The 25 greatest Louisville Football players of the past decade

We take a look at the 25 greatest Louisville Football players from the past decade.

The Louisville Football program is having an incredible 2016 season, as they have a Heisman-favorite quarterback and hopes of making the college football playoff. There have been many great moments over the past decade in Louisville and they are just getting started.

In this article, we are going to discuss the 25 greatest Louisville Football players over the past decade. I will tell you that there are no players on this list that are currently on the 2016 roster. However, this list doesn’t lack anyone with great talent.

We have seen these players go through college and onto the NFL. We have seen these players beat Kentucky and win bowl games. Most importantly, we have seen these players make fans everywhere proud of being Louisville Cardinals.

Here are the 25 greatest Louisville Football players of the past decade:

Oct 22, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals fans prepare for the Cardinals facing off against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Papa John

Mario Urrutia

Wide Reciever, Uniuversity of Louisville

Years played: 2005-2007

Drafted: He was the 39th selection in the 7th round of the 2008 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals

Stats: Finished his career at the University of Louisville with 2,271 receiving yards, which places him seventh on the Cardinals’ all-time receiving list. He also finished with 16 receiving touchdown at Louisville, which places him eighth in Cards’ history.

Urrutia was a 6-foot-6 receiver that was a huge target for quarterback Brian Brohm. He had his best season as a Cardinal in the Orange Bowl winning year for the Cards and has made a living playing professional football in many different leagues as time has gone on.

He is one of the most solid receivers that the University of Louisville has seen over the past decade.

Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas (83) reacts on the bench against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 29-18. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Harry Douglas

Wide Reciever, Tennessee Titans

Years played: 2004-2007

Drafted: Douglas was the 21st selection in the 3rd round by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Stats: Harry Douglas is second on the Louisville all-time receiving yards list with 2,924 yards as a Louisville Cardinal. He dominated in college and became an even better receiver the in NFL. He was a large part of a great Atlanta Falcons offense that featured Julio Jones and Roddy White.

Douglas found himself being a contribtor in the slot, while in Atlanta, which gave them a solid third read in every year for Matt Ryan.

Douglas is now on the Tennessee Titans roster, but hasn’t found much playing time in two years with the team.

Apr 28, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams tackle Jamon Brown (68) at 2016 NFL Draft Party at L.A. Live. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jamon Brown

Offensive Line, Los Angeles Rams

Years played: 2011-2014

Drafted: Brown was drafted as the 8th pick in the 3rd round by the St.Louis Rams in the 2015 NFL Draft

This is what the NFL had to say about Brown in his Draft Profile:

“Thick, wide frame. “Run-around” defenders have a long way to go to get around him. Adequate power in lower half to get initial push. Quicker than expected out of stance and with initial steps. Can beat defender to the spot as position blocker. Play speed will be a plus inside. Straight-line mover in space with potential to be effective blocker on inside zone plays from guard spot. Has experience at both tackle spots and at guard. Uses club move to initiate movement.”

Brown is definitely a monster. He is going to be one of the most valuable guys to have on an offensive line in the NFL before too long. I’m sure Teddy Bridgewater enjoyed his presence on the Cards’ offensive line for all of those years.

Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Eli Rogers (17) runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-15. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Eli Rogers

Wide Reciever, Pittsburgh Steelers

Years played: 2011-2014

Drafted: Undrafted

Stats: Rogers is currently in tenth place on the Cards’ all-time receiving yards list. He was always a solid and reliable receiver for Teddy Bridgewater when they were at the University of Louisville. He is now playing in the slot for the Steelers and is doing a fantastic job.

The organization fell in love with him over the offseason and he has been starting ever since. He is a true slot receiver and is getting better by the season. He would have more production if the Steelers didn’t have Antonio Brown, but he is still one of their top guys at receiver.

Dec 14, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) returns an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

William Gay

Cornerback, Pittsburgh Steelers

Years played: 2004-2007

Drafted: William Gay was the 33rd selection in thee 5th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Discussion: Gay has been quoted that he has never lost to the Kentucky Wildcats and that alone makes him a top 25 player. I’m only kidding, but he was a huge part of a very successful streak of Louisville football teams over his career as a Cardinal football player.

He has been starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers at cornerback for the past ten years and always has an eye for finding the football. He has 11 interceptions over his NFL career and has returned 5 of those for touchdowns. Nearly 50 percent of the time he intercepts the football, he is taking it back to the house.

That is simply amazing.

Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Bobby Petrino reacts during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Kolby Smith

Running Back, University of Louisville

Years played: 2003-2006

Drafted: 5th round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2007 NFL Draft

Stats: This is what Louisville’s Official Website had to say about Smith:

“As a player at Louisville, Smith led the Cardinals to a 12-1 record as the main back in 2006. Sharing the backfield that year with Michael Bush, Smith stepped in after an injury to Bush to average more than five yards per carry, scoring seven touchdowns on a team that defeated Wake Forest in the BCS’ Orange Bowl. For his career under Petrino, Smith rushed for over 1,800 yards, averaging nearly six yards per carry, and scored 18 touchdowns on the ground. Smith was also a threat catching the ball out of the backfield in Petrino’s offensive system, pulling in 56 passes for over 500 yards and two touchdowns.”

Smith is currently doing a great job coaching the running backs at the University of Louisville. He was a great all-around back under head coach Bobby Petrino and also made a nice career playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dec 27, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive guard John Miller (76) against the Dallas Cowboys at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

John Miller

Offensive Line, Buffalo Bills

Years played: 2011-2014

Drafted: Was the 17th overall pick in the 3rd round by the Buffalo Bills in 2015

Stats: This is what the NFL had to say about Miller in his draft profile:

“All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2014 and second-team All-American Athletic Conference selection in 2013. Made 47 career starts, all at left guard; however, Louisville flips its offensive linemen from side to side, so he has played both left and right guard. Participant in the East-West Shrine Game. Rated a three-star prospect out of Miami Central (Fla.) and was named first-team All-Dade County.”

Miller has been able to play beside former Louisville football player Eric Wood for the past two seasons. They have formed a great offensive line for running back LeSean McCoy, who is having a great start to the 2016 season.

Miller is one of many Buffalo Bills who came from Louisville and are excelling in professional football.

Sep 17, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Bobby Petrino greet fans during the Card March before facing the Florida State Seminoles at Papa John

John Wallace

Kicker, University of Louisville

Years played: 2012-2015

Drafted: Undrafted

Stats: John Wallace is one of the best kickers that has been through the University of Louisville as he has made more field goals than anyone in Cardinals’ history. Everyone always thinks about how great Arthur Carmody was, but did you know that Wallace actually made more field goals than that former Louisville legend?

Wallace did struggle at the end of his career at Louisville, but that doesn’t take away from what he did over the entire of his time as a Cardinal. He is second all-time in points scored and that’s good enough to make our list.

Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) makes a catch against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard (21) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Gary Barnidge

Tight End, Cleveland Browns

Years played: 2004-2007

Drafted: Barnidge was the sixth overall selection in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.

Stats: Gary Barnidge is currently ranked 20th on the Cardinals’ all-time receiving list, however he is currently ballin’ in the NFL right now. He is coming off his best season as a professional football player, where he went for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns.

After spending a good amount of time in the NFL, Barnidge wasn’t much of a contributor until he was signed by the Browns. It’s actually kind of funny if you think about it. Many football players that go to the Browns end up with horrible careers. Where actually, it was Cleveland that saved Barnidge’s NFL career.

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) runs with the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Patriots 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Bilal Powell

Running Back, New York Jets

Years played: 2007-2010

Drafted: He was drafted 29th overall in the 4th round by the New York Jets in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Stats: Powell is currently eight on the list in rushing yards in Louisville history. He plays with incredible passion and strength that is second to none. He now is the back-up running back for the New York Jets and is doing fantastic.

The Jets have used Powell as the third down back for many years, but he has been one of the more consistent guys on their football team. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and make guys miss, which gives him a huge edge against another another back trying to make a roster in the NFL.

Powell is a special player and the Jets are lucky to have him.

Nov 29, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals safety Gerod Holliman (8) returns an interception against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John

Gerod Holliman

Safety, University of Louisville

Years played: 2012-2014

Drafted: He was drafted in the 7th round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stats: This is what CBS Sports had to say about Holliman in his NFL Draft Profile:

“Won Thorpe Award (given to nation’s best DB). First-team All-American. First-team All-ACC. Played in all 13 games with nine starts. Led FBS with 14 INT. That ties the FBS record for a single season (Al Worley, Washington, 1968). 2013: Played in 11 games with two starts.”

Holliman had one heck of a season for the Louisville football team his last year as a Cardinal. I don’t know if there will ever be another Louisville player that intercepts the football 14 times in one season again. However, I never thought we would see a quarterback that was better than Teddy Bridgewater this soon either.

He definitely hasn’t been able to find a starting job in the NFL yet, but that isn’t a surprise to most NFL GM’s.

Victor Anderson

Running Back, University of Louisville

Years played: 2008-2011

Drafted: Undrafted

Stats: Anderson didn’t get drafted, but did spend some time playing professional football elsewhere. However, he was one of the best running backs that the Louisville football program has ever had. To be more specific, he is seventh on the Cardinals’ all-time rushing list in career rushing yards.

