For the past 150 years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) have been essential to Black Americans' access to education and athletics. Most of these institutions were started in the Southeast in the 1800s and early 1900s to train African Americans following the Civil War. Some began as institutions for instruction, while others have produced big NFL stars.Thirty-three players on 17 NFL franchises this season have ties to HBCU football schools. Seven South Carolina State Bulldogs members, champions of HBCU football in 2021, are listed on NFL squads in the 2022-23 season.Eric Woodyard@E_Woodyard#Lions rookie James Houston became 1st player with 2 sacks in his NFL debut since 2017, joining Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt. The #HBCU product says he was prepared for the opportunity on his mom’s birthday. “I think I did that for her,” Houston said.1306226#Lions rookie James Houston became 1st player with 2 sacks in his NFL debut since 2017, joining Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt. The #HBCU product says he was prepared for the opportunity on his mom’s birthday. “I think I did that for her,” Houston said. https://t.co/UuxauyQd7BThe Colonial Athletic Association has three players, the Southwestern Athletic Conference has thirteen, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has two, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has two, the Ohio Valley Conference has one, and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference has fourteen. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is the most well-represented HBCU conference. Daylen Baldwin, a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, is a member of both the MEAC and SWAC because of his affiliation with Morgan State University and Jackson State University.Here is a breakdown of players from HBCU by school:Florida A&M UniversityKeenan Forbes - OG - Seattle SeahawksMarkquese Bell - S - Dallas CowboysNorth Carolina Central UniversityNick Leverett - Center - Tampa Bay BuccaneersRyan McDaniel - WR - Houston TexansSouthern UniversityDanny Johnson - S - Washington CommandersJa'Tyre Carter - OL - Chicago BearsUniversity of Arkansas-Pine BluffTerron Armstead - OT - Miami DolphinsFayetteville State UniversityKion Smith - OT - Miami DolphinsJoshua Williams - CB - Kansas City ChiefsCameron Wolfe@CameronWolfeHBCU stand up! Lions LB James Houston has 2 big sacks on Josh Allen in his NFL debut after just being elevated from the practice squad.Houston, a 6th round pick out of Jackson State, was Deion Sanders’ 1st NFL player drafted as head coach. Making a big impact.2766513HBCU stand up! Lions LB James Houston has 2 big sacks on Josh Allen in his NFL debut after just being elevated from the practice squad.Houston, a 6th round pick out of Jackson State, was Deion Sanders’ 1st NFL player drafted as head coach. Making a big impact.South Carolina State UniversityJavon Hargrave - DT - Philadelphia EaglesCobie Durant - CB - Los Angeles RamsDarius 'Shaq' Leonard - LB - Indianapolis ColtsJoe Thomas - LB - Chicago BearsAlex Taylor - T - Cleveland BrownsRoderick Perry - DT - Cleveland BrownsAntonio Hamilton - CB - Arizona CardinalsNorth Carolina A&T UniversityMac McCain - CB - Philadelphia EaglesBrandon Parker - OT - Las Vegas RaidersDarryl Johnson - DE - Carolina PanthersAlcorn State UniversityQwynterrio Cole - S - Las Vegas RaidersAlabama State UniversityTytus Howard - OL - Houston TexansGrambling State UniversityChester Rogers - WR - Houston TexansNorfolk State UniversityDe'Shaan Dixon - DE - Jacksonville JaguarsBobby Price - DB - Detroit LionsAlbany State UniversityGrover Stewart - DT - Indianapolis ColtsJackson State UniversityJames 'The Problem' Houston IV - LB - Detroit LionsDaylen Baldwin - WR - Cleveland BrownsPrairie View A&M UniversityStorey Jackson - LB - Dallas CowboysQuinton Bell - OLB - Atlanta FalconsKhaDarel Hodge - WR - Atlanta FalconsTennessee State UniversityLachavious Simmons - OL - Chicago BearsFort Valley State UniversityShemar Bridges - WR - Baltimore RavensMorgan State UniversityJosh Miles - OL - Arizona Cardinals