NFL Players From Rock Hill SC are Jadeveon Clowney, Cordarrelle Patterson, Mason Rudolph, Stephon Gilmore, Richard Seymour and more.
Rock Hill has offered more than two dozen players to NFL and is called the “Football City” of the USA.
The fifth largest city in South Carolina with a population of approximately 75000 has been a common home to many top-notch players of the National Football League.
The birth of such excellent talents can be attributed to the highly competitive high school program of Rock Hill. The basics of the footballers from the Hill have been thoroughly masoned by their early coaches and sharpened with unbeatable skills.
For such strong reasons, they are always counted on the list of greatest in the history of the NFL. Let’s look at the current NFL stars of Rock Hill.
Jadeveon Clowney – Free Agent
Jadeveon Clowney was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina in 1993 and attended South Pointe High School associating with Stallions high school football team. He started to play as a defensive end during his school time.
The 6’5” footballer often called Doo doo, Seven, and JD at home, had already set himself as a football elite before going to the university. JD joined his university in 2011 further advancing his career in football.
During his college days, Clowney gained membership in the South Carolina Gamecocks Football Team led by head coach Steve Spurrier. Wrapping up his college years, Jadeveon made his position in the 2014 NHL Draft in the top three selections.
The defender was then picked up by Houston Texans. Clowney was signed for $22. 272 million contract of four years and received $14. 518 million signing bonus from the Texans. He made his NFL debut against Arizona Cardinals on August 9, 2014.
In 2019 Jadeveon was traded to Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Jacob Martin and Barkevious Mingo. The Carolina footballer signed a $12 million contract with Tennessee Titans on September 8, 2020. After completion of the contract, his status is active as a free agent.
Clowney’s Career Achievement
Often referred to as the “most freakish physical specimen” JD has achieved good recognition during his university and professional career.
Achievements at College Football
- SEC Freshman of the Year in 2011
- Ted Hendricks Award (awarded to the best defensive end of College Football)
- Chuck Bednaric Award
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy
- ESPY Award in 2013
Professional Career Achievements
Clowney has been living an excellent life as an American footballer and has achieved high fame in his profession. With his involvement in multiple clubs throughout his career, he has achieved remarkable finesse in the world of football. Some of the major accomplishments are listed below:
- Clowney obtained first team ALL Pro in 2016 and second Pro Bowl in 2017 and third in 2018.
- NFL All-Rookie Team in 2014.
- Highly acknowledged for his ability to maintain pressure on his opponents.
- In his 9 seasons he had got to claim 224 tackles, 43 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, 96 assists, and 1 interception.
The 30-year-old explosive footballer has showcased himself as a player-to-watch in the field despite his injury setbacks. Better known for his speed, strength, and versatility, the formidable player has been successful in establishing himself as an astounding talent.
Stephon Gilmore – Dallas Cowboys
The defensive prowess of American football, Stephon Gilmore was born in Rock Hill on September 19, 1990. Gilmore went to high school with Jadeveon Clowney and played as an exceptional quarterback and defensive back for the same team.
During his high school years, he assisted his team towards a 15-0 record and SCHSL AAAA Division II title. While Stephon was playing as an offensive quarterback, he rushed 1331 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Similarly, he passed for 1771 yards with 14 scores. He was recognized by the state as first-team all-state honors and titled Mr. Football for South Carolina.
In his college days at the University of South Carolina, he started playing for Gamecocks. Gilmore started his professional career with Buffalo Bills after his graduation. Stephon was selected by the Bills in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
The Buffalo signed a four-year contract with the defensive back worth $12.08 million with a signing bonus of $7.22 million with a fifth-year option. He played under jersey number 24 for the Bills till January 2017.
For the 2017 season, the New England Patriots signed Gilmore for a $65 million five-year contract guaranteeing $31 million and an $18 million signing bonus. He played the 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 seasons, four seasons in total with the Patriots.
On October 6, 2021, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers and played eight games for them wrapping up 16 tackles and two interceptions.
Gilmore was signed for a two-year contract of $23 million by the Indianapolis Colts on April 18, 2022. Stephon was traded to Dallas Cowboys on March 14, 2023, for a fifth-round selection in the NFL Draft 2023.
