Louisville players in the NFL

So I know it's a little early and don't get me wrong I'm still in full-on baseball mode, but I can't help getting excited as we inch closer to the 2010 NFL season.  The best part of the current NFL news that has been circulating is that of our former Louisville Cardinal players!

I have start off talking about our main man Elvis Dumervil and his new monster of a contract.  During the off-season Elvis signed a free agent contract for a record(lineman) $61.5 million with $43.1 in guarantees!  The best part about this is the way in which Elvis went about acquiring this deal.  He didn't complain to owners/coaches, hold out, blame anyone, or ask for a trade.  He staying quiet and played his way into earning this deal! I have so much respect for that and him.  Way to go Elvis!

Next up is all of our favorite hometown hero, Brian Brohm.  After a horrible tenure in Green Bay, Brian was lucky enough to jump on with the Buffalo Bills mid-season last year.  He now has an outside shot at the starting QB job for 2010.  According to the new Bills head coach, Chan Gailey, Brohm has a good shot at winning the starting job over Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick.  I'm sure more news will come soon as pre-season camps begin but supposedly Gailey has been watching Brohm's every move and neglecting the other QB candidates!

The Atlanta Falcons have a lot invested in former Louisville players Chris Redman and Harry Douglas!  Redman who started 3 games in 2009, for a hurt Matt Ryan, was a standout and earned himself a backup QB roll for the 2010 season.  Also WR Harry Douglas is back after missing the 2009 season to injury and is still on the Falcons radar who haven't forgotten his great rookie year in 2008.  He will start the season in a 3rd WR option with the possibility of challenging for the 2nd spot!

Another team that is UofL heavy is the Carolina Panthers.  Ex-Cardinal QB Hunter Cantwell will start the 2010 season as the back-up QB for Carolina.  Also TE Gary Barnage will get playing time as the team has 3 total TE's who will rotate for playing time.  Barnage had a solid first season last year with 20 catches averaging an awesome 20 yards per reception!  Rookie Trent Guy is also on the pre-season roster and will be fight for a WR spot on the 2010 team!

Last but most definitely not least is my favorite RB Michael Bush.  Although still not getting the respect he should, Bush will start the 2010 season as the #2 RB for the Raiders and looks to get much more playing time this season.  The word is that he will also be running the teams 3rd down wildcat offensive attack. Every write-up I've read on the RB situation in Oakland says Bush is a better overall RB but Mcfadden will still be #1 due to his contract.  I do have a prediction though and mark my words! Bush will be the starting RB by mid-season!

Other notable former University of Louisville players in the NFL:

    1.    David Akers    Philadelphia Eagles   
    2.    Deion Branch   Seattle Seahawks wide receiver.
    3.    Brian Brohm    Buffalo Bills quarterback 2009-current
    4.    Curry Burns   Free agent safety
    5.    Michael Bush   Oakland Raiders running back.
    6.    Harry Douglas    Atlanta Falcons wide receiver.
    7.    Elvis Dumervil    Denver Broncos    
    8.    Renardo Foster    Free agent Offensive Lineman
    9.    William Gay     Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback
    10.    Antoine Harris   Atlanta Falcons defensive back.
    11.    Nate Harris     Free Agent linebacker.
    12.    Earl Heyman    New Orleans Saints defensive tackle
    13.    Brandon Johnson     Cincinnati Bengals linebacker.
    14.    Chris Johnson      Oakland Raiders defensive back.
    15.    Sam Madison      Free Agent defensive back 
    16.    Amobi Okoye      Houston Texans defensive lineman.
    17.    Richard Owens     Free Agent tight end
    18.    Chris Redman     Atlanta Falcons quarterback.    
    19.    Kerry Rhodes      Arizona Cardinals defensive back.
    20.    Kolby Smith      Kansas City Chiefs running back.
    21.    Jason Spitz      Green Bay Packers offensive lineman.
    22.    Montavious      Stanley Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle.
    23.    Dewayne White      Free Agent defensive end.