryan DiemOG2001–20107100 GP · 8 tacklesRoselle, IL
Bill JohnsonDT1992–1999899 GP · 215 tackles, 12.5 sacksChicago, IL
Sean ConsidineDB2005–2012899 GP · 260 tackles, 2.5 sacksDixon, IL
Hannibal NaviesLB1999–2007996 GP · 244 tackles, 4.5 sacksChicago, IL
Matt RothDE2005–2011796 GP · 296 tackles, 23.5 sacksVilla Park, IL
Mike GoffOG2001–2008696 GP · 11 tacklesSpring Valley, IL
Nathan HodelC2002–2008696 GP · 24 tacklesMaryville, IL
Fred EvansDT2006–2013895 GP · 99 tackles, 3 sacksChicago, IL
Clay HarborTE2010–2016795 GP · 1,170 rec ydsLibertyville, IL
Tevin ColemanRB2015–2022894 GP · 3,319 rush ydsTinley Park, IL
Andre HolmesWR2012–2018794 GP · 1,744 rec ydsBartlett, IL
Andy StudebakerLB2008–2014794 GP · 110 tackles, 2.5 sacksCongerville, IL
Sergio BrownS2010–2016794 GP · 144 tackles, 2.5 sacksOak Park, IL
Reggie HaywardDE2001–2009891 GP · 174 tackles, 39.5 sacksChicago, IL
Nate WayneLB1999–2005789 GP · 438 tackles, 16 sacksChicago, IL
Coby FleenerTE2012–2017687 GP · 3,080 rec ydsLemont, IL
Mark HiggsRB1988–1995885 GP · 2,959 rush ydsChicago, IL
Michael HoomanawanuiTE2010–2017785 GP · 646 rec ydsNormal, IL
Pat O'ConnorDE2019–2025785 GP · 52 tackles, 2.5 sacksChicago, IL
Jeff QueryWR1989–1995784 GP · 1,865 rec ydsDecatur, IL
Kent GrahamQB1992–2001981 GP · 7,801 pass ydsWheaton, IL
John HolecekLB1995–2002781 GP · 378 tackles, 3.5 sacksSteger, IL
Quincy BlackLB2007–2012681 GP · 283 tackles, 3.5 sacksChicago, IL
Ray McElroyDB1995–2001681 GP · 90 tacklesBellwood, IL
Fred WakefieldOL2001–2008680 GP · 97 tackles, 6.5 sacksTuscola, IL
Eddie SutterLB1993–1997579 GP · 59 tacklesPeoria, IL
Eric SteinbachOG2003–2007579 GP · 11 tacklesJoliet, IL
Corey DavisWR2017–2022678 GP · 3,879 rec ydsWheaton, IL
Tai StreetsWR1999–2004678 GP · 2,268 rec ydsMatteson, IL
Ifeanyi OhaleteSS2001–2005578 GP · 305 tackles, 1 sacksSpringfield, IL
Joe MaysLB2009–2015776 GP · 246 tackles, 1.5 sacksChicago, IL
Matt BowenDB2000–2006776 GP · 201 tackles, 2 sacksGlen Ellyn, IL
Ephraim SalaamOT2001–2007576 GP · 5 tacklesChicago, IL
James HarrisDE1994–1999576 GP · 123 tackles, 9.5 sacksEast Saint Louis, IL
John KiddP1984–19981575 GP · 0 pass ydsSpringfield, IL
Scott DavisDE1988–1994575 GP · 3 tackles, 27.5 sacksJoliet, IL
Rashaan MelvinCB2014–2021774 GP · 260 tacklesWaukegan, IL
Kenny GolladayWR2017–2022673 GP · 3,670 rec ydsChicago, IL
Miles BoykinWR2019–2023573 GP · 498 rec ydsTinley Park, IL
Tom RouenP1993–20051372 GP · 2 tacklesHinsdale, IL
Rashard MendenhallRB2008–2013672 GP · 4,236 rush ydsSkokie, IL
Chris ZorichDT1992–1997572 GP · 211 tackles, 16.5 sacksChicago, IL
Jim SchwantzLB1994–1998571 GP · 51 tacklesArlington Heights, IL
Mike GandyOT2002–2009571 GP · 8 tacklesRockford, IL
Chris BrownRB2003–2009668 GP · 3,024 rush ydsNaperville, IL
Aaron SheaTE2000–2005665 GP · 851 rec ydsOttawa, IL

Birthplace as ESPN lists it for each player. Best career first: games played in the regular season, summed over the seasons on file.

Where NFL players were born: every state and country →