Minnesota isn’t known as a football factory, but when Gophers make it to the NFL, they make it count. From Hall of Famers in the trenches to modern playmakers, Minnesota’s legacy stretches far beyond Saturdays in Dinkytown. For those placing NFL bets, there’s always blacklist online casino. Here’s a countdown of the Top 10 Golden Gophers in the NFL all time.
- Matt Spaeth
Spaeth, an All-American tight end in 2006, carved out a nine-year NFL career with the Steelers and Bears. He was never a flashy pass-catcher, finishing with 55 receptions for 420 yards and 10 touchdowns, but his real value came as a blocker. Spaeth became one of the most trusted tight ends in the league for his ability to seal the edge and open lanes for running backs.
His blocking helped power Pittsburgh’s rushing attacks that featured Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall, and he played in three Super Bowls, winning two (XL and XLIII). While his stat sheet looks modest, coaches and teammates knew Spaeth’s dirty work was critical to two championship runs.
- Marion Barber III
Known as “Marion the Barbarian,” Barber was drafted in the fourth round by the Cowboys in 2005 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s toughest runners. He made the Pro Bowl in 2007 after rushing for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns, despite not starting a single game that year.
Barber finished his career with 4,780 rushing yards, 1,330 receiving yards, and 53 total touchdowns. His bruising style — refusing to go down on first contact and seeking out defenders — made him a fan favorite in Dallas. Few plays are more iconic than his 2007 run against New England, where he broke multiple tackles in his own end zone and turned it into positive yardage. Though his career was shorter than some, Barber left an impression as one of the NFL’s hardest runners.
- Eric Decker
Drafted by Denver in 2010, Decker turned into one of the most productive Gopher wideouts in NFL history. His breakout came in 2012 with 85 catches, 1,064 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He followed that up in 2013 with 87 receptions, 1,288 yards, and 11 scores as part of Peyton Manning’s record-breaking offense.
Decker later signed with the Jets and in 2015 recorded another 1,000-yard season (80 catches, 1,027 yards, 12 touchdowns). He finished his career with 439 receptions, 5,816 yards, and 53 touchdowns. Beyond stats, he was known for his crisp route-running, strong hands, and ability to excel in the red zone. His peak seasons put him among the NFL’s most reliable wideouts of the 2010s.
- Antoine Winfield Jr.
A second-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2020, Winfield Jr. wasted no time making an impact. He started 16 games as a rookie, recording 94 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception, helping the Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV.
Winfield’s ability to play both safety spots, blitz effectively, and cover receivers has made him one of the league’s most versatile defenders. In 2023, he earned First-Team All-Pro honors after recording 122 tackles, 6 sacks, 12 passes defended, 3 interceptions, and 6 forced fumbles — a stat line that showcased his all-around dominance.
With a Super Bowl ring, an All-Pro nod, and a Pro Bowl selection all before age 25, Winfield Jr. looks poised to become one of the best safeties of his generation and perhaps the greatest modern Gopher in the NFL.
- Bud Grant
Grant’s athletic career is one of the most unique in Minnesota history. At the University of Minnesota, he starred in baseball, football and basketball. He was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in the NBA and won a championship in 1950 before turning his attention to the NFL.
Playing two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Grant caught 56 passes for 997 yards and 7 touchdowns as a wide receiver, while also contributing on defense. He later starred in the Canadian Football League before transitioning to coaching, where he became the legendary head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.
While his coaching career overshadows his playing days, Grant’s rare status as a two-sport pro and his brief but productive NFL tenure make him one of the most remarkable Gophers to ever reach the league.
- Charlie Sanders
Drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1968, Sanders spent his entire 10-year career with the team and became one of the NFL’s first great receiving tight ends. He earned 7 Pro Bowl selections and 2 All-Pro honors, finishing with 336 receptions, 4,817 yards, and 31 touchdowns.
Sanders wasn’t just about stats — he was known for his clutch catches in traffic, fearlessness over the middle, and leadership on and off the field. His athleticism at tight end helped redefine the position, paving the way for modern stars. In 2007, Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Carl Eller
Drafted sixth overall in 1964, Eller became one of the most feared defensive ends in NFL history. He anchored the Minnesota Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” defensive line, playing 15 seasons and recording 133.5 sacks (credited retroactively).
Eller was named to six Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams, and he played in four Super Bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004. Known for his combination of speed, length, and strength, Eller could dominate both as a pass rusher and against the run. He remains one of the greatest Vikings — and one of the best defensive linemen of his era.
- Leo Nomellini
Nomellini, drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1950, became one of the most durable players in NFL history. He played 174 consecutive games over 14 seasons, a staggering feat for a lineman of his era.
A two-way player early in his career, Nomellini earned 10 Pro Bowl selections and 6 All-Pro honors. His consistency and versatility made him the cornerstone of the 49ers’ line throughout the 1950s. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969, Nomellini remains one of the most respected linemen ever — and one of the first true Gopher greats in the pros.
- Bobby Bell
Bell starred at Minnesota during the early 1960s, winning the Outland Trophy in 1962 and helping the Gophers capture the 1960 national championship. Drafted into the AFL, he became the face of the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense.
Over 12 seasons, Bell was named to 9 Pro Bowls and 6 All-Pro teams, and he helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl IV. His versatility was unmatched — he could rush the passer, cover running backs, and even scored 9 touchdowns in his career, rare for a linebacker. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983, Bell is widely considered one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game.
- Bronko Nagurski
The ultimate Gopher and one of the most legendary names in football history. Nagurski played for the Chicago Bears from 1930–37 and briefly in 1943. A true ironman, he played fullback, linebacker, and tackle, dominating on both sides of the ball.
Nagurski won 3 NFL championships, was a 4-time All-Pro, and became a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963. His physicality and dominance helped shape the identity of professional football in its early years. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded annually to the best defensive player in college football, ensures his name will live on forever.
Honorable Mentions / Others Worth Mentioning
- Laurence Maroney – First-round pick in 2006, rushed for 2,430 yards and 21 touchdowns in five NFL seasons, helped the Patriots reach Super Bowl XLII.
- Tyrone Carter – Safety who won two Super Bowls with the Steelers, finishing with 448 career tackles.
- Ben Hamilton – Guard/center who started 110 games for the Broncos and Seahawks over a decade.
- Rashod Bateman – First-round pick in 2021, still building his career with the Baltimore Ravens.