51 Pro Football Hall of Famers from small schools

There have been a number of players from small schools that have gone on to careers as Pro Football Hall of Famers.

Richard Dent

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Richard Dent was an eighth-round draft pick out of Tennessee State. Dent played in every game as a rookie in 1983 and started in three. The following year, he became a permanent starter at right end. That year he recorded a team record 17.5 sacks the most of any defender in the NFC. At the time of his retirement, Dent’s 137.5 career sack total was third behind Reggie White and Bruce Smith. Additional career statistics include eight interceptions, a safety, and fumble recovery for a touchdown. Four times he was named first- or second-team All-Pro, five times All-NFC, and selected to play in four Pro Bowls.