From East Carolina, the New England Patriots took Tony Collins in the Second Round in 1981, and he proceeded to have just over 1,000 Yards From Scrimmage as a rookie.

Brian Holloway was a First Round Pick from USC in 1981, and he had the privilege of playing alongside Hall of Famer, John Hannah.

After playing for USC and their famed "all-black backfield," Sam Cunningham played for the New England Patriots for his entire pro career.

Vito “Babe” Parilli took a long time to get to Boston after an excellent collegiate career at Kentucky.  Parilli was with the Green Bay Packers for two years, the Ottawa Rough Riders for two, the Cleveland Browns for one, Green Bay again for two, Ottawa back for one, and the Oakland Raiders for one season in 1960, which never saw anything of note. Parilli joined the Boston Patriots in 1961, and it was there where he had his biggest success.