The annals of

professional football

history aren’t exactly teeming with the exploits of former University of Arkansas players, but there were some Razorbacks who definitely made their presence felt while in the pros. No one made his presence felt more than Lance Alworth, the greatest receiver of the 1960 s. “ Bambi” tops the NFL Nuggets’ list of the top 10 Razorbacks with the most notable pro football careers.

No current Razorbacks in the NFL were considered when compiling this list, and running backs Barry Foster and Gary Anderson finished in a two-way tie for 10 th place. Top 10 Former Hog Pros

ADVERTISEMENT

10 a. Barry Foster (RB; Pittsburgh; 1990-94 ) — Foster was a running powder keg, and he blew up in 1992, leading the AFC in rushing with 1, 690 yards and 11 touchdowns. After making the Pro Bowl in 1992 and 1993, Foster departed for the Carolina Panthers in 1995, but never played another down.

10 b. Gary Anderson (RB / KR; San Diego, Tampa Bay, Detroit; 1985-93 ) — While Foster’s NFL career exploded and burned out like a supernova, Gary Anderson’s was the model of consistency. A true running / receiving / returning threat, Anderson caught 80 passes with 8 TDs in 1986 and ran for 1, 119 yards in 1988 for San Diego.

9. R. C. Thielemann (OL; Atlanta, Washington; 1977-88 ) — Thielemann, of Houston, wasn’t the biggest dog in the fight (6-4, 260 ), but had plenty of fight to go around. Thielemann played in 157 games for the Falcons and Redskins, and could man any interior line position.

8. Fred Williams (DT / LB / OG / OT; Chicago, Washington; 1952-65 ) — Williams was a tremendous lineman for the Chicago Bears, making the All-Pro squad four years (1952, 1953, 1958, 1959 ). Williams probably didn’t get the respect he deserved, playing on the same line as gargantuan Doug Atkins. But Williams was great, appearing in 168 career games.

7. Wayne Martin (DE / DT; New Orleans; 1989-99 ) — Cherry Valley’s Martin became the linchpin for a Saints defense that was known primarily for its outstanding linebacker play. But Martin was a playmaker, compiling double-digit sacks in five of his 11 seasons. In 1992, Martin had 15. 5 sacks, more than AP Defensive Player of the Year Cortez Kennedy and NFC Defensive Player of the Year Chris Doleman.

6. Billy Ray Smith Jr. (LB; San Diego; 1983-92 ) — As an NFL linebacker, “ BR ” was as tenacious as they come. The Chargers selected Smith with the fifth overall pick in 1983, making him the first defensive player taken. They weren’t disappointed, as Smith played for 10 fine seasons, being named team MVP in 1987.

5. Dave Hanner (DT; Green Bay; 1952-64 ) — Dave Hanner wasn’t just a member of some of Vince Lombardi’s championships teams in Green Bay; he was a big-time contributor. “ Hawg” once stopped the great Jim Brown three straight plays on the goal line, a testament to his power. After his playing days, Hanner was an assistant coach for the Packers, assuming the defensive coordinator’s job from 1971-79.

4. Joe Ferguson (QB; Buffalo, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis; 1973-90 ) — “ Flingin’ Ferg” threw passes — lots of passes — in the NFL for 18 seasons. Ferguson is currently 21 st all-time in the NFL in pass attempts (4, 519 ), 28 th in completions (2, 369 ), 29 th in passing yards (29, 817 ) and 29 th in touchdowns (196 ).

3. Steve Atwater (FS; Denver, New York; 1989-99 ) — As a head-hunting safety for the Denver Broncos, Atwater compiled a Hall of Fame-type career and it’s only a matter of time before his bust rests in Canton. Atwater started in all 155 games at Denver, including Super Bowl XXXII, where he was credited with six solo tackles, one sack, two passes defensed and a forced fumble. A physical marvel.

2. Dan Hampton (DE / DT; Chicago; 1979-90 ) — “ Danimal ” edges out Atwater for the second spot simply because he’s already been named to the NFL Hall of Fame. But the big man from Jacksonville earned his way into Canton, bashing opposing ballcarriers from Buddy Ryan’s 46 defensive scheme during the 1985 Chicago Bears’ memorable run to the Super Bowl title. 1. Lance Alworth (WR; San Diego, Dallas; 1962-72 ) — Perhaps the secondgreatest receiver in NFL history, behind only Jerry Rice. Teaming with Chargers QB John Hadl, Alworth helped usher in the modern passing era in the old AFL. As well as being a member of the college and pro football Hall of Fames, Alworth was named to the NFL’s 75 th anniversary All-Time Team in 1994. A true great.

Honorable mentions: John Hoffman (E / FB / HB / OHB; Chicago; 1949-56 ) Lew Carpenter (WR; Detroit, Cleveland, Green Bay; 1953-63 ) Preston Carpenter (WR; Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington, Minnesota, Miami; 1956-67 )

Glen Ray Hines (OL; Houston, New Orleans, Pittsburgh; 1966-73 )

Ike Forte (RB; New England, Washington, New York; 1976-81 )

Greg Koch (OL; Green Bay, Miami, Minnesota; 1977-87 )

Bobby Duckworth (WR; San Diego, Los Angeles, Philadelphia; 1982-86 )

Bobby Joe Edmonds (RB / KR; Seattle, Los Angeles, Tampa Bay; 1986-95 )

Steve Cox (K / P; Cleveland, Washington; 1981-88 )

Raylee Johnson (DE; San Diego, Denver; 1993-2005 )

Joe West is the assistant sports editor of the Northwest Arkansas Times.