15 Most Famous And Best NFL Players From Connecticut
Explore the careers of 15 famous and best NFL players from Connecticut, highlighting their teams, achievements, and impact on football history.
Jul 24, 2025537 Shares53.7K Views
Connecticut may be small in size, but it has produced some of the biggest names in NFL history. From powerful quarterbacks to unstoppable defensive legends, the state has left a clear mark on professional football. These players didn’t just make it to the league; they made history. Some broke records, others won Super Bowls, and many became role models for the next generation of athletes.
If you have ever wondered which NFL stars once called Connecticut home, this list will take you through their careers, achievements, and the lasting legacy they left on the game. Each name here tells a story of hard work, talent, and success, and you won’t want to miss a single one.
Famous And Former NFL Players From Connecticut
Bill Romanowski
Bill Romanowskiwas born in Vernon, Connecticut, and played as a linebacker in the NFL. He attended Rockville High School in his hometown and went on to play college football at Boston College, where he earned Second-Team All-American honors in 1987. Romanowski was selected in the third round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. His NFL career lasted 16 seasons, during which he played for the 49ers (1988–1993), Philadelphia Eagles (1994–1995), Denver Broncos (1996–2001), and Oakland Raiders (2002–2003).
Romanowski won four Super Bowl rings—two with the 49ers and two with the Broncos. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1996 and 1998. Over his career, he recorded 1,118 tackles, 39.5 sacks, 18 interceptions, and 16 forced fumbles. At the peak of his career, he earned about $3 million annually. His estimated net worth was around $45 million, but in 2024 he and his wife filed for bankruptcy due to a $15.5 million tax debt linked to their company, Nutrition53. Romanowski was known for his aggressive style and controversial behavior, including a 2003 incident where he injured a teammate during practice and his admitted use of performance-enhancing drugs. Despite the controversies, his achievements, including four Super Bowl wins, have made a strong mark in NFL history.
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Dwight Freeney
Dwight Freeneywas born on February 19, 1980, in Hartford, Connecticut, and grew up in Bloomfield, where he attended Bloomfield High School. He played college football at Syracuse University from 1998 to 2001, earning unanimous All-American honors in his senior year. Freeney was selected 11th overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2002 NFL Draft and played as a defensive end for 11 seasons with the team. He later played for the San Diego Chargers (2013–2014), Arizona Cardinals (2015), Atlanta Falcons (2016), Detroit Lions (2017), and Seattle Seahawks (2017), completing a 16-season NFL career with 218 games played.
Throughout his career, Freeney achieved 125.5 sacks, 47 forced fumbles, and was selected to seven Pro Bowls (2003–2005, 2008–2011). He earned three First-team All-Pro honors (2004, 2005, 2009) and was part of the Colts' Super Bowl XLI championship team. In 2024, he was inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. His estimated net worth is $5 million, with career earnings of approximately $98 million. Freeney is celebrated for his speed and spin move, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the NFL's top pass rushers. He has one Super Bowl ring from the Colts' victory in Super Bowl XLI.
Travis Jones
Travis Jones, born on October 15, 1999, in New Haven, Connecticut, is a professional American football player who plays as a defensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL. He attended Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven and played college football at the University of Connecticut (UConn) from 2018 to 2021, missing the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During his college career, he recorded 134 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Jones was selected by the Ravens in the third round (76th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. As of the end of the 2024 season, he has played in 49 games, starting 18, and has accumulated 102 total tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Jones signed a four-year rookie contract with the Ravens worth $5,301,962, including a signing bonus of $1,035,972. His average annual salary is approximately $1.3 million, and his estimated net worth is around $5.3 million. He has not yet received Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors and has not won a Super Bowl, so he does not have any championship rings. Known for his strength and run-stopping abilities, Jones is considered a promising young talent on the Ravens' defensive line.
