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Top 30 undrafted players in NFL history
Recently, NFL Media experts made their picks for the best undrafted free agent currently in the NFL. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was my selection. That discussion had me wondering about Romo's place all-time among undrafted players.
Romo is among five active NFL players to crack my top-30 list:
![College: Texas Tech
Signed by: San Diego Chargers
NFL seasons: 12
First year: 2004
Pro Bowls: 5
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: Three times led the NFL in receptions; had five seasons with 100 or more catches.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/bkk845et5aklebb883py.jpg)
College: Texas Tech
Signed by: San Diego Chargers
NFL seasons: 12
First year: 2004
Pro Bowls: 5
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: Three times led the NFL in receptions; had five seasons with 100 or more catches.
![College: Nevada
Signed by: Cleveland Browns
NFL seasons: 9
First year: 1946
Pro Bowls: 1
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: Powerful runner on dominant Browns teams in 1940s and 1950s. ... Motley was the all-time leading rusher of the AAFC and led the NFL in rushing yards in 1950 ... Was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/aypyaz9ehyhenpgyynmh.jpg)
College: Nevada
Signed by: Cleveland Browns
NFL seasons: 9
First year: 1946
Pro Bowls: 1
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: Powerful runner on dominant Browns teams in 1940s and 1950s. ... Motley was the all-time leading rusher of the AAFC and led the NFL in rushing yards in 1950 ... Was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.
![College: Tulsa
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
NFL seasons: 11
First year: 1973
Pro Bowls: 3
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: Converted from quarterback to wide receiver while at Tulsa. ... Was member of three Cowboys teams that advanced to the Super Bowl, including the Super Bowl XII-winning team. ... Led NFL in receiving yards in 1977.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/jzzgplpn2kxzhxql8pwb.jpg)
College: Tulsa
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
NFL seasons: 11
First year: 1973
Pro Bowls: 3
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: Converted from quarterback to wide receiver while at Tulsa. ... Was member of three Cowboys teams that advanced to the Super Bowl, including the Super Bowl XII-winning team. ... Led NFL in receiving yards in 1977.
![College: Kansas
Signed by: Denver Broncos
NFL seasons: 5 (active)
First year: 2011
Pro Bowls: 2
All-Pro selections: 0
Notes: Harris has been named to the previous two Pro Bowls, and was a member of the Broncos' Super Bowl 50-winning team.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/thnzhirhapylhpyplqxi.jpg)
College: Kansas
Signed by: Denver Broncos
NFL seasons: 5 (active)
First year: 2011
Pro Bowls: 2
All-Pro selections: 0
Notes: Harris has been named to the previous two Pro Bowls, and was a member of the Broncos' Super Bowl 50-winning team.
![College: North Texas
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
NFL seasons: 13
First year: 2000
Pro Bowls: 6
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: Played tight end in college, and then went on to become one of the best interior linemen in NFL history.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/hlpgvpp4n0u2pud4kwpr.jpg)
College: North Texas
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
NFL seasons: 13
First year: 2000
Pro Bowls: 6
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: Played tight end in college, and then went on to become one of the best interior linemen in NFL history.
![College: Oregon
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
NFL seasons: 10
First year: 1961
Pro Bowls: 6
All-Pro selections: 4
Notes: A member of the AFL's all-time team, Grayson had 48 career interceptions playing for the Dallas Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/u1tkgj9dz9ginajlgga3.jpg)
College: Oregon
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
NFL seasons: 10
First year: 1961
Pro Bowls: 6
All-Pro selections: 4
Notes: A member of the AFL's all-time team, Grayson had 48 career interceptions playing for the Dallas Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders.
![College: Bethune-Cookman
Signed by: San Diego Chargers
NFL seasons: 14
First year: 1967
Pro Bowls: 5
All-Pro selections: 5
Notes: The leader of Miami's great offensive line of the 1970s. ... Played in three consecutive Super Bowls, including Super Bowl VII, which capped the Dolphins' perfect 1972 season.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/z71uj2galsp17alkvpxc.jpg)
College: Bethune-Cookman
Signed by: San Diego Chargers
NFL seasons: 14
First year: 1967
Pro Bowls: 5
All-Pro selections: 5
Notes: The leader of Miami's great offensive line of the 1970s. ... Played in three consecutive Super Bowls, including Super Bowl VII, which capped the Dolphins' perfect 1972 season.
