September 18, 2025—For the fourth consecutive year, the state of Georgia has produced the most players on NFL active rosters, per capita, at the beginning of the 2025 season, according to NFL data. More than 140 former high school players from the Peach state earned spots on NFL teams. Twelve of those are products of Cobb County School District (CCSD) high schools, and seven played their Friday nights for the Hillgrove Hawks.

“It speaks volumes about the depth, tradition, and quality of high school football in Cobb County,” said Don Baker, Director of Athletics for Cobb Schools. “To have twelve players on active NFL rosters at the start of the season is not only a point of pride but also a reflection of the tremendous coaching, community support, and competitive environments our schools provide. Cobb County is consistently producing athletes who are prepared for the next level, and this shows that our programs are nationally relevant in developing elite talent.”

That elite talent comes from several corners of Cobb County and represents nearly every position on a football field.

Campbell High School

• Offensive Tackle – Benjamin Chukwuma – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Harrison High School

• Quarterback – Justin Fields – New York Jets

Hillgrove High School

• Outside Linebacker – Bradley Chubb – Miami Dolphins
• Tight End – Evan Engram – Denver Broncos
• Cornerback – Reuben Lowery – Baltimore Ravens
• Safety – Jaylen McCollough – Los Angeles Rams
• Defensive End – Myles Murphy – Cincinnati Bengals
• Tight End – Chig Okonkwo – Tennessee Titans
• Wide Receiver – Jalen Royals – Kansas City Chiefs

McEachern High School

• Offensive Tackle – Chuma Edoga – Jacksonville Jaguars

North Cobb High School

• Tight End – Darren Waller – Miami Dolphins

South Cobb High School

• Defensive Tackle – Justin Jones – Arizona Cardinals

Hillgrove’s seven NFL players also represent the most from any one public high school in the entire league. Baker, who also serves as the 2nd vice president of the Georgia Athletic Directors Association (GADA), explained the abundance of Hillgrove Hawks in the NFL.

“Hillgrove has built a culture that emphasizes both athletic excellence and personal growth,” he said, “all while staying true to the school’s mission of ‘Deliberate success for ALL students.’ Their coaching staff is intentional about teaching the game at the highest level while also instilling discipline, resilience, and character in every player. By aligning football development with the broader mission of the school, Hillgrove ensures that every student—whether they go on to the NFL, college, or another path—has the tools to succeed. That focus, combined with strong feeder programs and a supportive community, has positioned Hillgrove as a program that consistently produces not only elite athletes but well-rounded young men.” 

Clearly, football games on Friday nights in Cobb County are where to see future Saturday and Sunday stars in action. It’s also a place to connect with a community that pours into their students and their schools. These 12 former athletes are a reflection of the success Cobb instilled in them, and serve as high-level examples of the impact that the District has nationwide, in sports and in life.

“The community should take pride in the fact that our Friday night lights showcase future college and professional athletes,” Baker said, “but also remember that behind every NFL player are hundreds of other student-athletes who are excelling in the classroom, serving their communities, and becoming leaders in different walks of life. It’s a reminder that Cobb County football is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about building young people who succeed on and off the field. Celebrating these NFL players shines a light on the excellence happening across all our programs.”

h/t GHSFootball Daily and Don Baker