The Best Football Players from Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine

The New England states of Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are known for their rugged landscapes, vibrant communities, and deep-rooted sports culture. While these states may not be traditional football hotbeds like Texas or Florida, they have produced a number of remarkable football players who have left their mark on high school, college, and professional levels.

This article explores the best football players to emerge from these four states, highlighting their achievements, contributions to the sport, and the unique challenges and opportunities they faced in these less populous regions. From NFL stars to local legends, these athletes showcase the grit, talent, and determination that define New England football.

Rhode Island: A Small State with Big Talent

Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S., has a surprisingly rich history of producing football talent, particularly at the professional level. According to Pro-Football-Reference, 21 players from Rhode Island have played in the NFL, with 14 being drafted, a testament to the state’s ability to nurture high-caliber athletes despite its size.

Steve Furness

One of the most notable figures is Steve Furness from Warwick, Rhode Island. A standout fullback at the University of Rhode Island, Furness was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1972. Choosing football over a potential Olympic career in hammer throw, he transitioned to defensive tackle and became a key part of the Steelers’ legendary “Steel Curtain” defense. Furness appeared in four Super Bowls, winning all of them (IX, X, XIII, and XIV), and recorded 33 Approximate Value (AV) points, the highest among Rhode Island-born players since 1960. His versatility and tenacity made him a cornerstone of one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties.

Gerry Philbin

Another Rhode Island great is Gerry Philbin from Pawtucket. A two-time AFL All-Star defensive end, Philbin was a member of the New York Jets’ iconic Super Bowl III-winning team in 1969, which saw the AFL upset the NFL’s Baltimore Colts. His speed and strength off the edge made him a dominant force in the American Football League, and his contributions to that historic Jets victory cemented his legacy.

AJ Peña and Marquis Buchanan

More recently, the University of Rhode Island has produced standout players like AJ Peña and Marquis Buchanan, who earned FCS All-American honors in 2024. Peña, an outside linebacker, was a first-team selection with 82 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks, helping URI reach the FCS playoffs for the first time in 39 years. Buchanan, a wide receiver, was a second-team All-American with 82 catches for 1,124 yards and eight touchdowns. Both players, Rhode Island natives, exemplify the state’s continued ability to develop elite talent.

Pat Abbruzzi

On the college and local level, Pat Abbruzzi from Warren stands out. A Little All-America selection at URI, Abbruzzi ran for 306 yards in a single game in 1952, showcasing his explosive playmaking ability. He later coached Warren High School to nine divisional and state titles, leaving a lasting impact on Rhode Island’s football community.

Vermont: Grit in the Green Mountains

Vermont, with its small population and lack of professional sports teams, is not typically associated with football prominence. However, the state has produced players who have excelled through determination and raw talent, often overcoming limited exposure to major recruiting pipelines.

Mike Cloud

Mike Cloud from Portsmouth (though often associated with Rhode Island due to proximity) is one of Vermont’s most successful football exports. Cloud led Portsmouth High School to three Class A state championships from 1991 to 1993, rushing for a school-record 3,597 yards at Boston College. Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1999, he played seven NFL seasons, appearing in 78 games and rushing for 648 yards and 12 touchdowns. His journey from a small New England town to the NFL highlights Vermont’s potential to produce professional talent.

Local High School Standouts

Vermont’s high school football scene, while modest, has produced players who have caught the attention of college programs. The state’s emphasis on outdoor activities and multi-sport athletes often translates to football players with exceptional athleticism. For example, Burr and Burton Academy and Champlain Valley Union have been competitive in recent years, with players earning All-State honors and occasional college scholarships. However, Vermont’s lack of a major college football program limits visibility, making players like Cloud rare but inspiring success stories.

New Hampshire: Rising Stars in the Granite State

New Hampshire’s football history is marked by a blend of high school excellence and occasional professional standouts. The state’s proximity to Boston and strong youth sports programs have helped players gain exposure to college and pro scouts.

Jackson Paradis

Jackson Paradis, a running back from Tilton School in Kingston, New Hampshire, was the state’s top football recruit in 2022, according to 247Sports. At 6’0” and 225 pounds, Paradis combined size and speed, earning a rating of 83 and drawing interest from college programs.

Sadly, Paradis announced his medical retirement last night.

Historical Context

New Hampshire has not produced many NFL stars, with 247Sports noting “No Results” for top NFL players in recent years, indicating a gap in professional representation. However, the state’s high school programs, such as those at Exeter and Phillips Academy, have long been competitive, feeding players into Division I and FCS programs like the University of New Hampshire, which competes in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Maine: Rugged Talent from the Pine Tree State

Maine’s vast geography and sparse population present unique challenges for football players, but the state has a proud tradition of producing tough, versatile athletes. The University of Maine’s Black Bears, an FCS program, have been a key pipeline for talent development.

Davis DiVall

Davis DiVall, an offensive guard from Bridgton Academy in Bridgton, Maine, was the state’s top football recruit in 2019, per 247Sports. At 6’5” and 285 pounds, DiVall’s size and strength earned him an 80 rating and a national ranking of No. 136 among offensive guards. Technically, DiVall is from Arizona and attended Bridgton as a post graduate.

NFL Representation

Maine’s NFL representation is limited, with Pro-Football-Reference listing few players born in the state who reached the professional level. However, the state’s high school football scene is vibrant, with schools like Thornton Academy and Bonny Eagle producing competitive teams. Maine’s players often excel as multi-sport athletes, with skills honed in hockey or wrestling translating to football’s physical demands.

Challenges and Opportunities in New England Football

The football landscape in Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine is shaped by several factors. First, the region’s small population and limited number of major college programs (outside of URI and UMaine) restrict recruiting exposure compared to states with larger FBS programs. Second, the harsh New England winters and emphasis on sports like hockey and basketball can divert athletic talent away from football. Finally, the lack of professional teams in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine (with Rhode Island hosting only minor-league affiliates) means less local inspiration for aspiring football players.

Despite these challenges, the region’s athletes benefit from strong community support, dedicated coaches, and a culture that values hard work. Programs like the New England Football League, which includes teams like the Rhode Island Riptide and Southern Vermont Storm, provide semi-professional opportunities for players to continue their careers locally.

The best football players from Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine may not always dominate national headlines, but their stories are compelling examples of talent rising from unexpected places. From Steve Furness and Gerry Philbin’s NFL triumphs to modern standouts like AJ Peña, Marquis Buchanan, and Jackson Paradis, these states have produced athletes who embody the resilience and heart of New England. As high school and college programs continue to develop, and as recruiting networks expand, the region is poised to contribute even more to the national football landscape. For now, these players remain local heroes, proving that greatness can emerge from even the smallest corners of the country.