UTAH

Two studies sum up Utah’s professional athletic abilities

Sep 17, 2022, 1:00 PM

Utah school sports...

High School football has been cleared to begin as soon as next month, which appears to have players from other states now transferring to Utah. (PHOTO: Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)

(PHOTO: Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY  — Sports seasons are coming into full effect across the United States. And to celebrate, a few studies have been released comparing the professional athletes that come from each state in the country.

Utahns in the NFL

With week one of the NFL season coming to a close, BeenVerified decided to do some football-specific research. Since 1920, Utah ranked 25th for most NFL players per 100,000 population, with nearly 11 NFL players per 100,000 people in the state. 

Utah also came in at number 23 in the “top hometown states for NFL players” category, 22nd on a list of best high schools for future NFL players, and 34th in the number of high schools that produce NFL talent.

Salt Lake City has produced 55 NFL players since 1920. The next best cities were Ogden and Provo with 15 and 13 respectively. The best high schools in the state for producing NFL players are Logan, Highland, and Bingham — all with 9 NFL players.

Just how athletic is Utah?

Since Utah sits right around the middle of the pack for producing NFL players, can some redemption be found in other professional sports? The short answer is no.

A study from Offers.Bet analyzed American states to find which one produces the most professional athletes. The study takes into account each state’s population, so states with more people don’t automatically take the crown.

Despite this, Utah came in at 42nd for most professional athletes. Only 9 professional athletes call Utah their home state. 

Utah is better off than some of its neighbors, however. Idaho, Montana, and New Mexico are all in the bottom five. 

Related:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

Kaitlin Eskelson, president and ceo of visit salt lake , which plays a big part in utah tourism...

Amanda Dickson

Tourism in Utah means $1,800 savings per household, and it’s growing

Kaitlin Eskelson, president and CEO of Visit Salt Lake says Utah tourism is in it's heyday right now.

11 hours ago

Utah expected to have a "typical" winter...

Devin Oldroyd

Utah’s winter will most likely be “typical” this season

This year's winter will most likely not be a repeat of last year's record-breaking one, according to KSL Meteorologist Matt Johnson.

13 hours ago

Simone Seikaly

Democratic Rep. Brian King launches bid for Utah governor

King was elected to the Utah House in 2008, and though a Democratic governor is rare in Utah, King said voters want to move beyond labels.

18 hours ago

Ian Azner and a dog pictured...

Garna Mejia and Mary Culbertson, KSL-TV

Family of Sandy man shot by police question the events before his death

Ian Anzer's family is waiting for answers from law enforcement and has requested to see the officer's body cam footage.

22 hours ago

How Utah schools handle inversion and air quality...

Becky Bruce

Air quality to deteriorate this week with new temperature inversion

When a temperature inversion moves in, it frequently traps pollutants in the air in addition to the colder air, resulting in worsening air quality.

2 days ago

The Wasatch Front along the Sandy Foothills around sunset. Snow on the peaks, bright fall foliage a...

Becky Bruce

Winter storm warning in place for Wasatch Mountains, Wasatch Back

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued a winter storm warning for the Wasatch Mountains as well as the valleys of the Wasatch Back. 

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Human hand holding a protest banner stop vaping message over a crowded street background....

Prosperous Utah Communities

Utah’s Battle to Protect Youth from Vaping Epidemic Faces New Threat as Proposed Rule Threatens Progress

Utah's strict standards of nicotine levels in vaping products are at risk, increasing health hazards associated with use. Read more about how you can advocate for a better future for Utah's youth.

Aerial photo of Bear Lake shoreline with canopies and people camped out on the beach...

Visit Bear Lake

Last-Minute Summer Vacation Planning? Check Out Bear Lake!

Bear Lake is the perfect getaway if you are last-minute summer vacation planning. Enjoy activities with your whole family at this iconic lake.

Two studies sum up Utah’s professional athletic abilities