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5 more NFL players who didn't play in college
#5 - Efe Obada, DE, Carolina Panthers
Unlike most on this list, Efe Obada is still in the NFL. He plays for the Carolina Panthers as a defensive end.
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He racked up 5.5 sacks in 2020 and has 50 tackles in his career. Thus far, he has played in 42 games. He currently has one forced fumble. Efe Obada is 29, according to Pro Football Reference.
#4 - Rico Gathers, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Rico Gathers had a very brief stay in the NFL. He played 15 games, recording three receptions for 45 yards and two touchdowns.
When Jason Witten retired for the first time from the NFL, the Cowboys were hoping that Rico Gathers could help fill the void. His only season was with the Dallas Cowboys in 2018. However, the Cowboys ultimately moved on from him quickly. Rico Gathers is now 27 years old.
#3 - Eric Swann, DT, Arizona Cardinals
Eric Swann played for the Cardinals from 1991 to 1999. He spent 2000 with the Carolina Panthers before retiring.
Swann spent his time in the NFL as a defensive tackle and a defensive end. He played 126 games in the NFL and recorded 46.5 total sacks, six forced fumbles and 386 solo tackles, according to Pro Football Reference. Eric Swann will turn 51 years old later this year.
#2 - Michael Lewis, WR, New Orleans Saints
Michael Lewis technically did attend college. However, since he played only basketball, he qualifies for this list.
He was a wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints from 2001 to 2007. When he ended his NFL career in 2007, he had played 76 games. Lewis finished his career with 5989 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Michael Lewis will turn 50 this year.
#1 - Brian Banks, LB, Atlanta Falcons
Brian Banks was a great player in high school. However, he ended up going to jail before getting a shot in college football due to sexual assault allegations. Banks fought for his innocence and was eventually released 10 years later.
The Atlanta Falcons took a flyer on him and Banks spent a summer with them before getting cut. According to Forbes, Banks got some snaps in a preseason game before being cut. Brian Banks will turn 36 years old this summer.