Stephon Gilmore’s Career Accomplishments
Gilmore’s unwavering determination, versatility, and hunger for football have contributed a lot to establishing his football stardom. His undeniable talent has helped him achieve many records and titles. Some of which are:
- Playing for Gamecocks at the college level, by 2009 he had 52 tackles, and two sacs, and defended nine passes giving him the title of Freshman all-American.
- During the 2012 NFL pre-draft process, he was predicted to be the first-round pick by NFL experts.
- In the 2012 season for the Bills, Gilmore attained 61 combined tackles including 52 solo tackles, 16 pass deflections, and 1 interception in a total of 16 games.
- Stephon was able to accomplish 35 combined tackles and 30 solo tackles, 10 passes deflection, and two interceptions in 11 games during the 2013 season.
- 2014 season: 46 combined tackles and 38 solo tackles, three interceptions, and six passes deflection.
- 2015 season: 36 solo tackles, 18 passes deflection, and three interceptions in 12 games.
- 2016 season: 48 combined tackles with 42 solos, pass deflection: 12, five inceptions in 15 games and starts.
- Voted to Pro Bowl in 2017
- Recognized with Ed Block Courage Award
- 2017 season: Recognized as the No. 1 starting cornerback by the head coach of the Patriots. Completion of the season with 50 combined tackles, nine pass deflections, and two interceptions in 13 games.
- in 2018, Gilmore entered the season as the No. 1 cornerback and finished the season with a number of high tackles, pass deflection, and interceptions. By the end of the season, he was named first-team All-pro and the highest-ranked cornerback in the League.
- Stephon attained 90 tackles, 23 passes defended, and seven inceptions in the 2019 and 2020 seasons combined.
In 2022, The defensive end player was able to score 16 tackles and two interceptions in eight games. He suffered many more injuries by then. Currently associating with the Dallas Cowboys Gilmore is seeking his pace back in the game.
Gilmore’s presence on the field has been a game-changing experience evidenced by his extraordinary talent and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Mason Rudolph – Pittsburgh Steelers
Mason Rudolph, an unbeatable quarterback from Rock Hill was born on July 17, 1995. Rudolph did his schooling at North Western High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Mason joined Oklahoma State University to play college football. In three games during his college football, Rudolph finished 49 passes for 853 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Rudolph got associated with Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was the sixth quarterback among those selected in 2018. Pittsburgh Steelers signed Rudolph for a $3.92 million two-year contract with a signing bonus of $932, 264 on May 23, 2018.
Mason has been playing all seasons for the Steelers since that time and signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in May 2023.
Mason Rudolph’s Career Achievements
Rudolph has proved himself as an undeniable talent in the field of American football. His achievements throughout his career as an American quarterback include:
- Received Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 2017 for his outstanding performance as a senior college quarterback.
- During the completion of the 2018 NLF pre-draft process, he was forecasted to be the second-round pick by experts.
- In the 2019 season Mason accomplished 1,765 passing yards, 13 touchdowns (passing), 9 interceptions, and a passer rating of 82.0 against various teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and more.
- In the 2020 season finale against the Cleveland Browns, Rudolph completed 315 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
- Against the Detroit Lions in the 2021 season, Mason threw 242 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
For the 2022 season, Rudolph was assigned to his third-string QB duties during the preseason. He has extended his deal with the Steelers to a year signing a contract in May 2023.
Cordarrelle Patterson – Atlanata Falcons
Cordarrelle Patterson, the fully loaded quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons is also from Rock Hill, South Carolina. Patterson was born on March 17, 1991. The 32-year-old American footballer plays as a wide receiver, running back, return specialist, and sometimes as an offense as well.
Patterson went to Northwest High Scholl in Rock Hill and drove the team to play the State Class 4A Division II Championship game. Jimmy Wallace was his trainer as the head coach during that time.
Cordarrelle joined Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas in 2010. There he earned a name as NJCAA All-American in 2010 and 2011. The Flash left the college in 2013 and was selected by Minnesota Vikings in NFL Draft 2013.
After the 2016 season, the running back signed a $8.5 million deal with Oakland Raiders in March 2017 and played that season for the Raiders.
Patterson was traded to New England Patriots on March 18, 2018. After the season, Chicago Bears signed in Patterson for a $10 million contract for two years on March 13, 2019. He played the 2019 and 2020 seasons for the Bears.