![College: Florida A&M
Signed by: Washington Redskins
NFL seasons: 14
First year: 1986
Pro Bowls: 6
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: Newton had amazing quickness and ability as a blocker for a man his size. ... Newton helped form one of the greatest offensive lines in league history, which helped anchor three Super Bowl-winning Cowboys teams.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/t5ksicpsst25wrx0rezk.jpg)
College: Florida A&M
Signed by: Washington Redskins
NFL seasons: 14
First year: 1986
Pro Bowls: 6
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: Newton had amazing quickness and ability as a blocker for a man his size. ... Newton helped form one of the greatest offensive lines in league history, which helped anchor three Super Bowl-winning Cowboys teams.
![College: Arkansas
Signed by: Buffalo Bills
NFL seasons: 12
First year: 2004
Pro Bowls: 8
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: Originally a defensive end at Arkansas, Peters moved to tight end. Peters' abilities as a blocker prompted a move to offensive line in the NFL.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/e8rfyvapbb6ek6im34ta.jpg)
College: Arkansas
Signed by: Buffalo Bills
NFL seasons: 12
First year: 2004
Pro Bowls: 8
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: Originally a defensive end at Arkansas, Peters moved to tight end. Peters' abilities as a blocker prompted a move to offensive line in the NFL.
![College: South Dakota State
Signed by: New England Patriots
NFL seasons: 20 (active)
First year: 1996
Pro Bowls: 3
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: One of the most clutch kickers in league history, Vinatieri booted game-winning field goals in two Super Bowls.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/yicpgp36zjiyecfg3cot.jpg)
College: South Dakota State
Signed by: New England Patriots
NFL seasons: 20 (active)
First year: 1996
Pro Bowls: 3
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: One of the most clutch kickers in league history, Vinatieri booted game-winning field goals in two Super Bowls.
![College: Texas
Signed by: Baltimore Ravens
NFL seasons: 10
First year: 1997
Pro Bowls: 3
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: In 2001, Holmes became first undrafted player since Joe Perry to lead the league in rushing (1,555 yards). ... Holmes followed that up by leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2002 and 2003. ... He earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2002.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/lzsybwhsijtt9pwznrij.jpg)
College: Texas
Signed by: Baltimore Ravens
NFL seasons: 10
First year: 1997
Pro Bowls: 3
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: In 2001, Holmes became first undrafted player since Joe Perry to lead the league in rushing (1,555 yards). ... Holmes followed that up by leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2002 and 2003. ... He earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2002.
![College: Jackson State
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
NFL seasons: 14
First year: 1968
Pro Bowls: 3
All-Pro selections: 0
Notes: Traded by Cowboys to Los Angeles Rams, and teamed with famed Fearsome Foursome. ... Was one of NFL's best at getting to the quarterback before sacks became an official statistic (had 22 sacks in 1976). ... Was an outstanding athlete with unbelievable size/speed combination.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/xx6uywfosbyhttav3ob6.jpg)
College: Jackson State
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
NFL seasons: 14
First year: 1968
Pro Bowls: 3
All-Pro selections: 0
Notes: Traded by Cowboys to Los Angeles Rams, and teamed with famed Fearsome Foursome. ... Was one of NFL's best at getting to the quarterback before sacks became an official statistic (had 22 sacks in 1976). ... Was an outstanding athlete with unbelievable size/speed combination.
![College: South Carolina State
Signed by: Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL seasons: 14
First year: 1974
Pro Bowls: 5
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: Shell was a member of all four Steelers teams that won Super Bowls in the 1970s.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/zqg7lvior3i1rfimuyzw.jpg)
College: South Carolina State
Signed by: Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL seasons: 14
First year: 1974
Pro Bowls: 5
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: Shell was a member of all four Steelers teams that won Super Bowls in the 1970s.
![College: Kent State
Signed by: Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL seasons: 13 (active)
First year: 2002
Pro Bowls: 5
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: A vital member of two Super Bowl-winning teams in Pittsburgh. ... Harrison's 100-yard pick six in Super Bowl XLIII is one of the most clutch plays in Super Bowl history.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/dqjh1uw0asgijybrhd4b.jpg)
College: Kent State
Signed by: Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL seasons: 13 (active)
First year: 2002
Pro Bowls: 5
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: A vital member of two Super Bowl-winning teams in Pittsburgh. ... Harrison's 100-yard pick six in Super Bowl XLIII is one of the most clutch plays in Super Bowl history.