Zach Allen
Zach Allen, born on August 20, 1997, in New Canaan, Connecticut, is a professional American football defensive end. He played college football at Boston College, where he was recognized as a second-team All-ACC selection in 2018. Allen was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round (65th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. He played for the Cardinals from 2019 to 2022 before signing with the Denver Broncos in 2023. As of the end of the 2024 season, Allen has appeared in 78 regular-season games, recording 234 total tackles and 25 sacks. In 2024, he achieved career highs with 61 tackles and 8.5 sacks, earning second-team All-Pro honors. He has not yet been selected for a Pro Bowl, won a Super Bowl, or been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Allen signed a three-year, $45.75 million contract with the Denver Broncos in 2023, which includes $32.5 million in guaranteed money. His average annual salary is $15.25 million, and he is set to earn a base salary of $12.74 million in 2025. His estimated net worth is approximately $51.7 million. Known for his strength and high motor, Allen became the fifth NFL player since 2006 to record 40 or more quarterback hits in a single season, joining an exclusive group that includes J.J. Watt and Aaron Donald. He is regarded as a key contributor to the Broncos' defense and is respected for his work ethic and performance on the field. As of now, Allen does not have any Super Bowl rings.
Terrance Knighton
Terrance Knighton, born on July 4, 1986, in Hartford, Connecticut, and raised in Windsor, is a former NFL defensive tackle. He attended Windsor High School, where he played both tight end and defensive line, earning All-State honors. Knighton played college football at Temple University, becoming the first Owl to earn First-Team All-MAC honors in 2008. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round (72nd overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. Knighton played for the Jaguars from 2009 to 2012, the Denver Broncos from 2013 to 2014, the Washington Redskins in 2015, and briefly signed with the New England Patriots in 2016 before being released. Over his seven-season NFL career, he played in 96 games, recording 14 sacks and 230 total tackles. Knighton was part of the Broncos team that reached Super Bowl XLVIII but did not win, so he does not have a Super Bowl ring. His career achievements include being named to multiple All-Rookie teams in 2009.
Knighton's estimated net worth is $7 million, with career earnings totaling approximately $11.5 million. His largest single-season cash payment was $3.97 million in 2015. Known by the nickname "Pot Roast," he was popular among fans for his personality and strong defensive play. After retiring from the NFL in 2017, Knighton transitioned into coaching. He served as a defensive line coach at Wagner College, then at the University of Nebraska, and in December 2024, he was hired as the defensive line coach at Florida State University.
Tyler Matakevich
Tyler Matakevich, born on December 22, 1992, in Stratford, Connecticut, is a professional American football linebacker. He attended St. Joseph High School in Trumbull and spent a postgraduate year at Milford Academy before playing college football at Temple University from 2012 to 2015. At Temple, he became the school's all-time leading tackler with 493 stops and earned several honors, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, and consensus All-American recognition in 2015 . Matakevich was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round (246th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played for the Steelers from 2016 to 2019, then joined the Buffalo Bills from 2020 to 2023, and returned to the Steelers in 2024 . As of the end of the 2024 season, he has appeared in 140 games, primarily contributing on special teams, and has recorded 136 total tackles and one interception.
Throughout his NFL career, Matakevich has not been selected for a Pro Bowl or received All-Pro honors. He has not won a Super Bowl, so he does not have any championship rings. His estimated net worth is approximately $15.7 million, with career earnings totaling around $15.5 million . His largest single-season cash payment was $3.8 million in 2020 . In 2024, he signed a one-year contract with the Steelers worth $1.21 million . Known for his reliability and leadership on special teams, Matakevich has been a team captain and is respected for his work ethic and consistency. As of now, he remains a free agent.
Eugene Robinson
Eugene Robinson, born on May 28, 1963, in Hartford, Connecticut, is a former NFL free safety. He attended Weaver High School in Hartford and played college football at Colgate University. Undrafted in 1985, Robinson signed with the Seattle Seahawks, where he played for 11 seasons (1985–1995). He later joined the Green Bay Packers (1996–1997), Atlanta Falcons (1998–1999), and Carolina Panthers (2000), completing a 16-season NFL career. Robinson was selected to the Pro Bowl three times (1992, 1993, 1998), earned second-team All-Pro honors in 1993, and led the NFL in interceptions that same year. He won a Super Bowl ring with the Packers in Super Bowl XXXI. Over his career, he amassed 1,415 tackles, 57 interceptions, and 7.5 sacks.
Robinson's estimated net worth is not publicly disclosed. In 1999, he accepted a pay cut from $1.9 million while with the Falcons. Despite a notable arrest the night before Super Bowl XXXIII, Robinson has focused on mentoring others and sharing his experiences. He served as a color analyst for the Carolina Panthers Radio Network from 2002 to 2018 and is a varsity football and wrestling coach at Charlotte Christian School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Robinson is also a co-host of the morning television show "Charlotte Today" on WCNC-TV.
