Top 5 NFL Players who were UConn Huskies

After a nine-year drought, the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies are once again college men's basketball champions after defeating the San Diego State Aztecs 76-59 on Monday night (US time). But despite their now-basketball titles, they have not been as prominent on the gridiron.

Nevertheless, there have been some memorable Huskies who have made it to the NFL. Here are the five most famous of them all.

Will Beatty

Will Beatty was an offensive taclke for the New York Giants

Offensive tackle Will Beatty, who entered the NFL as a one-time All-Big East First-Teamer with the UConn Huskies, played eight seasons with the New York Giants (2009-2016), and while he may not have been as famous as Eli Manning, he was instrumental in keeping the quarterback well-guarded. Injuries plagued him throughout his career, but he did win the Super Bowl XLVI with the team. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won one last Lombardi.

Nick Giaquinto

Nick Giaquinto won a Super Bowl for the then-Redskins

Nick Giaquinto, nicknamed "The Trashcan" for his versatility, holds a special place in American football lore. He was the first H-back in NFL history to thrive under Joe Gibbs' system, and he won a Super Bowl with the Redskins. He was also decent in college, holding UConn's record for most rushing yards in a single game: 277.

After retiring from football, Giaquinto moved to coaching college baseball, where he led the Sacred Heart baseball team to multiple tournaments and a College World Series appearance in 1992.

Anthony Sherman

Anthony Shermn was an integral part of the Kansas Cit Chiefs' rise to Lombardi glory

Fullback Anthony Sherman may be the most accomplished UConn Husky to ever play in the NFL. He was the first player from that school to receive an accolade when he was named to the All-Pro second team in 2014, and he added the Pro Bowl to the cupboard in 2018.

As a Chief, he was instrumental in the team's ascent towards championship status. He won Super Bowl LIV in 2020 and also appeared in Super Bowl LV the following year, which would turn out to be the last game of his career.

Byron Jones

Byron Jones was a dual-role defender in the NFL

Over his eight seasons, Byron Jones has quickly established himself as one of the best dual-role defenders in the NFL, being able to play both cornerback and free safety. He first made a splash during the 2015 Draft Combine, where he set the unofficial standing long jump record - 12.3 m.

Once he got to the gridiron, Jones immediately made himself known by tackling Eli Manning during the Cowboys' season opener against the Giants. Switching between cornerback and safety during his five seasons in Dallas, he made the All-Pro team and the Pro Bowl in 2018, the first UConn Husky to do so.

In 2020, he signed a five-year, $82 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, making him the NFL's most expensive cornerback at the time. He was released just last month.

Dan Orlovsky

Dan Orlovsky is currently an analyst on ESPN

Dan Orlovsky may be the most famous football UConn Husky right now, delivering hot takes on ESPN. But his playing career leaves much to be desired. Most famously, he was the Detroit Lions' primary quarterback during their notorious 0-16 2008 season. He also started a few games with the Indianapolis Colts in 2011, and even backed up Matthew Stafford during his second stint in Detroit before retiring to the booth in 2017.