Aggies In The Pros
Drafted in 1983, the “Year of the Quarterback,” Ken O’Brien led the AFC in passing in 1985. He passed for 25,094 yards during his career, placing him just ahead of Bob Griese on the all-time NFL career list.
Rolf Benirschke set San Diego Charger records for career field goals (146) and scoring (766) and is a member of that team’s Hall of Fame. He is also the author of Alive And Kicking, which chronicles his heroic battle with ulcerative colitis.
Kevin Daft continued the tradition of great Aggie quarterbacks moving up to the pro ranks in 1999. The following summer, Daft led NFL Europe in passing as a member of the Scottish Claymores.
Nine years after his outstanding career at UC Davis, Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Khari Jones was named Most Valuable Player of the Canadian Football League.
In 2004 and 2007, J.T. O’Sullivan led the Frankfort Galaxy to NFL Europe’s World Bowl. He was chosen as coOffensive MVP in the league’s final year, posting a 104.8 passer’s rating in 2007.
Aggies In The NFL Draft Player Drafted J.T. O’Sullivan Saints #6 - 2002 Onome Ojo, WR Saints #5 - 2001 Kevin Daft, QB Titans #5 - 1999 Jeff Bridewell, QB Cardinals #12 - 1991 Mike Wise, DL Raiders #2 - 1986 Scott Barry, QB 49ers #6 - 1985 Bo Eason, DB Oilers #2 - 1984 Ken O’Brien, QB Jets #1 - 1983 Jeff Allen, DB Dolphins #12 - 1980 Mike Moroski, QB Falcons #6 - 1979 Casey Merrill, DE Bengals #5 - 1979 Rich Martini, WR Raiders #7 - 1977 Rolf Benirschke, K Raiders #16 - 1977 Anthony Terry, WR Eagles #17 - 1976 Tom Williams, DE Chargers #2 - 1970 Howard Gravelle, TE Chargers #12 - 1970 Jerry DeLoach, DE Raiders #12 - 1970
NFL Active Service New Orleans (2002-03), Green Bay (2004), Minnesota (2005), Carolina (2006), Detroit (2007), San Francisco (2008), Cincinnati (2009), Oakland (2010) New Orleans (2001) Tennessee (1999) — Los Angeles Raiders (1986-90), Cleveland (1991) — Houston (1984-87) New York Jets (1983-92), Philadelphia (1993) Miami (1980), San Diego (1982) Atlanta (1979-84), Houston (1985), San Francisco (1986) Green Bay (1979-83), N.Y. Giants (1984-85), New Orleans (1986) Oakland (1979-80), New Orleans (1981) San Diego (1977-86) — San Diego (1970-71) — —
OTHER AGGIES IN THE PROS Player Aaron Bennetts Bob Biggs Melvin Byrd Jonathan Compas Matt Devine Charley Enos Daniel Fells Bob Fenton Bakari Grant Mark Grieb Khari Jones Tony Kays Brad Lekkerkerker Cory Lekkerkerker
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Team and/or League Scotland, NFL Europe Winnipeg, CFL; Portland, World Football League British Columbia, CFL Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay, NFL World League of American Football Winnipeg, CFL Atlanta, St. Louis, NFL Arena Football League San Francisco, NFL; Hamilton, CFL Anaheim & San Jose, Arena League Scotland, NFL Europe; Las Vegas, XFL British Columbia, Winnipeg, CFL; Albany, Arena League; Scotland, NFL Europe Cincinnati, NFL Houston, Oakland, NFL San Diego, Dallas, Tennessee, NFL
Chris Mandeville Rick Mohr Michael Oliva John Shoemaker Chris Smith Steve Thompson Elliot Vallejo Forest Vance
Green Bay & Washington, NFL Toronto & Saskatchewan, CFL; Oakland, USFL New York Jets, NFL Arizona, NFL New York Jets, NFL Sacramento, World League of American Football Arizona, NFL Green Bay, NFL
Boldface players were active and on rosters as of August 2011
Mark Grieb is believed to be the first-ever Aggie to be depicted in a “bobblehead” doll. The 2002 Arena Football League MVP holds several league records and was selected as the Arena Bowl XXI Most Valuable Player.
2011 UC DAVIS FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE