There were 17 players from Miami (Fla.) high schools on Kickoff Weekend rosters, the most of any city. Las Vegas (Nev.) had the second-most players (16) followed by Bradenton (Fla.) with 15 players in 2024.

“I think the mentality and competitiveness of the city of Miami is the reason for the success in football,” said Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David. “Everybody from Miami, we know how much talent is there, so you have to bring your individual talent level up. I started playing football when I was five or six years old. Once you get into it, then you see how big it is throughout the whole area. From the youth league parks to the high schools, you see how competitive it is and that is carried forward when guys go to their respective colleges. They keep that attitude in college and then they take it to the NFL. It’s all about winning.”

“High school programs play a crucial role in developing NFL talent by instilling skills, discipline, and character”, said NFL Vice President of Football Development Roman Oben, a 12-year NFL veteran and a Gonzaga College High School (Washington, DC) and Fork Union (VA) Military Academy alum. “We continue to see the remarkable influence that high school programs have in shaping the future of NFL talent. The schools on this list are more than just high school football powerhouses; they are communities where young athletes learn the skills, discipline, and character necessary to excel at the highest levels of the game. It’s a testament to the dedication of coaches, mentors, and families who help these players reach their full potential, demonstrating once again that the path to the NFL begins long before the professional journey starts.”