An undrafted sportsperson or undrafted free agent is specific type of sportsperson who plays, or attempts to play, in a professional sports league. As a matter of technicality, every eligible person not selected in the league's draft, is considered an undrafted sportsperson. However, many of those players never attempt to sign with a franchise or team. A number of undrafted sportspersons do pursue employment opportunities with their league of choice. As these players are all considered unrestricted free agents, they are sometimes identified simply as an "undrafted free agent" and are free to sign with any team they choose.
[edit] List of notable undrafted basketball players
[edit] List of undrafted NHL players
[edit] List of undrafted NFL players selected to a Pro Bowl
Certain undrafted NFL players have obtained a particularly high level of notoriety as a result of their on-field performance. Specialty positions such as kickers and punters are more likely to be undrafted than other positions.[citation needed]
- Darren Bennett – After a significant professional career in Australian rules football, he came to the US in 1995 and had even more success as a punter, being named as an All-Pro twice and as one of two punters on the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.
- Joshua Cribbs – A kick returner from Kent State University, was the Pro Bowl selection for the AFC as a kick returner.
- Jake Delhomme – A quarterback from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He played in the now defunct NFL Europa before playing significant minutes in the NFL. He was a member of the first Carolina Panthers team to play in the Super Bowl and has played in the Pro Bowl.
- Jeff Garcia - A quarterback from San Jose State University. He played in the Canadian Football League before becoming a Pro-Bowler with the San Francisco 49ers and later the Philadelphia Eagles, where he lead the team to a surprising playoff run in 2006. Garcia is currently a free agent.
- Antonio Gates - A Tight end for the San Diego Chargers. He played Basketball for Kent State in college before entering the NFL draft in 2003. He has been selected to play in Pro Bowl 5 times and has also been chosen for the All Pro team 3 times.
- Robbie Gould - A placekicker for the Chicago Bears. Gould became just the fourth kicker in NFL history to hit game-winning field goals in overtime in back-to-back games. Gould converted 26 of 29 field goal attempts (89.7 percent) in 2008, breaking his own franchise single-season record for accuracy. He was elected to the 2007 Pro Bowl.
- James Harrison – A Linebacker who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Was named AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. He also set a record in Super Bowl XLIII with a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown.
- Priest Holmes – A running back from the University of Texas at Austin; Holmes led the NFL in rushing yards in 2002.
- Mat McBriar – Punter, Dallas Cowboys, is the highest paid punter in the NFL.
- Mark Murphy - A safety from Colgate, Mark played for the Washington Redskins from 1977-1984, leading the NFL with 9 interceptions in 1983.[1] He is now the President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers.
- Shaun O'Hara - a Center currently with the New York Giants, named to the 2008 Pro Bowl
- Willie Parker – A running back, he set a number of Pittsburgh Steelers team records.
- Jason Peters – Pro Bowl and All-Pro offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played tight end for the Arkansas Razorbacks in college and was moved to tackle because of his size. He beat out top-5 draft pick Mike Williams to win the position during his time with the Buffalo Bills.
- Antonio Pierce – Starting inside linebacker for the New York Giants and Super Bowl XLII champion.
- John Randle – Defensive tackle, played mostly for the Minnesota Vikings, went undrafted in 1990 from Texas A&M-Kingsville.
- Tony Romo - Current starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys from Eastern Illinois University. Two time Pro-Bowler and holds record for highest win percentage of an undrafted quarterback.
- Bart Scott – A linebacker who attended Southern Illinois and is currently on the New York Jets. He is a 1 time Pro Bowler and 1-time All-Pro selection. Both in 2006.
- Clifton Smith - A running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he was elected to the 2009 Pro Bowl as the NFC's kick/punt returner.
- Rod Smith – A wide receiver from Missouri Southern State University; he established a number of Denver Broncos team records and has appeared in multiple Pro Bowl games.
- Mack Strong – A former fullback for the Seattle Seahawks who went to multiple Pro Bowls and blocked for record-setting Shaun Alexander in the 2005 season. Is often revered as one of the best fullbacks in history.
- Mike Vanderjagt – Pro Bowl and All-Pro placekicker for the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys who is the NFL career leader in field goal percentage.
- Adam Vinatieri – A placekicker from South Dakota State, he has set several NFL post-season and Super Bowl records and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection. In addition he is a four time Super Bowl champion.
- Brian Waters – A guard who is the only offensive lineman to be an AFC player of the week.[citation needed]
- Wes Welker – Wide receiver for the New England Patriots. He tied for the league lead in receptions in the 2007 NFL season and led the Patriots in catches in Super Bowl XLII with 11.
- Pat Williams - Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings.
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