July 4, 2025

Texas A&M’s Legacy of Producing NFL Defensive Stars

News Summary

Texas A&M University has a rich history of cultivating elite defensive talent for the NFL, highlighted by players like Myles Garrett, Lester Hayes, and Von Miller. These athletes have not only shone in college but also earned the prestigious NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. As the Aggies continue to develop top-tier defenders, they aim to enhance their overall team performance and build a stronger offense for the upcoming seasons. Their recent successes and future ambitions keep them as a key player in college football.

College Station, Texas – Texas A&M University has established a strong legacy of producing exceptional defensive talent that has made a significant impact in the National Football League (NFL). Renowned players such as Myles Garrett, Lester Hayes, and Von Miller have not only excelled at the collegiate level but also earned the prestigious NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, affirming the Aggies’ prominence in developing elite defenders.

As one of only 12 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools to produce a DPOY, Texas A&M holds a special distinction within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), being tied with Tennessee as the only SEC schools to achieve this honor on two occasions.

Lester Hayes, a pioneering figure in this legacy, was the first Aggie to claim the DPOY accolade in 1980. During that season, he led the league with an impressive 13 interceptions—tying for the second-most in a single season in NFL history. Hayes played a crucial role in the Oakland Raiders’ triumph in Super Bowl XV, contributing one interception and delivering a stellar overall defensive performance. Additionally, he recorded a pick-six, two forced fumbles, and five interceptions during the postseason that year. Hayes transitioned through various defensive positions, ultimately notching 14 career interceptions at Texas A&M, a remarkable school record that stood for 14 years.

Following in Hayes’ footsteps, Myles Garrett currently shines as a defensive end for the Cleveland Browns. Garrett’s college statistics were simply astounding, with a total of 141 tackles, 47 tackles-for-loss, and a Texas A&M record of 31 sacks over 34 games. He was recognized as a First-Team All-SEC and a unanimous All-American in 2016, leading to his selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. In the NFL, Garrett has continued to impress, accumulating 116 tackles-for-loss, 88.5 sacks, and 15 forced fumbles—positions him as a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His recent DPOY award in 2023 came after leading the Browns with 42 total tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss, and 14 sacks. Notably, Garrett is the first player in NFL history to record 14 or more sacks in four consecutive seasons and currently holds the title for the highest-paid defensive player in the league with a contract averaging $40 million per year and a total guarantee of $123.5 million.

In terms of team performance, Texas A&M started the 2024 season strong with a 7-1 record and reached as high as No. 10 in national rankings. However, they concluded the season with an 8-4 overall record and are set to face the University of Southern California (USC) in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on December 27.

Despite the strong defensive legacy, the Aggies have faced challenges in their receiving corps this season, with junior player Noah Thomas leading the team with 545 yards and six touchdowns. To bolster their offense in the upcoming seasons, Texas A&M has secured agreements with top recruits, including five-star receiver Jerome Myles and four-star prospect Kelshaun Johnson.

To further enhance their competitiveness, the Aggies are focusing on improving their pass defense, which has allowed an average of 265.5 passing yards per game in SEC play. The team will benefit next season from the return of junior cornerback Will Lee III and junior linebacker Scooby Williams, who will strengthen their defensive lineup. Additionally, the Aggies are looking to enhance their front-seven defense, showing interest in acquiring transfer players to fill key needs.

Texas A&M continues to build on its legacy of defensive prowess as it looks toward the future, aiming to reclaim its position as a dominating force in college football and produce the next generation of NFL stars.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

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