The 2025 football season is approaching, and the Colorado team recently engaged in a spirited debate about which state produces the best football players. This discussion, not focused on game strategies or rivalries, centered around state pride. The question posed was: “Which state produces the best football players?”
Warren Sapp, a proud Florida native and Miami alum, stood firm in his belief that Florida is the top producer of football talent. “It’s not even a question,” he said. Sapp’s daughter, Mercedes, echoed his sentiment with a supportive repost saying, “You heard him. #FL.” Other players also backed Sapp’s claim with comments like “Everybody knows it’s Florida” and “Florida. Is that even a question?”
However, opinions varied among the team members. Quarterback Julian Lewis acknowledged the difficulty in claiming superiority but others voiced strong support for their home states. Wide receiver Kaleb Mathis championed Texas with “That’s Texas, man, 713,” while others mentioned Alabama and California as contenders.
The discussion highlighted three main states often recognized as football powerhouses: Florida, Texas, and California. These states are known for producing top-tier talent that feeds into the NFL. In fact, during the 2024 NFL week 1 roster count, Texas high schools led with 184 players followed by Florida with 173 and California with 163.
Florida’s reputation is bolstered by institutions like IMG Academy and Saint Thomas Aquinas High School known for developing professional-level players. NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater reflected on growing up in Florida’s competitive environment stating it prepared him well for his career.
Ultimately, when considering current NFL player origins, Florida leads with 192 players compared to Texas’ 189 and California’s 168.
Warren Sapp’s career accolades include four All-Pro selections and seven Pro Bowl appearances during his time as a defensive tackle. He is particularly remembered for his role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ victory at Super Bowl XXXVII.
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