![College: Missouri Southern State
Signed by: Denver Broncos
NFL seasons: 12
First year: 1994
Pro Bowls: 3
All-Pro selections: 0
Notes: Two-time Super Bowl champion with the Broncos. ... NFL receptions leader in 2001. ... Finished as Broncos' career leader in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/kmni9yz0wqak2bdxifmb.jpg)
College: Missouri Southern State
Signed by: Denver Broncos
NFL seasons: 12
First year: 1994
Pro Bowls: 3
All-Pro selections: 0
Notes: Two-time Super Bowl champion with the Broncos. ... NFL receptions leader in 2001. ... Finished as Broncos' career leader in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
![College: Louisville
Signed by: Washington Redskins
NFL seasons: 13
First year: 1981
Pro Bowls: 4
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: Founding member of the Redskins' famed "Hogs" offensive line that won three Super Bowls. ... Member of the NFL's 1980s All-Decade Team.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/jcsaj7410xeb56xp29ti.jpg)
College: Louisville
Signed by: Washington Redskins
NFL seasons: 13
First year: 1981
Pro Bowls: 4
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: Founding member of the Redskins' famed "Hogs" offensive line that won three Super Bowls. ... Member of the NFL's 1980s All-Decade Team.
![College: Kent State
Signed by: San Diego Chargers
NFL seasons: 13 (active)
First year: 2003
Pro Bowls: 8
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: Former college basketball player has 844 receptions for 10,644 yards and
104 TD catches in 13 seasons.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/tguwfxnht8ldhehvwool.jpg)
College: Kent State
Signed by: San Diego Chargers
NFL seasons: 13 (active)
First year: 2003
Pro Bowls: 8
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: Former college basketball player has 844 receptions for 10,644 yards and
104 TD catches in 13 seasons.
![College: Eastern Illinois
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
NFL seasons: 12 (active)
First year: 2004
Pro Bowls: 4
All-Pro selections: 0
Notes: Romo's 97.1 career passer rating currently ranks third on the all-time
list.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/spdnvjefudys0gokicl3.jpg)
College: Eastern Illinois
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
NFL seasons: 12 (active)
First year: 2004
Pro Bowls: 4
All-Pro selections: 0
Notes: Romo's 97.1 career passer rating currently ranks third on the all-time
list.
![College: Texas A&M Kingsville
Signed by: Minnesota Vikings
NFL seasons: 14
First year: 1990
Pro Bowls: 7
All-Pro selections: 6
Notes: Randle, who was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, had
137.5 career sacks in 219 games. ... In addition to being top undrafted players ever, Randle was also one of the game's more colorful characters.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/hfr7kz4bdqf1slkoak0n.jpg)
College: Texas A&M Kingsville
Signed by: Minnesota Vikings
NFL seasons: 14
First year: 1990
Pro Bowls: 7
All-Pro selections: 6
Notes: Randle, who was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, had
137.5 career sacks in 219 games. ... In addition to being top undrafted players ever, Randle was also one of the game's more colorful characters.
![College: Bishop
Signed by: Kansas City Chiefs
NFL seasons: 13
First year: 1966
Pro Bowls: 5
All-Pro selections: 1
Notes: Had 58 career interceptions in a Pro Football Hall of Fame career. ... Had an interception in Chiefs' win in Super Bowl IV.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/peq7gpgwuvjbc0g5wbaz.jpg)
College: Bishop
Signed by: Kansas City Chiefs
NFL seasons: 13
First year: 1966
Pro Bowls: 5
All-Pro selections: 1
Notes: Had 58 career interceptions in a Pro Football Hall of Fame career. ... Had an interception in Chiefs' win in Super Bowl IV.
![College: Utah State
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
First year: 1962
NFL seasons: 13
Pro Bowls: 5
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: Former college basketball player had 34 career interceptions. ... Was part of Cowboys' first championship team in 1971.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/mwzqiukdjzqmlp6z7qcc.jpg)
College: Utah State
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
First year: 1962
NFL seasons: 13
Pro Bowls: 5
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: Former college basketball player had 34 career interceptions. ... Was part of Cowboys' first championship team in 1971.
![College: Ouachita Baptist
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
First year: 1970
NFL seasons: 10
Pro Bowls: 6
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: One of the Cowboys' greatest success stories. Nickname was "Crash" and
he was as tough as they come. ... Played in five Super Bowls with team.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/iom1u1lpjmirlgsmnqao.jpg)
College: Ouachita Baptist
Signed by: Dallas Cowboys
First year: 1970
NFL seasons: 10
Pro Bowls: 6
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: One of the Cowboys' greatest success stories. Nickname was "Crash" and
he was as tough as they come. ... Played in five Super Bowls with team.
![College: Ohio State
Signed by: Cleveland Browns
First year: 1946
NFL seasons: 21
Pro Bowls: 9
All-Pro selections: 4
Notes: Groza doubled as an offensive tackle and kicker for 14 years in Cleveland before becoming a kicking
specialist in 1961. ... Groza helped the Browns win eight championships (4 AAFC and 4 NFL) between 1949 and 1964. ... Pro Football Hall of Famer played until he was 43 years old.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/zvrskmybdlvbetfbgq4h.jpg)
College: Ohio State
Signed by: Cleveland Browns
First year: 1946
NFL seasons: 21
Pro Bowls: 9
All-Pro selections: 4
Notes: Groza doubled as an offensive tackle and kicker for 14 years in Cleveland before becoming a kicking
specialist in 1961. ... Groza helped the Browns win eight championships (4 AAFC and 4 NFL) between 1949 and 1964. ... Pro Football Hall of Famer played until he was 43 years old.