Joe Horn
Joe Horn, born on January 16, 1972, in New Haven, Connecticut, is a former NFL wide receiver. He played college football at Itawamba Community College in Mississippi. Horn was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft (135th overall) and played for them from 1996 to 1999. He then joined the New Orleans Saints, where he played from 2000 to 2006, and concluded his career with the Atlanta Falcons in 2007, totaling 12 NFL seasons. Over his career, Horn recorded 603 receptions, 8,744 receiving yards, and 58 touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl four times (2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004) and was inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame in 2010. Horn did not win a Super Bowl during his career.
As of 2025, Horn's estimated net worth is $15 million. In 2005, he signed a six-year, $42 million contract extension with the Saints, which included a $7 million signing bonus and a $1 million roster bonus. He is well-remembered for his 2003 touchdown celebration, where he retrieved a hidden cell phone from the goalpost padding and pretended to make a call, resulting in a 15-yard penalty and a $30,000 fine. Horn is the father of Jaycee Horn, a cornerback for the Carolina Panthers. In 2019, Joe Hornpleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud related to the NFL's health care program.
Niko Koutouvides
Niko Koutouvideswas born on March 25, 1981, in New Britain, Connecticut, and grew up in Plainville. He played college football at Purdue University. Koutouvides was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round (116th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for them from 2004 to 2007. He then joined the Denver Broncos in 2008, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2010, and the New England Patriots from 2011 to 2013, totaling nine seasons in the NFL. He appeared in two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XL with the Seahawks and Super Bowl XLVI with the Patriots but did not win either, so he has no Super Bowl rings. Koutouvides was primarily known for his contributions on special teams and did not receive Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors.
Koutouvides signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos in 2008. He later signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots in 2012, which included a base salary of $825,000. After retiring from professional football, Koutouvides co-founded Skala Partners, a real estate investment and development company. He is also known for giving back to his community by hosting annual football camps in Plainville, Connecticut.
Floyd Little
Floyd Littlewas born on July 4, 1942, in New Haven, Connecticut, and attended Hillhouse High School in his hometown. He played as a halfback in the NFL. Little played college football at Syracuse University from 1964 to 1966, where he was a three-time All-American. He was selected sixth overall in the 1967 AFL-NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos and played his entire nine-season professional career with the team from 1967 to 1975. During his career, Little was a five-time Pro Bowl selection (1968–1971, 1973) and earned First-team All-Pro honors in 1969. He led the NFL in rushing yards in 1971 and in rushing touchdowns in 1973. Little was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. He did not win a Super Bowl during his career.
Little was nicknamed "The Franchise" for his significant role in keeping the Broncos in Denver during the team's early years. He was the first Broncos player to lead the league in rushing and the first to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. His jersey number 44 was retired by both the Denver Broncos and Syracuse University. After retiring from football, Little earned a master's degree in legal administration from the University of Denver in 1975 and owned automobile dealerships in various cities. He passed away on January 1, 2021, at the age of 78.
Ken Strong
Ken Strongwas born on April 21, 1906, in West Haven, Connecticut. He played as a halfback and fullback in the NFL. Strong attended New York University (NYU), where he led the nation in scoring in 1928 and was a consensus All-American. His professional football career spanned from 1929 to 1947, during which he played for the Staten Island Stapletons (1929–1932), the New York Giants (1933–1935, 1939, 1944–1947), and the New York Yankees of the second American Football League (1936–1937). He was a four-time First-team All-Pro (1930, 1931, 1933, 1934), led the NFL in scoring in 1934, and was a member of the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team. Strong won the NFL Championship with the Giants in 1934 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1957 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. He did not win any Super Bowl rings, as the Super Bowl era began after his playing days. His estimated net worth at the time of his death in 1979 was approximately $5 million.
Strong was renowned for his versatility, excelling in running, passing, punting, placekicking, and defense. He was the first player in NFL history to devote an entire season solely to placekicking. His jersey number 50 was retired by the New York Giants in 1947. After retiring from playing, he served as an assistant coach for the Giants from 1962 to 1965, focusing on kickers. Strong passed away on October 5, 1979, in New York City at the age of 73.
