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ACTIVE ARIZONA PLAYERS IN THE NFL
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Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs enters his 12th season in the NFL, one season shy of joining Tedy Bruschi and John Fina as the longest tenured former Arizona Wildcats in the league.
Bruschi was a linebacker with the New England Patriots from 1996-2008. Fina, an offensive tackle, played with the Buffalo Bills from 1992-2001 and finished his career with the Arizona Cardinals from 2002-2004.
A total of 13 former Arizona players have played at least 10 years in the NFL. Briggs joins punter Josh Miller (1996-2007) and offensive tackle Glenn Parker (1990-2001) as Arizona’s 12-year veterans this season.
Ten former Arizona players are active in Week One of the season, which begins in earnest today. The list includes the Wildcats’ most prolific passer Nick Foles with Philadelphia) and running back Ka’Deem Carey (Chicago).
Notable former Arizona players who are NFL assistants: Chuck Cecil (defensive secondary coach for the St. Louis Rams), Brant Boyer (assistant special teams coach for the Indianapolis Colts), David Fipp (special teams coach for the Philadelphia Eagles) and Peter Hansen (outside linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers).
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Chicago, let's make tomorrow a day free of shootings & crime. Either come to the game, or gather around the TV & watch us start this SB run!
— Lance Briggs (@LanceBriggs) September 7, 2014
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Skip Peete, the running backs coach with the Bears who is mentoring Carey, played at Arizona in 1981 and 1982 before transferring to Kansas.
FORMER ARIZONA PLAYERS WITH AT LEAST 10 YEARS IN THE NFL
13
Tedy Bruschi, linebacker, New England (1996-2008)
John Fina, offensive tackle, Buffalo (1992-2001), Arizona (2002-04)12
Glenn Parker, offensive tackle, Buffalo (1990-96), Kansas City (1997-99), New York Giants (2000-01)
Josh Miller, punter, Pittsburgh (1996-03), New England (2003-06), Tennessee (2007)
Lance Briggs, linebacker, Chicago (2003-2014)11
Michael Bates, running back, Seattle (1993-94), Cleveland (1995), Carolina (1996-2000,02), Washington (2001), Dallas/NYJ (2003)
Brant Boyer, linebacker, Miami (1994), Jacksonville (1995-00), Cleveland (2001-04)
Chris McAlister, cornerback, Baltimore (1999-2008), New Orleans (2009)10
Theopolis “T” Bell, flanker, Pittsburgh (1976-80), Tampa Bay (1981-85)
Vance Johnson, receiver, Denver (1985-93, 1995)
Darryll Lewis, cornerback, Houston/Tennessee (1991-98), San Diego (1999-2000)
Brandon Manumaleuna, tight end, St. Louis (2001-05), San Diego (2006-09), Chicago (2010)
Edwin Mulitalo, off ensive tackle, Baltimore (1999-2006), Detroit (2007-08)
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Pick up today's @PhillyInquirer to get ready for the #Eagles game. @ZBerm @Jeff_McLane @bobfordsports @NFoles_9 pic.twitter.com/J4y6QpXcdM
— Inquirer Sports (@InkySportsPage) September 7, 2014
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GRONK BACK! @Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski says he's playing in Sunday's opener against the Dolphins. (via @jeffphowe) pic.twitter.com/tMbqtAnlBq
— FOX Sports Live (@FOXSportsLive) September 1, 2014
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ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He also writes articles for Bleacher Report and Lindy’s College Sports.