The Best NFL Football Players from Connecticut

Connecticut may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking of NFL talent hubs like Texas, Florida, or California, but the Nutmeg State has quietly produced an impressive roster of professional football players who have left their mark on the league. From Hall of Famers to Super Bowl champions, Connecticut natives have showcased skill, tenacity, and versatility across all facets of the game. This article explores some of the best NFL football players born in Connecticut, highlighting their achievements, contributions, and the legacy they’ve built in the sport.

Andy Robustelli: Defensive Dynamo

Another Hall of Famer from Connecticut, Andy Robustelli, hails from Stamford. Born on December 6, 1925, Robustelli’s path to NFL stardom was unconventional. After graduating from Stamford High and attending Arnold College in Milford, he was a 19th-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 1951—a testament to his underdog spirit. Yet, Robustelli turned that late selection into a 14-year career that redefined defensive excellence.

A dominant defensive end, Robustelli earned 10 All-Pro honors, including six first-team nods, and won two NFL championships—one with the Rams in 1951 and another with the New York Giants in 1956 after being traded. His 1962 Bert Bell Award as the NFL’s Player of the Year underscored his peak performance. Robustelli’s intelligence, strength, and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks made him a pioneer of the pass-rushing role. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1971, he remains a towering figure in Connecticut’s football history.

Dwight Freeney: The Spin Move Maestro

Born in Hartford on February 19, 1980, Dwight Freeney brought a revolutionary flair to the NFL with his patented spin move. A Bloomfield High School standout, Freeney set the state’s all-time sack record (since surpassed) before excelling at Syracuse University. Selected 11th overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2002 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most feared pass rushers.

Freeney’s 16-year career yielded 125.5 sacks, ranking him 18th all-time. His seven Pro Bowl appearances and three first-team All-Pro selections highlight his consistency. Perhaps his crowning achievement came in Super Bowl XLI, where he helped the Colts defeat the Chicago Bears, recording a sack and a forced fumble. Freeney’s agility and technique—epitomized by that spin move—changed how defensive ends approached quarterback pressure. His impact resonates in modern pass-rushing strategies, making him a Connecticut icon.

Bill Romanowski: The Enforcer

Vernon native Bill Romanowski, born April 2, 1966, embodied the gritty, hard-hitting ethos of NFL linebackers. After starring at Rockville High, he attended Boston College and was drafted in the third round by the San Francisco 49ers in 1988. Romanowski’s 16-year career spanned four teams—49ers, Eagles, Broncos, and Raiders—and included four Super Bowl victories (two with San Francisco and two with Denver).

Known for his intensity (and occasional controversy), Romanowski racked up 1,116 tackles, 39.5 sacks, and 18 interceptions. A two-time Pro Bowler, his physicality made him a feared presence on the field. While his aggressive style sometimes drew criticism, his championship pedigree and longevity speak to his skill and determination. Romanowski’s Connecticut roots shine through in his tough, no-nonsense approach to the game.

Steve Young: The Greenwich Gunslinger

Though better known for his college career at BYU and NFL tenure in California, Steve Young was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, on October 11, 1961. A Greenwich High graduate, Young’s journey to NFL greatness included a detour through the USFL before landing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and, eventually, the San Francisco 49ers. Taking over for Joe Montana, Young became a legend in his own right.

Young’s accolades are staggering: three Super Bowl titles (one as a starter), Super Bowl XXIX MVP, two NFL MVP awards (1992, 1994), and a record six passing titles. His 43 rushing touchdowns as a quarterback were a record at the time of his retirement. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, Young’s dual-threat brilliance redefined the quarterback position.

Floyd Little: The Franchise

Topping the list of Connecticut’s NFL greats is Floyd Little, a New Haven native born on July 4, 1942. Known as “The Franchise,” Little’s journey to football immortality began at Hillhouse High School before he starred at Syracuse University, wearing the iconic No. 44 jersey previously donned by legends like Jim Brown and Ernie Davis. Drafted sixth overall by the Denver Broncos in 1967, Little became the cornerstone of a struggling franchise in its early AFL-NFL merger years.

Little’s impact was immediate and profound. Over his nine-year career, all spent with the Broncos, he amassed 6,323 rushing yards, which ranked him seventh all-time upon retirement. In 1971, he led the NFL with 1,133 rushing yards, earning one of his three All-Pro selections. A five-time Pro Bowler, Little’s durability and explosiveness made him a fan favorite and a symbol of perseverance. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010 cemented his status as Connecticut’s greatest NFL export. Little’s legacy extends beyond stats—he saved the Broncos from potential relocation, earning his “Franchise” moniker.

Modern Standouts: Byron Jones and Zach Allen

Connecticut’s NFL pipeline continues to produce talent. Byron Jones, born in New Britain on September 26, 1992, emerged from St. Paul Catholic High and UConn as a first-round pick (27th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in 2015. A versatile defensive back, Jones earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2018 and later signed a lucrative deal with the Miami Dolphins. His athleticism—highlighted by a record-breaking 12’3” broad jump at the NFL Combine—makes him a standout.

Zach Allen, born in New Canaan on August 20, 1997, represents the next generation. A Boston College product, Allen was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 and now plays for the Denver Broncos. His 2023 season—11.5 sacks and 60 tackles—marked a breakout year, showcasing his potential as a disruptive defensive lineman. Both Jones and Allen exemplify Connecticut’s ongoing contribution to the NFL.

Honorable Mentions

Connecticut’s NFL talent pool runs deep. Eugene Robinson (Hartford) played 250 games as a safety, winning a Super Bowl with the Packers. Jordan Reed (New London), a tight end, dazzled with the Washington Redskins before injuries curtailed his career. A.J. Dillon (New London), a bruising running back, carries the torch for the Green Bay Packers. These players, among others, reinforce the state’s football pedigree.

Conclusion

From Floyd Little’s trailblazing career to Dwight Freeney’s innovative pass rush, Connecticut’s NFL stars have shaped the game in profound ways. The state’s relatively small size belies its outsized impact, producing Hall of Famers, Super Bowl winners, and modern standouts. Whether through sheer athleticism, tactical brilliance, or unrelenting toughness, these players have carried the Nutmeg State’s banner into the NFL’s hallowed ranks. As new talents like Zach Allen rise, Connecticut’s football legacy continues to grow, proving that greatness can emerge from unexpected places.