With over 300 players drafted into the NFL, Texas A&M football has had many alumni reach high levels of success over recent years. A&M has 28 former players on active NFL rosters, meaning Aggies are making an impact all over the league. Spanning over 21 different teams, let’s take a look at how some Aggies are faring in the big leagues.
Myles Garrett No. 95 DE Cleveland Browns
As the first overall selection of the 2017 NFL Draft to the Cleveland Browns, Garrett had high expectations coming into the pros. In his seven seasons of play, the dinosaur lover has also established himself as a sack lover racking up 82 total sacks. This number sees him atop the leaderboard of all-time Cleveland Browns pass rushers.
Despite not winning a single game in his first season, Garrett still showed promise to start his career, and he has delivered on the promise that comes with being the No. 1 overall pick. Garrett holds the record for most sacks before turning 28 years old, proving just how explosive his career has started. Garrett has been the captain of the defense since arriving in Cleveland and has held down the defensive line through thick and thin. Beloved by Clevelanders, Garrett has proven how to make an impact immediately in the NFL, ranking 20th overall amongst all NFL players in the 2022 season, he looks to do even more as his career moves on.
De’von Achane No. 28 RB Miami Dolphins
Achane was not only a star on the gridiron but also on the track here in Aggieland. It was this blazing track speed that saw him gain lots of praise throughout the draft process. Despite his muscular stature Achane still fell in the draft, all the way to the Miami Dolphins with the 84th overall pick. Achane suffered an injury in the preseason which saw him miss the Dolphin’s first game of the 2023 season. Achane has proven to be a key piece in the Dolphins offense though as in just four games, he amassed 460 rushing yards, 67 receiving yards and seven total touchdowns. Achane was also key in the Dolphin’s historical trouncing of the Denver Broncos in a 70-20 game, which was the first time a team had scored 70 points since 1966 when Lyndon B. Johnson was president. After a week five matchup against the New York Giants, Achane suffered a knee injury which placed him on the injured reserve. Hopefully, Achane will be able to return after taking some time off and go back to being a key contributor in the “greatest show on surf.”
Von Miller No.40 OLB Buffalo Bills
The Denver Broncos selected Von Miller with the second overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, and he would become an icon in the mile-high city. As a Bronco, Miller amassed 110.5 sacks which makes him the franchise record holder. He also captained a Super Bowl-winning defense, which saw the Broncos defeat MVP Cam Newton and his Carolina Panthers. Miller would be named Super Bowl 50 MVP and has become forever immortalized in the orange and blue. As things became mirky in Denver, Miller eventually saw his way out to the city of Angels. Miller played only 12 games as a Los Angeles Ram, however, one of those was Super Bowl 56, which saw Miller grab his second Lombardi trophy. In the ensuing offseason, Miller signed a 6-year, 120 million-dollar contract with the Buffalo Bills. Miller still resides in Orchard Park hoping to bring home a third Lombardi. The Bills have been Super Bowl favorites with Miller, but have struggled in big games. Time will tell if the poultry science major from Desoto can lead another team to a Super Bowl.
Jake Matthews No.70 OT Atlanta Falcons
Selected sixth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, Matthews has seen both incredible highs and tragic lows. The veteran left tackle has had quite the journey in red and black but only landed in the playoffs twice. Matthews’ first taste of postseason experience was in 2016, leading the Falcons offensive line to Super Bowl 51, however, the Falcons would horrifically blow the game to the New England Patriots. Matthews played a factor in the loss as he had a key holding penalty to stall a Falcons offensive drive, which then fueled a Tom Brady led comeback. However, Matthews is an ironman of the NFL, as he currently leads the NFL in consecutive starts among active players, with 150 as of Oct. 23, 2023. Matthews has been the anchor for several weak Falcons teams and at times has been the only bright spot on terrible offensive lines. When he hangs up the cleats for good Matthews’, will go down as an All-time Atlanta Falcon, and one of the most consistent offensive tackles of all time.
Mike Evans No.13 WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After finding great success in the 2013 Aggies offense alongside Heisman winner Johnny Manziel, Evans would forgo his final two years of eligibility to enter the 2014 NFL Draft. He was selected seventh overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he still resides today. Evans is a legend of the Florida Gulf Coast, becoming the Buccaneer’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions. This swashbuckler has not only been immortalized in the eyes of those at Raymond-James Stadium but the entire NFL. Evans holds the record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career with nine taking the record from one of the all-time greats Randy Moss. Evans has also found himself some jewelry while in the NFL, winning Super Bowl 55 alongside names like Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown. Evans has found tons of individual success despite what had been a struggling franchise to start his career. Despite what some might think, with the resume that he has, Evans should be a no-doubt Hall of Fame inductee.