Kansas football: Ranking the Jayhawks in the NFL

Today we’ll list the top NFL careers of Kansas Jayhawks — and this is a fun list, because for all of its non-tradition in football, KU has turned out way more than its share of great players. Remember, we’re using the career value ranking set by profootball-reference.com. For comparison, an all-time great like Emmitt Smith had a 129.

1. John Hadl 98: 14-year pro starter and one of the landmark players in the old AFL, with the Chargers in the ’60s.

2. John Riggins 91: Hall of Fame running back ran the 1982 Redskins to the Super Bowl title.

3. Mike McCormack 80: Cleveland Brown lineman in the 1950s made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Later head coach of the Eagles, Colts and Seahawks.

4. LeRoy Irvin 73: Made 123 starts at cornerback for the Rams (1980-90), with 35 career interceptions. Also returned four punts for touchdowns.

5. Dana Stubblefield 73: Star defensive tackle on ’95 49ers, who won the Super Bowl. Made 149 starts over 11 NFL seasons.

6. Nolan Cromwell 72: Great wishbone quarterback of the ’70s became a star safety over 11-year Ram career, thrice making first-team all-pro.

7. Larry Brown 68: 14-year Steeler, 1971-84 (yep, the glory years), the first half as a blocking tight end, then as a right tackle.

8. Galen Fiss 62: 11-year Brown linebacker, 1956-66.

9. John Zook 61: 11-year pro, 1969-79. Probably underrated on this list; was a big-time defensive end for the Falcons.

10. Delvin Williams 57: Great ’70s tailback played eight years in the NFL, gaining 1,203 yards for the ’76 49ers and 1,258 yards for the ’78 Dolphins.