The Badger State has produced a number of excellent talents on the football field throughout the last few decades. Wisconsin football has been lucky enough to see many of them make the short drive to Madison and suit up as a Badger.
Fox Sports’ Sean Merriman and RJ Young recently took a look at the all-time greatest college football player from each state, and to no Badger fans surprise Wisconsin’s selection was also a UW-Madison alum. Merriman and Young selected Joe Thomas as the Badger State pick. The once upon a time star offensive lineman from Brookfield, Wisconsin made his way to Madison in 2003 where he spent four fantastic seasons.
Thomas was a two-time All-Big Ten player as a Badger and picked up the Outland Trophy as a senior, an award given to the nation’s best offensive lineman each season. The former Cleveland Brown and 10-time Pro Bowl selectee was not the only Badger on the list, however.
Ron Dayne, Wisconsin’s all-time leader in rushing yards, was named the best player from the state of Virginia. Dayne took home the Heisman Trophy in 1999 during his final year as a Badger. He finished his Wisconsin career with 7,125 rushing yards, a number that still stands alone at the top of the record books in Madison.
It’s fitting to see a running back and an offensive lineman, the two positions Wisconsin football is known for, being recognized.