Despite recent failure at Memorial Stadium, the Cal Bears have not stopped sending players off to the NFL. Some of them are damn good.
But who is the best?
California Bears Alumni: The Top 3
Aaron Rodgers- As one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, Aaron Rodgers has made the Bears Nation proud. At Cal, he was an All-Pac-10 selection and one of the best players in the nation, as evidenced in the 2005 NFL Draft when he was selected 25th overall by the Green Bay Packers. From 2005-2007, Rodgers backed up Brett Favre, and after the legendary quarterback finally left the Packers, the electrifying Rodgers never looked back. He now holds numerous records and awards, including the following:
- Highest career passer rating in regular season with a minimum of 1,500 passing attempts (104.9)
- Only quarterback in history to have a career passer rating of over 100.0
- Only quarterback in history to have a career passer rating of over 100.0 in both the regular season and postseason.
- One of only four QB’s to have a postseason passer rating of over 100.0
- Lowest career pass interception percentage (1.8%)
- Best touchdown to interception ratio in NFL history (3.62 TDs for each INT)
- 3-time Pro Bowler
- 6-time NFC Player of the Month
- GMC Never Say Never Award (2013)
Marshawn Lynch- Marshawn Lynch, or “Beast Mode”, is one of the most fun players to watch in all of football. He puts the offense on his back and carries the load for the Seahawks. Lynch was also a beast in college. He was an All-American, a First-Team All-Pac-10 selection, and the 12th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Lynch announced his presence to the NFL with 1,115 yards and seven touchdowns his rookie season. In 2010, Lynch was traded to the Seattle Seahawks. Since then, he has arguably entered the discussion regarding greatest running backs of all time.
- Super Bowl Champion (XLVIII)
- NFC Champion (2013)
- AP First-Team All-Pro (2012)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Alex Mack- When Alex Mack was part of the Cal’s offensive line, defensive tackles had to account for him at all times. Mack made 39 consecutive starts for the Golden Bears, registering 256 key blocks/knockdowns, 32 touchdown-resulting blocks and 29 downfield blocks. This is a guy who isn’t afraid to get dirty in the trenches, but can also run downfield and knock a safety on his butt. His hard work paid off in the 2009 NFL draft, as he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the 21st overall selection. He was the first Golden Bear offensive lineman selected in the first round since Tarik Glenn in 1997. Playing alongside All-Pro Joe Thomas, Mack was soon an All-Pro himself. He continues to be one of the best centers in the game, and is probably the best Cal offensive lineman to ever enter the NFL.
- 2× Pro Bowl (2010, 2013)
- Second-team All-Pro (2013)
- 3× First-team All-Pac-10 (2006, 2007, 2008)
- Morris Trophy (2007, 2008)
- NFL All-Rookie Team (2009)
Honorable Mentions:
- Desean Jackson– Redskins wide receiver Desean Jackson came up just short of the list. He continues to be one of the most electrifying players in football, and his speed is undeniable.
- Keenan Allen– It is too early in his career for Keenan Allen to be on this list, but in his rookie season, he was able to put up a Chargers record-breaking 1,046 yards and eight touchdowns.
- Cameron Jordan– Cameron Jordan was one of the few bright spots on a terrible, terrible Saints defense last year, and could be set for big things this season. He’s also a scholar and a humanitarian.
- Tony Gonzalez– I know he’s retired, but I thought I should at least give an honorable mention to arguably the best TE in NFL history.
Have your say. Who do you think is the best? Leave your answer in our comments section.
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