New Orleans emerges as NFL player hotbed with 19 stars

A new study has identified which cities are most likely to produce NFL stars.  

The research, conducted by sports data experts Lineups, examined profiles of over 2,800 players available on the ESPN website to find the most common birthplaces of NFL players. The data then shortlisted the cities that have the most success in producing NFL players, statistically. 

With an incredible 37 players hailing from the city, Houston, Texas, takes the top spot as the most likely location to birth NFL players. The city’s hall of fame includes Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Steven Sims and Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver.

Detroit, Michigan, ranks as the second-most likely city to produce an NFL player. The city is home to 36 players, such as Justin Rogers, the Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle, and Jeremy Flax, Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle.

According to the study, Miami, Florida, ranks third, with 32 NFL legends originating from the city. Buffalo Bills running back Frank Gore Jr. and New York Jets wide receiver Tyler Harrell are two football players lucky enough to call Miami their home.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is the fourth city with the most NFL stars. The findings show that 28 players across the board call this city their home; Shaun Peterson Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker, and Joey Bosa, Buffalo Bills defensive end, make the list.  

Table: U.S. cities producing the most NFL legends 

 
Tampa, Florida, ranks as the fifth city to produce the most NFL stars. According to the study, 25 players were born in this location, including Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Judge Culpepper. 

In sixth place is Jacksonville, Florida. The city has birthed 24 NFL stars, among which are Isaiah Washington, wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, and David White Jr., wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills.  

Atlanta, Georgia, ranks in seventh place. According to the study, 22 NFL legends were born in the southern city, such as Green Bay Packers wide receiver Rory Starkey and New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker. 

New Orleans, Louisiana, and Charlotte, North Carolina, rank in joint eighth place, with 19 NFL stars being born here. With 16 NFL players, St. Louis, Missouri, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Memphis, Tennessee, draw for ninth place. In joint tenth place is Mobile, Alabama, and Cincinnati, Ohio, with 15 NFL players.  

A spokesperson from Lineups has commented, “The findings underscore the remarkable talent emerging from certain cities, particularly Houston, Texas. Whether it’s Houston’s deep-rooted football culture or the athletic legacies of cities like Detroit and Miami, these regions play a pivotal role in the NFL’s ongoing success.”