A new study by PikaKasinotSuomi has revealed which states produce the best NFL players. The study analyzed the lifetime stats of current and former NFL players across every state, creating an index score factoring in the career stats of over 25,000 professional NFL players nationwide.
Data on all former and currently active NFL players was gathered and broken down to average earnings per player, Hall of Fame entries, career touchdowns, and games played. An index was created by normalizing the data gathered and multiplying each normalized value by a weighting, resulting in an index score for each state.
Texas takes the first place on the list, scoring 87.55 out of 100. LaDainian Tomlinson, former San Diego Chargers and New York Jets running back, has the most touchdowns of any player in the state, with an impressive 162 touchdowns to his name.
Texas also has the highest number of former and current professional players (2,644), the most Hall of Famers from the state (36), the most combined games played of any state (136,317), as well as the most combined touchdowns of any state at 8,841.
“Delving into the career trajectories of more than 25,000 NFL players paints a vivid picture of the varied landscapes contributing to their success. Each state seems to bring its unique flavor to the league from coast to coast,” said a spokesperson for PikaKasinotSuomi on the findings. “This study sparks conversations about local influences, whether the high school football culture or college programs shape these athletes' journeys. It's a testament to the rich tapestry of talent the NFL draws from, showcasing the nation's diverse football ecosystems.”
Second place goes to California, scoring 72.36 out of 100. Marcus Allen, former running back of the Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, saw by far the highest number of touchdowns of any former or current player from California, with an impressive 145. Second only to Texas in terms of the number of former and current professional players (2,618), total combined games played (134,283), as well as Total combined touchdowns (8,010).
In third place is Pennsylvania, scoring 64.31 out of 100. Pennsylvania sees the second-highest number of Hall of Famers, only two behind Texas at 34 players. Marvin Harrison holds the touchdown record for Pennsylvanian-born players with an impressive 128 throughout his career. George Blanda holds the state record for most games played, with 340 games throughout his professional career.
Florida takes the fourth spot on the list, scoring 57.86 out of 100. Florida’s Emmett Smith, former running back for the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals, holds the record for the most career touchdowns, racking up 175 – the second-highest nationwide, behind Mississippi’s Jerry Rice with 208 career touchdowns.
In fifth place is Ohio, scoring 51.68 out of 100. Cris Carter, wide receiver formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins, holds the state record for the most touchdowns, accumulating 131 throughout his career.
Vermont came last in the list, scoring zero points. Vermont came last in every section, having the lowest average salary across all Vermont-born professional NFL players, The lowest amount of total professional NFL players, having no players in the Hall of Fame, having the least amount of games played in total at 444, as well as the least amount of combined touchdowns of any state at just 16.