He came in at the beginning of Teddy Bridgewater’s career at Louisville and helped the Cards to a bowl game in 2011. The Cardinals weren’t able to beat the NC State Wolfpack, but that year did help establish a great football team in the years to come.

Anderson will go down as one of the best all-around backs in Louisville history.

Arthur Carmody

Kicker, University of Louisville

Years played: 2004-2007

Drafted: Undrafted

Stats: This is what CBS had to say about Carmody’s career at Louisville:

Aptly nicknamed “Art-o-matic” by his coaches and teammates, Carmody’s consistency on field goals and placements saw him end his career as the NCAA’s kick scoring record holder with 433 points. The holder of virtually every school kicking record, he also holds the college football career record by being successful on 95.45 percent of his overall kicks (255-of-257 PATs, 60-of-73 field goals) during his time with the Cardinals.

Carmody is one of the best kickers that the NCAA has ever seen and that applies for the University of Louisville as well. This was was reliable and accurate, two of the best traits that a kicker could ever have.

Oct 30, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball against Louisville Cardinals defensive end Lorenzo Mauldin (94) during the second half at Papa John

Lorenzo Mauldin

Linebacker, New York Jets

Years played: 2011-2014

Drafted: Mauldin was the 18th pick in the 3rd round by the New York Jets in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Discussion: Lorenzo Mauldin was a fan-favorite when he played at the University of Louisville. We ran a twitter poll a few months back and many of you noted that he was one of your favorite players from the past decade.

He finished with an incredible 21 sacks at the University of Louisville, but hasn’t had the same success in the NFL. He has been a back-up linebacker who has struggled to find consistent playing time over last two seasons.

With more time and experience, Mauldin could figure things out rather quickly in professional football.

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Preston Brown (52) tackles New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Preston Brown

Linebacker, Buffalo Bills

Years played: 2010-2013

Drafted: Brown was the 9th overall pick in the 3rd round by the Buffalo Bills in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Discussion: Preston Brown dominated while he was at the University of Louisville, but he is really blossoming in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills. All of the defensive play-calls are going through him and he is the leader of a very solid NFL defense.

Brown has come a long way during his career in the NFL and this may be his best season as a Buffalo Bill. He is currently second on the roster in total tackles and is in the top 15 in the entire NFL.

His presence in the middle of the field has been huge for the Bills so far in the 2016 season.

Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws an interception as Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Marcus Smith II (90) chases in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Smith

Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles

Years played: 2010-2013

Drafted: 18th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2014 NFL Draft

Discussion: This is what the NFL had to say about Smith in his NFL Draft Profile:

“Was the American Athletic Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in ’13, starting 13 games and recording 42-18.5-14.5 with three passes batted, four forced fumbles and a blocked kick.”

Marcus Smith dominated during his senior year at the University of Louisville. He finished the 2016 season with 16 sacks and 19 tackles for loss, according to Sports Reference. That kind of performance is going to get you drafted high and it definitely paid off.

Smith was one of three different Cardinals to be drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets safety Calvin Pryor (25) greets linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Calvin Pryor

Safety, New York Jets

Years played: 2011-2013

Drafted: Pryor was drafted in the 1st round and was the 18th overall selection by the New York Jets in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Discussion: Pryor was a hammering safety for the Louisville football team during the course of his Cardinal career. He played under Charlie Strong and was one of the many former “Strong-players” that have gone on to play in the National Football League.

He has been playing safety for the Jets since 2014 and has been surviving. He isn’t as good in the NFL as he was in college, but he was great at Louisville, which is why he was drafted so high in the first round.

While he is a solid NFL player, we will always remember him drilling wide receivers at the University of Louisville.

Oct 24, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; Boston College Eagles quarterback Jeff Smith (5) scrambles away from Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) during the second half at Papa John

Sheldon Rankins

Defensive Tackle, New Orleans Saints

Years played: 2012-2014

Drafted: Rankins was drafted as the 12th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.

Stats: This is what the NFL had to say about Rankins in his Draft Profile:

“In the Cardinals’ three-man front, Rankins presents issues for both interior and outside blockers. His only start as a sophomore was in the team’s bowl game, but he came on strong as a junior in the team’s first year in the ACC (13.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two interceptions). ACC coaches elevated him from a third-team all-conference pick to second team this year (13 tackles for loss, six sacks) as he continued to terrorize ballcarriers. Rankins’ versatility as a potential starting five-technique or three-technique makes him a fit in any system.”

Rankins was a beast for the Louisville football team’s defense. He has been out this year with an injury for the Saints, but he is a guy that can step right in and make a difference. Louisville has been able to survive in Rankins’ absence from the program as well, but it hasn’t been without more premiere talent filling in.