Andy Robustelli
Andy Robustelliwas born on December 6, 1925, in Stamford, Connecticut, and remained closely tied to his hometown throughout his life. He played as a defensive end in the NFL. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he attended Arnold College in Milford, Connecticut, where he played both football and baseball. In the 1951 NFL Draft, he was selected in the 19th round by the Los Angeles Rams. Robustelli played for the Rams from 1951 to 1955, winning the NFL Championship in his rookie season. He was then traded to the New York Giants, where he played from 1956 to 1964, securing another NFL Championship in 1956. Over his 14-season career, he appeared in 175 regular-season games, missing only one. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a seven-time First-team All-Pro. In 1962, he received the Bert Bell Award as the NFL's most outstanding player. Robustelli was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. He won two NFL Championships but did not earn any Super Bowl rings, as the Super Bowl era began after his playing days.
Known for his intelligence and leadership on the field, Robustelli was considered one of the premier defensive ends of his era. After retiring as a player, he served as the director of operations for the New York Giants from 1974 to 1978. He was also one of the original inductees into the Giants' Ring of Honor. Beyond football, Robustelli was a successful businessman and a respected figure in his community. He passed away on May 31, 2011, in Stamford, Connecticut, at the age of 85.
Jordan Reed
Jordan Reedwas born on July 3, 1990, in New London, Connecticut. He played as a tight end in the NFL. Reed played college football at the University of Florida, where he earned All-SEC honors in 2012. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Reed played for Washington from 2013 to 2019, and for the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, retiring in 2021 due to concussion-related health concerns.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2016 and was ranked 65th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017. Reed's jersey was displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after he became the fastest tight end to reach 200 career receptions. He did not win a Super Bowl during his career. Reed signed a five-year extension with Washington in 2016 worth $48.4 million, with $14 million guaranteed at signing. His total career earnings were approximately $33.4 million. Reed was known for his athleticism and route-running skills, though his career was impacted by multiple concussions. He remains a respected figure among fans for his contributions on the field.
John Carney
John Carneywas born on April 20, 1964, in Hartford, Connecticut. He played as a placekicker in the NFL. Carney attended the University of Notre Dame, where he was a standout kicker from 1984 to 1986. After going undrafted in 1987, he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals but did not play in a regular-season game that year. Over his 23-season NFL career, Carney played for eight teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1988–1989), Los Angeles Rams (1990), San Diego Chargers (1990–2000), New Orleans Saints (2001–2006, 2009–2010), Jacksonville Jaguars (2007), Kansas City Chiefs (2007), and New York Giants (2008). He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, in 1994 and 2008, and was named an All-Pro in 1994. Carney won one Super Bowl ring with the New Orleans Saints in the 2009 season. He was inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame. At the time of his retirement, Carney was the third-leading scorer in NFL history with 2,062 points, having made 478 field goals and 628 extra points.
As of 2025, Carney's estimated net worth is approximately $2.5 million. His peak annual salary was $845,000 in 2009. He was known for his consistency and longevity, playing in over 300 games and becoming one of the oldest players in NFL history to appear in a game at age 46. He is also one of the few players to have played in four different decades. After retiring, Carney served as a kicking consultant for the Saints, helping prepare kicker Garrett Hartley during the team's Super Bowl-winning season.
Terry Wooden
Terry Woodenwas born on January 14, 1967, in Hartford, Connecticut, and attended Farmington High School. He played college football at Syracuse University, where he earned Third-team All-American honors in 1989 and was a two-time First-team All-East selection in 1988 and 1989. In the 1990 NFL Draft, Wooden was selected in the second round (29th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks. He played as a linebacker in the NFL for nine seasons from 1990 to 1998. Wooden spent seven seasons with the Seahawks (1990–1996), followed by one season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1997 and one with the Oakland Raiders in 1998. During his career, he played in 120 games, starting 105 of them, and recorded 700 tackles, 10 sacks, and 7 interceptions. In 1995, he led the NFL in solo tackles with 114 and received the Steve Largent Award from the Seahawks.
Wooden was not selected for any Pro Bowl or All-Pro teams, did not win a Super Bowl, and has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After retiring from professional football, Wooden became a scout for the New Orleans Saints. He does not have any Super Bowl rings.
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