Undrafted sportsperson
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An undrafted sportsperson or undrafted free agent is specific type of sportsperson who plays, or attempts to play, in a professional sports league. As a matter of technicality, every eligible person not selected in the league's draft, is considered an undrafted sportsperson. However, many of those players never attempt to sign with a franchise or team. A number of undrafted sportspersons do pursue employment opportunities with their league of choice. As these players are all considered unrestricted free agents, they are sometimes identified simply as an "undrafted free agent" and are free to sign with any team they choose.
[edit] List of notable undrafted athletes in the NFL
Certain undrafted NFL players have obtained a particularly high level of notoriety as a result of their on-field performance.
- A quarterback who graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, Warner's professional career started in the Arena Football League. After he played one season in NFL Europa, Warner signed with the St. Louis Rams. Warner earned the Super Bowl MVP award for his performance in Super Bowl XXXIV.
- A running back from the University of Texas at Austin; Holmes led the NFL in rushing yards in 2002
- A wide receiver from Missouri Southern State University; he established a number of Denver Broncos team records and has appeared in multiple Pro Bowl games.
- A Quarterback from Eastern Illinois University who was signed in 2003, and spent the first three years of his career as a backup. In 2006, his first season as a starter, he made the Pro Bowl. He has also tied the Dallas Cowboys team record for most touchdown passes (5) in a game.
- A wide receiver from Hofstra University, he established both New York Jets team records and NFL records.
- A quarterback from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He played in the now defunct NFL Europa before playing significant minutes in the NFL. He was a member of the first Carolina Panthers team to play in the Super Bowl and has played in the Pro Bowl.
- A running back, he set set a number of Pittsburgh Steelers team records.
- A tight end from Kent State University, he has established a number of NFL records.
- A kick returner from Kent State University, he is on pace to set a new NFL record in return yards.
- A Placekicker from South Dakota State, he has set several NFL post-season and Super Bowl records and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection. In addition he is a four time Super Bowl champion.
