20 Athletes From Lake Charles, Louisiana Drafted Into The NFL

It's football season, and from now until February 2024, fans have something extra to look forward to. Whether they are watching from the stands or the TV, football is the driving force behind weekend cookouts and get-togethers among family and friends across the country.

Just getting a break from work is a reason alone to celebrate. However, watching your favorite team with your favorite people is the best. For the love of the sport, we all make an extra effort to hook up and watch the games together.

Who's complaining, though? Fellowship is always a good thing! Another significant aspect of this action-packed sport is it involves more than just the players on the field. Let's hear it for the entertainment! The cheerleaders, dance squads, and marching bands put so much into their routines and perform for the crowds week after week. It's for all these reasons that Football is considered America's favorite game to watch.

Of course, the icing on the cake at any game is when you have family members playing out on the field. Right? It's an exciting time of the year. So, celebrate and enjoy it. As the new football season heats up, it's worth noting that Southwest Louisiana has sent a few athletes to the pros. In the name of football spirit, here are 11 athletes from Lake Charles, LA, who got drafted into the NFL:

1969 - Charlie Joiner - Houston Oilers/Cincinnati Bengals/San Diego Chargers

Hall Of Famer - An all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards records.  in most games and seasons, he was the oldest wide receiver in AFL/NFL history when he retired in 1986.

He was Coached by Grambling State University's legendary Head Coad Eddie Robinson, who also presented him when he was inducted into the NFL Hall Of Fame. While at Grambling, he was the lead receiver for Black College Football Hall Of Famer Founder, National Quarterback Hall Of Famer, and NFL baller James "Shack" Harris.

1949 - Wayne Kingery - Baltimore Colts

1954 - Charles Oakley - Chicago Cardinals

1954 - Ellsworth Kingery - Chicago Cardinals

1956 - Tom Dimmick - Philadelphia Eagles/Dallas Texans

1961 - Tommy Mason - Minnesota Vikings/Los Angeles Rams/Washington Redskins

1964 - Darrell Lester - Minnesota Vikings/Denver Broncos

1967 - John Eddie Demarie - Cleveland Browns

1972 - Allen "Jubilee" Dunbar - San Francisco 49ers

1973 - John Wood - New Orleans Saints

1979 - Richard Ellender - Houston Oilers

1980 - Mark Bryan Hicks - Cinncinati Bengals

1982 - Orlando McDaniel - Denver Broncos

1986 - Kevin McArthur - New York Jets

1988 - Kevin Guidry - Denver Broncos/Pheonix Cardinals

1992 - Kip Texada - Phillidalphia Eagles

1992 - Marc Boutte - Los Angeles Rams/Washington Redskins

1993 - Vincent Cole Brisby - New England Patriots

1995 - Jerry Lee Wilson Jr. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1996 - Eddie Kennison - St. Louis Rams/New Orleans Saints/Denver Broncos/Kansas City Chefs

2001 - Brandon Winey - Miami Dolphins

2004 - Lenny Williams - Dallas Cowboys

2006 - Nate Livings (Big Cheese) - Dallas Cowboys/Cincinnati Bengals

2007 - Chaz Williams - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2012 - Damon Harrison ( Big Snacks) - Detroit Lions

2018 - Trey Quinn - Washington Redskins

It should also be noted that Lake Charles, LA, sent incredible talent to the pros who were not drafted! These pro-ballers beat the odds and never gave up on their dreams to play professionally. Shouts out to all of them, including pro-ballers Nate Livings, Justin Vincent, Chaz Williams, and Damon Harrison. If I missed anyone, please let me know, and I will happily add them to the list.