Cordarrelle then went on to join the Atlanta Falcons signing a one-year contract worth $3 million on April 15, 2021 and again resigned $10 million contract for two years on March 22, 2022.
Cordarrelle Patterson’s Career
The Flash has played remarkable career games showcasing his versatility and dedication in the field. He has successfully acquired many records and titles which can be summarized as:
- During his sophomore year, he was titled 2011 first-team All-American Freshman of the year on both return specialist and offense.
- On September 2007, honored as the NFC Player of the Month
- He completed his rookie year i.e. the 2013 season by achieving applaudable 45 catches, 469 catches, and five touchdowns.
- In the 2016 season he was titled as second First-Team All-Pro as a returner.
- 2017 season: 31 receptions for 309 yards, 13 carriers for 121 yards, two touchdowns, and nineteen returns for 538 yards.
- 2018 season: 21 receptions for 247 yards, three touchdowns, 42 carriers for 228 yards, and 23 kicks for 663 yards.
- in 2019, Patterson was given recognition as NFC Special Team Player of the Month in November, first-team All-pro as a kick returner, and second-team All-pro as a special teamer. In the same year, he was voted to the 2020 Pro Bowl roster.
- Cordarrelle was titled All-Pro to the Pro Bowl on December 21, 2020.
- 2021 season: 153 rushes for 618 rushing yards, 52 receptions for 548 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. Patterson ranked 73rd on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022 list.
- 2022 season: 144 carriers for 695 yards, 21 receptions for 122 yards, 9 kick returns for 284 yards.
Cordarrelle Patterson is expected to remain with the Falcons for 2023. His career as a footballer has been a versatile role play with his invasion and acquaintance of various skills required in American football.
The 32-year-old player has already set himself as one of the top in the list of his category.
Other Top Players From South Carolina
Rock Hill claims to have offered more than 41 players to NFL till now and almost 24 of them have been on the top of the list including in the past and present with many more to come. Some of the top players of the NFL from South Carolina can be listed as :
- Gerald Dixon
- Robert Massey
- Philip Adams
- Jonathan Meeks
- Rick Sanford
- Jonathan Hefney
- Jaleel Scot
- Ko Simpson
- Derek Ross
- Chris Hope
- Tori Gurley
- Derion Kendrick
- DeVonte Holloman
- Jeff Burris
- Spencer Lanning
- Jonathan Joseph
- Art Shell
- John Gilliam
- Richard Seymour
- Harry Carson
- Michael Dean Pery
- Donnie Shell and more
What City Produces the Most NFL Players?
According to the US Census data 2022, Houston and Miami stand on the top list in the production of NFL Players. Both cities of Texas and Florida respectively have 19 players in the NFL.
Detroit stands in the second position with 16 players and Tampa holds 3rd position with 15 NFL players. Bradenton, Atlanta, New Orleans and more are also on the list.
High Schools With Most NFL Players
| High Schools | Number of NFL Players |
| IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL | 14 |
| American Heritage, Plantation, FL | 9 |
| Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Fort Lauderdale, FL | 9 |
| Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Miami, FL | 7 |
| Allen High School, Allen, TX | 6 |
| Desoto High School, Desoto, TX | 6 |
| Neville High School, Monroe, LA | 5 |
| Westlake High School, Austin, TX | 5 |
What State Has the Most NFL Players?
Texas has the most NFL players with 199 players as per the census data of the US 2020. Florida and California take 2nd and 3rd positions in the list with 185 and 166 players in NFL respectively. Let’s look at the list of the top 16 states with the most NFL players:
- Texas – 199
- Florida – 185
- California – 166
- Georgia – 151
- Ohio – 74
- Louisiana – 65
- Alabama – 58
- North Carolina – 58
- Pennsylvania – 58
- Illinois – 56
- New Jersey – 50
- Michigan – 46
- Maryland – 45
- Virginia – 41
- Tennessee – 37
- Mississippi – 36
American football is more than just a game. It has been attached to the American’s emotions for a long time now. The excellent fanbase, the craze of football, the cheers and shout-outs, hoots and applauds, the noise, the Karizma, all these things are the evidence of America’s infinite love towards football.
This has widely contributed to the production of such a large number of players all around the country. The statistics seem to continue to grow as the battle of football in America is getting tougher.