They all once stood in Death Valley when it felt like the biggest stage of their careers.
But really, it was just the beginning of their storied journey into the pros.
These LSU icons traded Saturday nights in a roaring Tiger Stadium for Sundays in major cities with even bigger crowds.
They each heard their names called on a pivotal night in their careers. It was a reward for their college performances, but also the first step to something bigger.
Here are five current NFL stars who got their start as a Tiger and what they’ve done in the pros.
With the NFL draft here, one question still stirs. Who will be next?
First overall pick in 2020: Joe Burrow
He came to Baton Rouge in 2017 after struggling as an Ohio State backup quarterback. He left in 2020 with a national championship ring and a Heisman Trophy.
Joe Burrow had a collegiate career that LSU fans still reminisce on. He led the Tigers to a 15-0 season, throwing for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns. Burrow has already gone down as an LSU icon.
However, the first overall pick in the NFL Draft is held to the highest standards. Would Burrow crack under the pressure back in his home state, playing for Cincinnati?
No, but sadly his leg did with the kind of offensive line the Bengals had in 2020. Burrow unfortunately was out for the season after tearing his ACL, MCL, PCL and meniscus.
But he came back fiercely in 2021 and led Cincinnati to a 2022 Super Bowl appearance, winning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Now, he’s the highest-paid player per year in the NFL.
Fifth overall pick in 2021: Ja’Marr Chase
Alongside Burrow during the national championship run was wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. But their ride together didn’t end there.
Chase was selected fifth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals, and the quarterback-receiver duo stayed hot up North.
The Louisiana native received Offensive Rookie of the year in 2021 and is a three-time Pro Bowler.
In the 2021 playoffs, Chase had 368 postseason receiving yards to set a rookie record. He was the youngest NFL player with multiple 100-yard receiving games in a single postseason.
While at LSU, Chase led the FBS in receiving yards with 1,780 yards for the 2019 season. He still holds the record for most receiving yards in the College Football Playoff Championship game.
The Bengals recently extended his contract through 2025, and he’ll continue to put on a show on Sundays in Cincinnati.
22nd overall pick in 2020: Justin Jefferson
Wide receiver Justin “Jets” Jefferson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020 as the 22nd overall pick. He won NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 and is a three-time Pro Bowler.
In 2022, Jefferson led the NFL in receiving yards and receptions. Every season he adds to a lengthy highlight reel, consisting of his clutch catches, while outrunning defensive backs.
He’s Superman and the Flash rolled into one. But these accolades all started with his performances in college.
Jefferson had 111 catches for 1,540 yards in his final season with LSU. He caught 14 passes for 227 yards against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Peach Bowl. He set an all-time record for most first-half touchdowns in the CFP with four.
Jefferson is due for a contract extension with the Vikings, but trade rumors have sparked, putting his future in question.
12th pick overall in 2014: Odell Beckham Jr.
As an LSU Tiger, this wide receiver won the Paul Hornung Award in 2013, which goes to the most versatile player in college football.
After his time at LSU, Odell Beckham Jr. made an immediate impact with the New York Giants. Beckham became the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2014.
His performance in the NFL earned him the Madden cover athlete in 2016.
In 2019, Beckham was traded to the Cleveland Browns where he suffered a torn ACL. After being released, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams, but injuries still hindered his consistency. He spent last season with the Ravens before being released.
Now, as a free agent, some clubs have shown interest, but no deals have been made.
Round 3, pick 69 in 2013: Tyrann Mathieu
At LSU, Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu won the Chuck Bednarik Award for the best defensive player of the year. He was a Heisman trophy finalist as a safety in 2011.
Although released by the Tigers in 2012 for violating team rules, Mathieu didn’t let that stop him from dominating in the NFL.
He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round, but played like a first-round pick. He’s a three time first-team All-Pro player and a three-time Pro Bowler.
Mathieu is now back in his home state playing for the New Orleans Saints.
Players like Devin White, Leonard Fournette, Jamal Adams, Patrick Queen and Patrick Peterson are also building historic careers in the NFL. While their journeys in the pros vary, they all have one thing in common.
They built their resumes in Tiger Stadium, playing for the purple and gold.