Nov 29, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver DeVante Parker (9) runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John

DeVante Parker

Wide Reciever, Miami Dolphins

Years played: 2011-2014

Drafted: Parker was selected 14th overall in the 1st round by the Miami Dolphins in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Stats: Parker is the forth in Louisville history in receiving yards and is currently playing for the Miami Dolphins. He was a beast for Teddy Bridgewater and dominating every defense that he played in college. While he hasn’t put up the same production in the NFL, he still has a ton of time to make up ground.

He is one of the best deep-threats that Louisville has ever had. The Cards had a super talented offense over the Charlie Strong-era and Parker is at the forefront. He has a high ceiling and could be one of the NFL’s top receiver before too long.

September 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Austin Howard (77) blocks Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Elvis Dumervil

Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

Years played: 2002-2005

Drafted: Dumervil was the 29th selection in the 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.

Stats: Here is what CBS had to say about Dumervil’s career at Louisville:

Few outside of those close to the UL program expected the outstanding performances Dumervil generated during the 2005 season. It took him just five games to top his career-high with fifteen sacks, setting NCAA single-game (6) and two-game records (9) for sacks. He finished second on the NCAA Division 1-A single-season record list with 20 sacks for minus-160 yards. His eleven forced fumbles set the NCAA single-season record and shattered the school record of four by Ben Sumpter in 1992. He also deflected four passes, intercepted another and recovered a fumble. Dumervil registered 65 tackles (38 solos) with a single-season school record 23 stops for losses of 175 yards.

I cannot even fathom another player getting 20 sacks in one season. If Louisville has him on their 2016 roster, then they definitely would not have lost to Clemson. He is one of the few former Cardinal defenders that have dominated in the NFL as much as he did in college.

Sep 25, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood (70) against the Arizona Cardinals at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Wood

Center, Buffalo Bills

Years played: 2005-2008

Drafted: Wood was the 28th overall selection in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.

Discussion: Eric Wood was the center for Brian Brohm during his stint as a Louisville football player. 2007 was their best season together as they went on to win the Orange Bowl against Wake Forest.

Wood has been the staple of the Bills’ offensive line for the past eight years and made his first Pro Bowl in 2015. He is one of the best Centers in professional football and one of the best offensive lineman that Louisville has seen.

Michael Bush

Running Back, University of Louisville

Years played: 2003-2006

Drafted: Bush was the 1st selection in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

Stats: Bush is the fifth leading rusher in Louisville football history and if it wasn’t for a terrible leg injury against Kentucky, he could have been even higher. All I can remember of Michael Bush is how he would run someone over or run right by them. Bush impacted every game that he played in and carried that over into the NFL.

He bounced from team to team throughout his professional football career, but was always solid when given the chance. He was used in a ton of goal-line situations and back-up duty.

However, Michael Bush could have won the Heisman Trophy if it wasn’t for the Kentucky Wildcats. Thanks a lot Lexington.

Amobi Okoye

Defensive Tackle, University of Louisville

Years played: 2003-2006

Drafted: Okoye was the 10th overall selection in the 1st round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans.

Stats: Okoye was an absolute monster for the Louisville football program. That is part of the reason why he was the highest drafted Cardinal on this list from the past ten years. Don’t worry Louisville fans, Lamar Jackson is going to change that after next season.

In his last season at Louisville, he finished the year with 8.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. He didn’t quite meet the expectations in the NFL, but that doesn’t change the fact of what he did while he was at Louisville.

Okoye is one of the best defensive players that has ever put on a Cardinal uniform.

Brian Brohm

Quarterback, University of Louisville

Years played: 2004-2007

Drafted: Brohm was the 25th selection in the 2nd round by the Green Bay Packers in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Stats: Brian Brohm was the face of the Louisville football program for many years. He led the Cardinals to an Orange Bowl victory and one of the program’s biggest wins in beating West Virginia in a top five match-up.

He wasn’t able to make much of his career in the NFL. He can thank Aaron Rodgers for that, but he still never ended up in the right situation in professional football. He was one heck of a quarterback and is going to be one heck of a coach.

Brohm is one of the best quarterback ever to play at the University of Louisville.

Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws during the first quarter in a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Teddy Bridgewater

Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings

Years played: 2011-2013

Drafted: Bridgewater was drafted at the 31st selection in the 1st round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.

Stats: Teddy Bridgewater is currently the third best passer in Louisville football history, but we gave him the edge because of his toughness and success in the NFL. He has been great for the Minnesota Vikings, but a horrible knee injury has forced him to sit out the 2016 season.

Bridgewater won a BCS game at Louisville and was apart of many successful Louisville football teams over the course of his career. His relationship with current Texas head coach Charlie Strong was apparent, as the two were great for the University of Louisville’s football program in terms in rebuilding.