Top 10 All-time Kansas football players
By George Pike
1. Gale Sayers: 2,617 all-time rushing yards, 3,917 all-purpose yards. Sayers streaked to a great career in the NFL after Kansas. Played as a returner for Chicago in the NFL.
2. John Riggins: Finished with 2,659 rushing yards at Kansas. Bruising back who also went onto have an elite career in the NFL.
3. Willie Pless: All-time leading tackler at Kansas, with 633 for his career, and 206 for one season. Linebacker went onto become Canada’s all-time leading tackler.
4. Gilbert Brown: Elite defensive tackle, great against the run. Made 168 tackles, 30 tackles for loss. Great player for Green Bay after Kansas.
5. John Hadl: All-American at quarterback and running back back in the 40’s. He had 1,281 yards passing and 1,016 yards rushing during three seasons at the team. Had a stellar career in the NFL.
6. Bobby Douglass: Great quarterback while at Kansas. Another guy who could run and pass, left the school for a long run in the NFL.
7. Larry Brown: Played three different positions while at Kansas. Tight end, defensive lineman, and offensive tackle. Won four Super Bowl rings while in the NFL at Pittsburgh.
8. Mike McCormack: Another huge offensive lineman for Kansas in the 50’s. McCormack made the Pro Football Hall of Fame and helped put together the Carolina Panthers.
9. Dana Stubblefield: Played just three seasons at Kansas, though made his impact felt. Finished with 19 sacks, 168 total tackles, and 30 tackles for loss. Long career in the NFL after Kansas.
10. Nolan Cromwell: Elite defensive back in the 70’s at Kansas. Also played quarterback. Named the NFC’s defensive player of the year in 1980 while at the LA Rams.