Cougars in the pros: Why BYU football has quality, quantity of talent in the NFL

PROVO — Fred Warner is the highest paid linebacker in the NFL, Taysom Hill is one of the most unique and versatile football players in the league, and Puka Nacua's historic rookie season with the Rams and subsequent sophomore season was transcendent.

BYU football's modern day NFL presence is no longer in question with a consistent pipeline from Provo to the pros. As of 2025, nearly 20 former Cougars players are active on NFL rosters, and more are arriving each season.

It's a surge that's turning heads and one that former BYU and NFL defensive end Bronson Kaufusi says is no accident.

"It's a mix of great coaching, improved recruiting, and players capitalizing on opportunities," Kaufusi said with ESPN The Fan. "BYU is playing top competition now in the Big 12, which means more scouts are watching. Plus, the success of guys like Fred Warner, Taysom Hill, and Puka Nacua helps bring credibility to the program."

BYU's expanding footprint

BYU has become one of the NFL's more well-rounded pipelines, producing talent across nearly every position on the field. BYU alumni are making their mark on both sides of the ball.

Its contributions span from linemen and linebackers to quarterbacks and specialists, highlighting the depth of development. The 2025 NFL season features nearly 20 former players wearing pro uniforms, a testament to the program's commitment to producing NFL-ready athletes:

Former BYU players in the NFL (2025 season):

• Tyler Allgeier (RB): Atlanta Falcons
• Zayne Anderson (S): Green Bay Packers
• Tyler Batty (LB): Minnesota Vikings
• Chris Brooks (RB): Green Bay Packers
• Brady Christensen (OG): Carolina Panthers
• Michael Davis (CB): Washington Commanders
• Caleb Etienne (OT): Cincinnati Bengals
• Blake Freeland (OT): Indianapolis Colts
• Taysom Hill (TE): New Orleans Saints
• Darius Lassiter (WR): Jacksonville Jaguars
• Puka Nacua (WR): Los Angeles Rams
• Ryan Rehkow (P): Cincinnati Bengals
• Jakob Robinson (CB): San Francisco 49ers
• Kedon Slovis (QB): Houston Texans
• Kingsley Suamataia (OT): Kansas City Chiefs
• Khyiris Tonga (DT): New England Patriots
• Max Tooley (LB): Minnesota Vikings
• Kyle Van Noy (LB): Baltimore Ravens
• Fred Warner (LB): San Francisco 49ers
• Jamaal Williams (RB): New Orleans Saints
• Zach Wilson (QB): Miami Dolphins

What it takes to stick

Breaking into the NFL is a monumental achievement, but staying there is an entirely different challenge — one that demands more than just talent.

For many former players, the journey from Provo to the pros is marked not only by tangible measurables and athletic ability but also by traits that are harder to quantify: discipline, adaptability, and mental toughness.

Bronson Kaufusi, a former Cougar who had stints with the Ravens, Jets and Packers, understands that reality first hand. He said that while making an NFL roster is an uphill battle, the real test begins once you're in the building, where competition is constant and security is fleeting.

"Opportunity and consistency. You've got to make the most of every rep," Kaufusi said. "Injuries, coaching changes, and fit all matter. But if you get a shot, you have to remind them daily why you belong. There's always someone behind you ready to take your spot."

His insight reflects a broader truth behind BYU's growing NFL pipeline that players are arriving more prepared for the grind. BYU athletes typically enter the league older and more mature, often shaped by life experiences such as missionary service or extended college tenures.

"BYU guys are known for being high character and disciplined. That makes them coachable," Kaufusi said. "NFL teams want guys they can trust."

It's a culture that seems to resonate at the next level, and is one that's helping more Cougars not just make it to the league, but stay there.

A Homecoming for a cause: NFL stars return for charity tournament

Kaufusi will be back in action soon, in a different kind of arena. On Saturday, June 21 (9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. MDT), he'll host the Charity of Champions flag football tournament at Skyridge High in Lehi.

Billed as the largest NFL player reunion in Utah history, the event will feature over 50 current and former NFL players, including names like Ziggy Ansah, Tyler Allgeier, Danny Sorensen, Samson Nacua and Blake Freeland, along with other surprise NFL guests.

The event benefits The Pursuit Foundation, which is a group Kaufusi identified to help high school athletes cover the cost of medical procedures and gain access to mentorship and development resources.

"It can take one interaction with a young kid at one of these events that changes their life forever," Kaufusi said. "This is about more than football. It's about showing up for your community."

For Kaufusi, it's all part of a bigger mission to build bridges between football and the future.

"This has never happened before, over 50 NFL players competing in one place here in Utah," he said. "It's a celebration of football, but also a way to dream bigger."

Whether in the pros or at a charity flag football game, it's clear: BYU's presence is only getting stronger, and so is the community behind it.

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