NFL Players Who Attended 

Northern Michigan University 

Avery, Steve (1989 - 1995). RB/Special Teams. Steelers, Niners. One Super Bowl appearance. Hometown: Brookfield, WI (Central)

Kearney, Tim (1972 - 1981). LB. Bengals, Chiefs, Cardinals.  Hometown: Kingsford, MI.  10 career fumble recoveries and 3 career interceptions. 

Klingbeil, Chuck (1991 - 1995). DL. Dolphins. Was also MVP of CFL's Grey Cup as a rookie. Hometown:  Houghton, MI.

Kroll, Bob (1972).  DB. Packers.  Played 5 games, 1 fumble recovery.  Hometown: Green Bay (Preble). 

Maddox, Mark (1992 - 2000).  LB. Bills, Cardinals. At least one Super Bowl appearance.  Hometown: Milwaukee, WI (Washington).




Neumann, Tom (1963 - 1963).  RB. Patriots. Hometown: Menomonie, WI. Won the 1963 AFL title with the Pats. 
 

Rademacher, Bill (1964 - 1970). WR. Jets. Played in Super Bowl III.  Hometown:  Menominee, MI.  Later the head football coach at NMU and real "baddest MF'er ever to come of Menominee, Michigan!"  Sorry Stew. 

 

St. Jean, Len (1964 - 1973). G. Patriots.  Hometown: Newberry, MI. He  played for the Patriots for 10 seasons and was a one-time AFL All-Star selection, and a member of the Patriots' All-1960s (AFL) Team.
 

Woods, Jerry (1989 - 1990). DB.  Lions, Packers.  Hometown: Racine, WI (Parkside).

9 Total NFL Players

• 5 from WI and 4 from the U.P.   If you add Bob Jurasin (CFL multiple year all-pro) this makes 5 Yoopers from NMU who went on to pro football careers. This year's 2 NFL free agent signees are both Yoopers (Soo and Esky).  
• This strongly suggests that NMU's historic competitive advantage comes from recruiting players who are MAC/Big Ten level, but are overlooked and/or  from recruiting Wisconsin which has only 1 football scholarship school
• Contrast this to Lower Michigan which has 11 football scholarship schools! (MSU, U of M, CMU, WMU, EMU, Ferris, GV, SV, Northwood, Wayne State, and Hillsdale). 
• 2 played in the old AFL, both for the Patriots. 
• 1 played in CFL before the NFL.
• 1 Grey Cup MVP.
• 3 completed NMU eligibility in 60's.
• 2 completed NMU eligibility in 70's.
• 3 completed NMU eligibility in 80's.
• 1 completed NMU eligibility in 90's.
• 2 RBs.
• 2 LBs. 
• 2 DBs. 
• 1 DL.
• 1 OL.
• 1 WR.

SOURCE:  footballdatabase.com and editor's research and compilations.