There were two defensive backs attracting the attention of NFL talent evaluators on the Baylor campus this draft season, safeties Jalen Pitre and J.T. Woods.
But then Baylor defensive backs have always been a priority study for NFL scouts. Need a DB, visit Waco.
In putting together Baylor’s all-time NFL team, the defensive backfield was flooded with quality candidates. The players chosen to fill the four starting spots – Gary Green and Xavien Howard at the corners and Austin “Goose” Gonsoulin and Vann McElroy at safety – combined for 137 interceptions and 14 Pro Bowl appearances.
Left behind were five players who combined for 130 interceptions and six championship rings – cornerbacks Ray Crockett and Cedric Mack and safeties Thomas Everett, Hank Gremminger and Bobby Ply. Crockett played 14 seasons and Gremminger and Mack 11 apiece. Everett, Green and McElroy all played nine seasons and Howard and Ply six apiece. Gonsoulin went to the most Pro Bowls with the Denver Broncos (5) and intercepted the most passes of the Baylor alums (46). Gremminger won the most championship rings — three with the 1960s Green Bay Packers.
Baylor has produced one Hall of Famer – middle linebacker Mike Singletary of the Chicago Bears, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the 1980s NFL all-decade team.
Here’s the all-time Baylor NFL team:
QB—Robert Griffin III, Pro Bowl, 2012 NFL Rookie of the Year
HB—Walter Abercromie, 7 seasons, 3,357 rushing yards, 139 receptions, 29 TDs
FB—Ronnie Bull, 1962 NFL Rookie of the Year
WR—Del Shofner, 5 Pro Bowls, 1960s NFL all-decade selection
*-WR—Josh Gordon, Pro Bowl, led the NFL in receiving yards (1,646) in 2013
TE—Ronnie Lee, 120 career starts: 37 at TE, 22 at RT, 61 at RG
OT—Fred Miller, 13 years, 164 starts, Super Bowl ring
OT—Charlie Bradshaw, 2 Pro Bowls, 11 years, 131 starts
G—Jim Ray Smith, 5 Pro Bowls, 9 years, 77 starts
G—Keith Bishop, 9 years, 87 starts
C—Randy Grimes, 9 years, 104 starts
DE—Bill Glass, 4 Pro Bowls, 11 years, 88 1/2 sacks
DE—Albert Fontenot, 9 years, 27 1/2 sacks
DT—Santana Dotson, 10 years, 49 sacks
DT—Daryl Gardener, 8 years, 19 sacks
OLB—James Francis, 10 years, 33 1/2 sacks
MLB—Mike Singletary, Pro Football Hall of Fame
OLB—Bobby Maples, Pro Bowl, 14 years, 134 starts
CB—Gary Green, 4 Pro Bowls, 33 interceptions
*-CB—Xavien Howard, 3 Pro Bowls, 2020 NFL interception leader (10)
S—Austin “Goose” Gonsoulin, 5 Pro Bowls, 1960 AFL interception leader (11)
S—Vann McElroy, 2 Pro Bowls, 31 interceptions, Super Bowl ring
K—Matt Bryant, the NFL’s 15th all-time leading scorer
P—Luke Prestridge, Pro Bowl, 1982 NFL punting champion (45.0 yards)
KR—Mike Nelms, 2 Pro Bowls, 1981 NFL kickoff return champion (29.7 yards)
ST—Reyna Thompson, Pro Bowl, 2-time Super Bowl champion
LS—Jon Weeks, Pro Bowl, 13 seasons as the deep snapper of the Houston Texans
*-Still active
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Selection of Baylor all-time NFL defensive backfield highlights impressive depth at corner and safety positions. Gary Green, Xavien Howard, Austin Gonsoulin, and Vann McElroy show elite interception numbers and multiple Pro Bowl honors, reflecting consistent career impact.
The defensive backfield you selected is absolutely legendary. With 137 combined interceptions, it is easy to see why scouts always visit Baylor when they need a safety or corner. This article is a great resource for fans who love college and professional football.
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It’s impressive to see how many elite defensive backs came out of Baylor, with such strong stats in interceptions and Pro Bowl appearances. The legacy of players like Mike Singletary really shows the program’s impact on the NFL. I also enjoyed the historical perspective on overlooked talents. Articles like this highlight Baylor’s rich football tradition and make fans appreciate its contribution to the league even more.