Wildcats Everywhere: 13 Former Kentucky Football Stars Land NFL Roster Spots — And a Few More Still Grinding to Make Their Mark

Big Blue Nation, listen up! Kentucky football is making waves far beyond the college game, with a strong presence in the NFL this season. There are at least 13 former Wildcats locked into official NFL rosters, playing key roles across the league, and several more grinding on practice squads or rehabbing on injured reserve, ready to make their next move. This isn’t just a nice little footnote — it’s proof the Kentucky program is delivering pro-level talent that sticks.

Let’s break down what that means for Kentucky fans everywhere. You might recognize names like Ray Davis, who led the SEC in rushing last season and now pounds the rock for the Buffalo Bills. Or Bud Dupree, the seasoned pass-rush force who’s a weapon with the Los Angeles Chargers. There’s Brandin Echols patrolling the secondary for the New York Jets, and Luke Fortner anchoring the Saints’ offensive line. Josh Hines-Allen is hunting down quarterbacks in Detroit, while Darian Kinnard, fresh off his third straight Super Bowl win, protects the Packers’ blindside. Bryce Oliver is sprinting routes for the Tennessee Titans, and Wan’Dale Robinson and Dru Phillips are making plays in New York’s Giants offense and defense. Chris Rodriguez Jr. is carving out space with the Washington Commanders, and Carrington Valentine is shadowing receivers for the Packers. Deone Walker is the massive defensive tackle shaking things up with the Bills, while Trevin Wallace breaks down running backs with the Panthers. That’s a wide net of impact players across the NFL, all Wildcats.

But the story doesn’t end there. Kentucky’s footprint extends to players on injured reserve or practice squads who are working hard for their shot. Guys like Maxwell Hairston, Lonnie Johnson, Will Levis, Josh Paschal, and Landon Young are not active just yet but are close to making an impact. Meanwhile, others like Brendan Bates, Mike Edwards, Quinton Bohanna, Zion Childress, Jamon Dumas-Johnson, and Keidron Smith are ready on the practice squads, staying prepared to jump into the fray at any moment.

What’s incredible about this isn’t just the quantity but the quality. Kentucky’s system, coaching, and culture are clearly focused on building players who can transition and succeed at the highest level. This is a proud moment for the program, showing that Kentucky isn’t just a place to play college ball—it’s a place to launch professional careers. When you watch NFL games this season, chances are good you’ll see former Wildcats making big plays, blocking key rushers, or locking down star receivers. It’s the kind of pride that makes Big Blue Nation stand a little taller.

For recruits, this is huge. Seeing so many Wildcats on NFL rosters means the program is proven to develop talent capable of playing with and against the best in the world. That’s a major selling point. Parents and players alike take notice when a school can produce multiple NFL contributors year after year. It’s a signal that Kentucky is the place to be if you want a shot at going pro.

If you’re a fan reading this, here’s a little nudge—why not drop a comment below? Tell us which former Wildcat you’re following this season or who you think will have a breakout moment. Maybe you’re rooting for the running game to light up Buffalo with Ray Davis, or hoping Trevin Wallace’s defense smashes opponents in Carolina. Your voice matters here, and sharing your thoughts helps build that community we all love.

And if you came here because you saw a Facebook post about Kentucky’s NFL stars, do yourself a favor—go back and like that post, share it with your fellow Wildcats fans, and drop a comment. Get the conversation going. The more noise we make, the more everyone knows that Kentucky football doesn’t stop on Saturdays—it carries on Sundays and beyond.

This isn’t just a list of players. It’s a legacy being built. It’s the result of hard work in Lexington paying off on the national stage. And with so many former Wildcats still pushing on practice squads or rehabbing, the list of NFL Cats could get even longer in the coming weeks and months.

So, BBN, keep your eyes on these players. Cheer them on when you see them on TV. Share the excitement. Because every sack, touchdown, interception, and big block is a reminder that Kentucky football is alive and well, all the way through the pros.

Who’s your favorite former Wildcat in the NFL? Who do you think will make the biggest splash this season? Let us know down below, and don’t forget to spread the word to your friends on Facebook. Let’s keep the Big Blue pride roaring loud no matter where the action takes place.

Go Cats—on every field, every Sunday, every time.