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10 best Ohio State alumni in NFL history

By Jakob Ashlin

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas gestures after a catch during the second half against the Chicago Bears at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas gestures after a catch during the second half against the Chicago Bears at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the 1998 season at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Best Ohio State alumni in NFL history: WR Cris Carter (1987-2002)

Carter is the program’s all-time alumni leader in receptions (1,101), receiving yards (13,899), scrimmage yards (13,940), and receiving touchdowns (130). Furthermore, his 1,101 receptions are the sixth-most in NFL history, and his 130 receiving touchdowns are the fourth-most in league history.

Carter was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 1987 supplemental draft. After three seasons, the Eagles cut him due to off-the-field issues. Carter later said the move helped him turn his life around. He was claimed by the Minnesota Vikings.

With the Vikings, Carter developed into a superstar. In his seventh season, he was selected to the first Pro Bowl after posting 1,071 receiving yards. He would go on to be selected to eight consecutive Pro Bowls as a member of the Vikings. During that span, he led the league in receptions once (1994) and receiving touchdowns three times (1995, 97, 99).

In 2002, he had a brief stint with the Dolphins. Then, he retired.

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