Every youngster who turns out for the Troy Trojans football team dreams of one day lacing up their cleats, donning a famous helmet, and stepping out onto the field of a National Football League (NFL) franchise. Ever since the Miami Dolphins selected Glen Thompson in the 1969 NFL Draft, 37 Trojans have graced the NFL with their presence. Like in all professional sports, there have been varying degrees of success. However, when the 2025 NFL regular season kicks off in September, four former Trojans want to put what they learned at the Veterans Memorial Stadium to the ultimate test and break out for their respective NFL teams.

Just signing an NFL contract is a massive achievement because so many young players do not make the grade, such are the lofty standards set by NFL coaches. Players dream of being selected in the NFL Draft, breaking into the first team, and navigating to the Super Bowl. For most, that remains a dream, but some manage to go all the way and play for storied teams that the sites for sports betting in Alabama list as hot favorites for Super Bowl glory.

Being Inspired by the Legendary DeMarcus Ware

Take the legendary DeMarcus Ware, who played for the Trojans between 2001 and 2004, as a shining example. The Dallas Cowboys selected Ware as the 11th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft, making him the highest pick in the Trojans’ program’s history. Ware enjoyed a remarkable 12-year professional career as a linebacker for the Cowboys and later the Denver Broncos, culminating in becoming a Super Bowl champion in 2016; Ware was the eighth former Trojan to collect a Super Bowl ring.

Ware played in 178 games, made 657 tackles, and 138.5 sacks before he called time on his playing career. He led the league twice for sacks, played in nine Pro Bowls, and was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade team.

Three years later, the Buffalo Bills selected Leodis McKelvin as the 11th overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, tying him with Ware as the highest draft pick in Trojans’ history. Although McKelvin, a cornerback, never played in a Super Bowl, he enjoyed a nine-year career that saw him play 111 games, make 360 tackles and 15 interceptions, and score six touchdowns. If the four former Troy players can enjoy even half the success of Ware and McKelvin, they will be delighted.

Jake Andrews – Center – New England Patriots

Jake Andrews started 37 consecutive games for the Troy Trojans before declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. Standing at 6ft 3in and tipping the scales at 305 pounds, Andrews is a giant of a man, yet remarkably athletic for his size. His NFL Draft and Combine profile gave him a 74 Athleticism Score, ranking him fourth of all the 2023 combine centers. His total score of 73 placed him seventh.

The New England Patriots selected Andrews as the 107th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and awarded him a four-year, $4,648,344 contract. Andrews bided his time to make his NFL debut and has so far played in 16 games, starting one. However, a torn meniscus he endured during the Patriots’ 2024 training camp has limited his playing time.

Javon Solomon – Defensive End – Buffalo Bills

Javon Solomon played for the Tory Trojans between 2019 and 2023. He developed into a top defensive talent, playing in 53 games and recording 183 tackles, including 49.5 tackles for loss. Solomon also enjoyed 33 sacks, one interception, and a trio of forced fumbles. His performances in his final season in 2023 earned him a place on the First-team All-Sun Belt.

The Buffalo Bills selected Solomon as the 168th pick in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bills gave Solomon a four-year, $4,274,276 rookie contract despite prospect concerns about him being undersized for a defensive end. Although Solomon is yet to start a game for the Bills, he played 14 games in 2024, forced one fumble, had 2.0 sacks, and made 13 tackles. The future is bright for the Florida native.

Reddy Steward – Cornerback – Minnesota Vikings

Reddy Steward went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, but the Chicago Bears signed him as an unrestricted free agent to a three-year, $2,842,500 contract. Steward was on the team’s active roster after starring in the Bears’ final preseason game. He made his professional debut in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, recording one tackle that resulted in a forced fumble.

The Bears waived Steward, but he signed a one-year, $840,000 futures contract with the Minnesota Vikings in January 2025. Steward hopes to break into the Vikings team during the 2025 NFL season.

Kimani Vidal – Running Back – San Diego Chargers

Ask any young Trojans running back who they draw inspiration from, and most will answer Kimani Vidal. A Trojan from 2020 until 2023, Vidal holds the program’s record for rushing attempts (781), rushing yards (4,010), and most rushing yards in a single game (248).

The San Diego Chargers selected Vidal as the 181st pick during the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Vidal signed a four-year, $4,227,436 rookie contract but was not expected to break into the first team because he was picked in the sixth round. However, Vidal worked hard, and that hard work paid off, with the Chargers’ head coach selecting him ten times during Vidal’s rookie campaign. Vidal rushed for 155 yards and received 62 yards, scoring one touchdown. With a year’s experience under his belt, Vidal should be looking to make more appearances during the upcoming season.

Supporting This Quartet From Afar

Although the four former Trojans highlighted in this article play for NFL teams located many miles from Troy State University, current and former alumni will undoubtedly support the young stars from afar. Everyone should keep everything crossed that Andrews, Solomon, Steward, and Vidal will make their mark on the NFL in 2025 because once a Trojan, always a Trojan.

Gamble Responsibly. You must be 21 years old or older to gamble. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.