UT isn't the only football school that produces NFL talent.
You have to go west of Texas to appreciate these players. Texas Tech has sent some solid pros to the league.
If you're not familiar with some of these names, here is a reminder of some Red Raiders who had some great careers, according to the NFL's list.
Top 10 all-time NFL players from Texas Tech
No. 10: Marcus Coleman, defensive back (1992-95)
Coleman began his career as a defensive back, playing both cornerback and safety. He established himself as a key player in the Red Raiders' secondary, known for his size, speed, and playmaking ability. Coleman had a productive NFL career spanning from 1996 to 2006.
- Coleman was selected by the New York Jets in the 5th round (133rd overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft.
- Coleman was selected by the Houston Texans in the 2002 NFL Expansion Draft, becoming one of the franchise's original players.
- In 2003, he recorded seven interceptions, one of the best seasons of his career.
- Coleman signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2006, reuniting with his former coach, Bill Parcells.
No. 9: Billy Joe Tolliver, quarterback (1985-88)
Tolliver had a standout junior year, throwing for over 2,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. His performance established him as one of the top quarterbacks in the Southwest Conference (SWC).
Tolliver was selected in the 2nd round (51st overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He also played for the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Oilers, Kansas City Chiefs, and New Orleans Saints. Over his 10-year NFL career, Tolliver threw for 10,760 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 64 interceptions.
No. 8: Michael Crabtree, wide receiver (2006-08)
Originally recruited as a quarterback, Crabtree was converted to a wide receiver, a move that paid off immediately.
Crabtree had one of the most remarkable freshman seasons in NCAA history, setting records with 134 receptions, 1,962 receiving yards, and 22 touchdown catches.
Crabtree was selected 10th overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2009 NFL Draft. Crabtree had his best season in 2012, with 85 receptions for 1,105 yards and 9 touchdowns. He played a crucial role in helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl XLVII, where they lost to the Baltimore Ravens.
Over his 11-year NFL career, Crabtree recorded 637 receptions for 7,499 yards and 54 touchdowns.
No. 7: Bam Morris, running back (1991-93)
Morris made a name for himself during his sophom*ore season, rushing for over 1,000 yards and becoming a key player in the Red Raiders' offense.
After his junior year, Morris declared for the 1994 NFL Draft, foregoing his senior season. His dominant performance at Texas Tech made him one of the top running back prospects in the country. Morris was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 3rd round (91st overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft.
He was the leading rusher in Super Bowl XXX, gaining 73 yards on 19 carries in the Steelers' loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
During his NFL career, Morris rushed for 3,809 yards and 35 touchdowns. He also had 87 receptions for 628 yards and a touchdown.
No. 6: Bake Turner, wide receiver (1958-61)
Turner was known for his versatility, excelling as both a receiver and a kicker. His athletic ability allowed him to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Turner was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 12th round of the 1962 NFL Draft.
Over his career in the NFL, Turner caught 220 passes for 3,430 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also contributed as a kick returner.
No. 5: Dave Parks, wide receiver/tight end (1958-61)
Dave Parks — an Abilene native — became Texas Tech's first football All-Americanand playedin the NFL for 10 seasons.
Parks was selected 1st overall in the 1962 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.
Over his 9-year NFL career, Parks recorded 380 receptions for 6,121 yards and 51 touchdowns. He was known for his big-play ability and consistent performance.
He was named to the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 1993 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
No. 4: Donny Anderson, running back (1961-63)
Anderson played as a running back, kicker, and punter, showcasing his all-around skills on both offense and special teams.
Anderson was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 1st round (6th overall) of the 1964 NFL Draft.
Anderson played a key role in the Packers' success during the mid-1960s. He was part of the team that won NFL championships in 1965 and 1966 and contributed to the Packers’ victory in Super Bowl I.
Over his 7-year NFL career, Anderson recorded 3,210 rushing yards, 1,043 receiving yards, and 28 touchdowns.
No. 3: Wes Welker, wide receiver (2000-03)
Welker was a prolific receiver in Texas Tech’s pass-heavy offense. He was known for his ability to find soft spots in the defense, make key catches, and rack up yards after the catch.
Welker went undrafted in the NFL and was picked up by the San Diego Chargers but was let go after one game. The Miami Dolphins claimed Welker off waivers, and he quickly became a key player on special teams and offense.
In 2007, the Patriots traded for Welker, recognizing his potential as a slot receiver in their offense. This move transformed Welker’s career. Welker became the centerpiece of the Patriots’ passing attack, setting numerous records for receptions. He led the NFL in receptions three times (2007, 2009, and 2011) and had five seasons with over 100 receptions.
No. 2: Zach Thomas, linebacker (1992-95)
Thomas played as a middle linebacker, where he excelled as the leader of the Red Raiders' defense.
Despite his stellar college career, concerns about his size (5'11", 228 lbs) led to Thomas being selected in the 5th round (154th overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Thomas was selected to seven Pro Bowls (1999-2003, 2005-2006) and was named a First-Team All-Pro five times (1998-1999, 2002-2003, 2006).
No. 1: Patrick Mahomes, quarterback (2014-2016)
Mahomes joined Texas Tech University in 2014, coming from a multi-sport background in high school. He was a standout in both football and baseball, which contributed to his unique skill set as a quarterback.
Mahomes had a record-breaking junior season, throwing for 5,052 yards and 41 touchdowns while adding 12 more touchdowns on the ground. His most notable performance came against Oklahoma, where he passed for an NCAA-record 734 yards in a single game, finishing with 819 total yards and 7 touchdowns.
The Tyler, Texas-born Mahomes could have followed his father's place in playing baseball. Mahomes was an MLB draftee but playing football has worked out just fine for him.
Since being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes has won three Superbowls.
