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.
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[edit] List of notable undrafted basketball players
- A center who went undrafted in 1996. He has appeared in 4 NBA all-star games, been on the NBA All-Defensive Team 6 times, been named Defensive Player of the Year 4 times, and won a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2003.
- Guard-Forward out of Florida International, Bell went undrafted and played in the IBL until being signed by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001 during their run to NBA finals. Since joining the league, Bell has been a fixture in the NBA playoffs with the Sixers, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns and is known for his aggresive defensive play. [1]
[edit] List of undrafted NHL players
[edit] List of notable undrafted players in the NFL
For a complete list, see Category:Undrafted National Football League players.
Certain undrafted NFL players have obtained a particularly high level of notoriety as a result of their on-field performance. Specialty positions such as kickers and punters are more likely to be undrafted than other positions.
- 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. In addition Warner is a two time NFL MVP.
- 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 Linebacker who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- A guard who is the only offensive lineman to be an AFC player of the week.[citation needed]
- 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 retired in 2006 as the New York Jets 2nd leading receiver in team history.
- 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, has gone to the Pro Bowl four times and been named first team All-Pro three times.
- A kick returner from Kent State University, was the Pro Bowl selection for the AFC as a kick returner.
- 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.
- Pro Bowl and All-Pro offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills. He played tight end for the Arkansas Razorbacks in college and was moved to tackle because of his size. He beat out top-5 draft pick Mike Williams to win the position.
- Former University of Minnesota standout was a solid player at tight end in Super Bowl XLII for the Colts.
- Wide receiver for the New England Patriots. He tied for the league lead in receptions in the 2007 NFL season and led the Patriots in catches in Super Bowl XLII with 11.
- Starting inside linebacker for the New York Giants and Super Bowl XLII champion
- John Randle (Defensive Tackle, played mostly for the Minnesota Vikings) went undrafted in 1990 from Texas A&M-Kingsville.
