Jan. 23, 2012

BLOG:  SEC Rank | Highlights | Articles

Ole Miss' storied history of former players in the NFL reached new heights in 2011-12, headlined by three Pro Bowlers and a pair of Rebels bound for Super Bowl XLVI.

With the Giants' Eli  Manning, Steelers' Mike  Wallace and the 49ers' Patrick  Willis, Ole Miss is one of only seven schools in the nation with three or more alumni in the Pro Bowl.

However, Manning will not be able to take advantage of his all-star roster spot, as his New York squad will be facing the Patriots and ex-Rebel BenJarvus  Green-Ellis for the Lombardi Trophy. The Ole Miss presence on the Giants is further bolstered by Stacy  Andrews, who played in nine games before being placed on season-ending injured reserve.

These former Rebels are among 24 in the league, which ranks seventh among SEC schools, and 16 of those players started games for their respective clubs.

Prominent on that list is Manning, who is bidding for his second Super Bowl crown. The record-setting Ole Miss quarterback had arguably his best season as a pro, shattering a franchise record with 4,933 passing yards along with 29 touchdowns in earning his second Pro Bowl berth.

Joining Manning among the game's elite is his former teammate Willis, who has established himself as the NFL's top linebacker. He has received a Pro Bowl invitation in each of his five seasons and spearheaded San Francisco's turnaround this season, improving by seven wins, capturing the NFC West title and leading the league in rush defense.

A conversation of the NFL's best at the receiver position would also include a Rebel in Wallace. The third-year Steeler registered his second straight 1,000-yard receiving season (1,193), ranked top-four in the AFC in both yards and TD catches (8) and will be a starter in his first Pro Bowl.

While Wallace was a third-round draft pick, his Ole Miss teammate of three years, Green-Ellis, arrived in the NFL as an undrafted free agent but has solidified himself in the potent New England offense. "The Law Firm" has led the Pats in rushing and ran for double-digit touchdowns in back-to-back years, ranking sixth in the league with 11 this season.

Green-Ellis was among nine former Rebels who helped their teams to playoff appearances. Michael  Oher started all 16 games for the Ravens, who won the AFC North and came within a game of the Super Bowl. Others in the postseason included Peria  Jerry (Falcons), Ashlee  Palmer (Lions) and Cassius  Vaughn (Broncos).

Among those that missed the playoffs, the Bears' Chris  Spencer started double-figure games for the sixth straight year, while several other Ole Miss alumni emerged as full-time starters in 2011. Jamarca  Sanford's third year in the league saw him start 15 games for the Vikings and lead the team with a pair of interceptions along with 75 tackles. Second-year pros Greg  Hardy (Panthers) and Kendrick  Lewis (Chiefs) started every game for their clubs and posted four sacks and three interceptions, respectively, while Jayme  Mitchell garnered 13 starts for the Browns.

Lewis is among four Rebels on the Kansas City roster, including Dexter  McCluster, Jerrell  Powe and Darryl  Harris. McCluster blossomed in year two at KC, amassing 1,466 all-purpose yards with 516 on the ground.

Other former Rebels in the NFL include Marshay  Green (Cardinals), Bruce  Hall (Bills), John  Jerry (Dolphins), Trumaine  McBride (Jaguars), Jermey  Parnell (Cowboys), Micheal  Spurlock (Buccaneers), Emmanuel  Stephens (Browns) and Patrick  Trahan (Bears). Jerry and Stephens each earned three starts this year.