In the highly competitive world of high school football, many talented athletes go unnoticed, missing out on the chance to play for top-tier college programs. However, some of these underrecruited players have defied the odds, making it to the NFL and proving that determination and talent can triumph over early setbacks. 

Here are three NFL players who exemplify this journey from underrecruited high school athletes to professional football stars.

Malcolm Butler

High School and College Journey:

Malcolm Butler’s path to the NFL was anything but straightforward. Coming out of Vicksburg High School in Mississippi, Butler was an underrecruited athlete, struggling to attract attention from major college programs. His academic struggles also played a role, limiting his opportunities further. Instead of giving up, Butler enrolled at Hinds Community College, a JUCO program, where he began to showcase his talents.

At Hinds, Butler’s performance on the field started turning heads. Despite his impressive stats and growing reputation as a solid defensive back, he received limited interest from Division I programs. Eventually, Butler transferred to the University of West Alabama, a Division II school, where he continued to excel. At West Alabama, he became a standout player, earning All-Gulf South Conference honors and solidifying his reputation as a tenacious and skilled cornerback.

Path to the NFL:

Despite his success at West Alabama, Butler went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. However, the New England Patriots saw potential in Butler and signed him as an undrafted free agent. Butler’s defining moment came in Super Bowl XLIX, where he made a game-winning interception that cemented his legacy and earned him a place in NFL history. From there, Butler’s career took off, and he has since enjoyed a successful NFL career, showcasing the skills and determination that many had initially overlooked.

Adam Thielen

High School and College Journey:

Adam Thielen’s journey to the NFL is a testament to perseverance and hard work. Thielen attended Detroit Lakes High School in Minnesota, where he was a multi-sport athlete excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and golf. Despite his impressive high school career, Thielen received little interest from major college football programs. Without any Division I offers, he opted to play for Minnesota State University, Mankato, a Division II school.

At Minnesota State, Thielen’s talent began to shine through. He developed his skills as a wide receiver, becoming a key player for the Mavericks. Thielen recorded impressive stats, including over 2,800 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns during his college career. His performance earned him numerous accolades, including All-NSIC honors. Despite his success at the Division II level, Thielen still faced skepticism about his ability to compete at higher levels of play.

Path to the NFL:

Thielen went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft but was invited to try out for the Minnesota Vikings during rookie minicamp. Thielen impressed the coaching staff with his work ethic and skill, earning a spot on the practice squad. From there, he worked his way up to the active roster, eventually becoming one of the Vikings’ most reliable receivers. Thielen’s breakout season came in 2016, and he has since been named to multiple Pro Bowls, establishing himself as a highly effective, every down type of wide receiver. 

Josh Allen

High School and College Journey:

Josh Allen’s journey to the NFL began in Firebaugh, California, where he attended Firebaugh High School. Despite his impressive high school career, Allen was largely overlooked by major college programs due to his rural location and late physical development. With limited options, Allen attended Reedley College, a JUCO, where he continued to hone his skills.

At Reedley, Allen showcased his strong arm and athletic ability, quickly becoming a standout player. His performance caught the attention of some college scouts, and after a successful season, he transferred to the University of Wyoming, a mid-major Division I program. At Wyoming, Allen faced the challenge of competing at a higher level of play. He rose to the occasion, throwing for over 5,000 yards and 44 touchdowns in two seasons. His combination of size, speed, and arm strength began to draw significant attention from NFL scouts.

Path to the NFL:

Allen’s impressive performance at Wyoming led to him being selected seventh overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2018 NFL Draft. Allen quickly became one of the league’s top quarterbacks, leading the Bills to multiple playoff appearances and earning Pro Bowl selections. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs has made him a star in the NFL. Surely, customers on many Arizona Sportsbooks will be eager to bet on him hitting the over on passing yards and touchdowns next season as he looks to replicate his stellar performance from last year.

Takeaways

The journeys of Malcolm Butler, Adam Thielen, and Josh Allen demonstrate that even underrecruited athletes can achieve greatness with determination and the right opportunities. These players’ paths to the NFL highlight the importance of perseverance and the potential for talent to shine through, regardless of the initial level of recruitment. Their stories serve as inspiration for all underrecruited athletes dreaming of making it to the professional level.