![College: Compton (Calif.) Community College
Signed by: San Francisco 49ers
First year: 1948
NFL seasons: 14
Pro Bowls: 3
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: One of the most explosive inside runners in NFL history. Pro Football Hall of Famer led NFL in rushing two seasons, and was first to post consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/afzfablktmxgf8znery4.jpg)
College: Compton (Calif.) Community College
Signed by: San Francisco 49ers
First year: 1948
NFL seasons: 14
Pro Bowls: 3
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: One of the most explosive inside runners in NFL history. Pro Football Hall of Famer led NFL in rushing two seasons, and was first to post consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
![College: USC
Signed by: Green Bay Packers
First year: 1960
NFL seasons: 12
Pro Bowls: 8
All-Pro selections: 5
Notes: Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. ... Wood had an interception in Super Bowl I.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/j16pz18mblyj5wqa0k4v.jpg)
College: USC
Signed by: Green Bay Packers
First year: 1960
NFL seasons: 12
Pro Bowls: 8
All-Pro selections: 5
Notes: Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. ... Wood had an interception in Super Bowl I.
![College: Grambling
Signed by: Denver Broncos
First year: 1963
NFL seasons: 16
Pro Bowls: 9
All-Pro selections: 5
Notes: Starred for Oakland Raiders. ... Had 54 career interceptions and
inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/lwyhq3peqqzeulxre6ki.jpg)
College: Grambling
Signed by: Denver Broncos
First year: 1963
NFL seasons: 16
Pro Bowls: 9
All-Pro selections: 5
Notes: Starred for Oakland Raiders. ... Had 54 career interceptions and
inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984.
![College: Washington
Signed by: Houston Oilers
First year: 1984
NFL seasons: 17
Pro Bowls: 9
All-Pro selections: 0
Notes: Pro Football Hall of Famer twice led the league in passing yards and had four 4,000-yard passing seasons.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/lopxv6xntdzcawuu6p9w.jpg)
College: Washington
Signed by: Houston Oilers
First year: 1984
NFL seasons: 17
Pro Bowls: 9
All-Pro selections: 0
Notes: Pro Football Hall of Famer twice led the league in passing yards and had four 4,000-yard passing seasons.
![College: Iowa
Signed by: New York Giants
First year: 1948
NFL seasons: 14
Pro Bowls: 9
All-Pro selections: 4
Notes: One of the great defensive backs in NFL history, Tunnell -- a 1967 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee -- is second on the all-time
list with 79 interceptions.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/yhc10hv1lwfx0kyuwfry.jpg)
College: Iowa
Signed by: New York Giants
First year: 1948
NFL seasons: 14
Pro Bowls: 9
All-Pro selections: 4
Notes: One of the great defensive backs in NFL history, Tunnell -- a 1967 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee -- is second on the all-time
list with 79 interceptions.
![College: Scottsbluff (Neb.) Junior College
Signed by: Los Angeles Rams
First year: 1952
NFL seasons: 14
Pro Bowls: 7
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: Pro Football Hall of Famer still owns rookie record for interceptions (14 in 1952) ... Had 68 career interceptions with three teams (Rams, Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions).](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/bvowgnxi0gfmequgfavc.jpg)
College: Scottsbluff (Neb.) Junior College
Signed by: Los Angeles Rams
First year: 1952
NFL seasons: 14
Pro Bowls: 7
All-Pro selections: 3
Notes: Pro Football Hall of Famer still owns rookie record for interceptions (14 in 1952) ... Had 68 career interceptions with three teams (Rams, Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions).
![College: Northern Iowa
Signed by: St. Louis Rams
First year: 1998
NFL seasons: 12
Pro Bowls: 4
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: In addition to being perhaps the greatest Cinderella story in NFL history, Warner is a two-time league MVP who has posted the three best
single-game passing yardage totals in Super Bowl history.](https://static.www.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/league/med8niqxpitbdmrd4pwb.jpg)
College: Northern Iowa
Signed by: St. Louis Rams
First year: 1998
NFL seasons: 12
Pro Bowls: 4
All-Pro selections: 2
Notes: In addition to being perhaps the greatest Cinderella story in NFL history, Warner is a two-time league MVP who has posted the three best
single-game passing yardage totals in Super Bowl history.