Nine of the 14 University of Illinois players in the NFL this season started at least one game. The best of the bunch was Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus. Among the 13 players from other area colleges, four were from Missouri Western. Veteran Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker of Central Missouri State made his second Pro Bowl.
ILLINOIS
JEFF ALLEN Houston OG
Started 36 games in four years with Kansas City before signing as free-agent with Texans last offseason. Didn't have quite the physical presence Texans were hoping for, but started 14 regular-season games and both postseason contests as team's right guard.