Considered a shutdown Cornerback before there was such a term, Louis Wright would play his entire career with the Denver Broncos.  Drafted in the 1^st Round (17^th Overall) from San Jose State, Wright paid immediate dividends by being named to the First Team All-Rookie squad.  Denver was developing a reputation for their Orange Crush Defense, but if anyone got past them, they would have Louis Wright to contend with.  Wright was easily one of the best Corners in the late '70s going to the Pro Bowl in 1977, 1978, and 1979 and was a First Team All-Pro in the latter two seasons.  He was also crucial in helping Denver reach their first Super Bowl, a loss to Cowboys in Super Bowl XII.

Despite Denver's Super Bowl appearance, Wright's exploits were not nationally recognized.  One of the most adept at shadowing a receiver, Wright's instincts were incredible, and in every game he played, his opposing Offensive Coorrdinator planned schmes to avoid throwing to Wright.

It is hard not to consider Clay Matthews Jr. as part of football royalty.

How can you not? 

One of the early stars of the Green Bay Packers, Verne Lewellen, was an all-purpose Back who did it all for Green Bay.  The product of Nebraska (the state and the University) would be named to four straight First Team All-Pro squads (1926 to 1929) and was a large part of their three consecutive NFL Championships (1929 to 1931). 

From the football factory of SMU, Jerry Mays elected to stay in his home state with the Dallas Texans, who drafted him in the 5^th Round of the 1961 Draft.  The Minnesota Vikings of the NFL chose him in the 11^th Round.