Founded in 2012, the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl gives prospective players the best opportunity to showcase their talents to potential employers and fans. Nearly 200 scouts, player personnel staff, general managers and head coaches from all 32 NFL teams are expected be in attendance to watch live practices, conduct player interviews and review tape.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 112 College players participated in 2018
- 84 colleges and universities represented
- 42 players received invitations to 2018 NFL Combine
- 19 players selected in 2018 NFL Draft
TESTIMONIALS
“With my circumstances in being a small guy from a [historically black college and university] like North Carolina A&T, the odds were stacked against me. Playing in the Collegiate Bowl helped get me the looks I needed, along with great advice from coaches, to be in the position I am today”
Chicago Bears running back/kick returner Tarik Cohen (2017 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl participant)
“The NFLPA game was a big step for me, going out there showing them I was fast and can play football. The experience helped me a lot and taught me how to be a pro.”
Washington Redskins safety Troy Apke (2018 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl MVP)
“It was a tremendous experience for me. The game gave me an opportunity to display my talents for the next level, and a from a player’s standpoint, it was good to interact with players from different schools and to learn from professional coaches”
Detroit Lions tight end Luke Willson (2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl participant)
“The game afforded me the opportunity to play alongside and face talented players from all throughout the NCAA. It also granted me additional exposure to showcase my abilities to the right group of people who then allowed me to fulfill my dream of playing at the highest level. Being coached by actual players truly prepared me for the reality of the NFL. The week of the game was one of the most impactful of my career”-
New York Jets offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (2012 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl participant)
"I’ve been to hundreds of these practices and this was as smoothly run as I’ve seen. The NFLPA worked closely with NFL scouts, who know what they’re looking for and what’s best for the players, to showcase their skills. They do an incredible job running it”
Todd McShay, ESPN football analyst
Notable Game Alumni
- Jamal Agnew, DB/KR, Detroit Lions
- Johnson Bademosi, DB, Houston Texans
- Kelvin Beachum, OL, New York Jets
- Jatavis Brown, LB, L.A. Chargers
- Tarik Cohen, RB/KR, Chicago Bears
- Chris Conley, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
- Shaquill Griffin, DB, Seattle Seahawks
- Duron Harmon, S, New England Patriots
- Marquette King, P, Denver Broncos
- Josh Lambo, K, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Cairo Santos, K, New York Jets
- Avery Williamson, LB, New York Jets
- Luke Willson, TE, Detroit Lions
Collegiate Bowl Game History
Final Scores
| Year | Results | National Coach | American Coach | |||
| 2012 | National | 20 | American | 14 | Dick Vermeil | Tom Flores |
| 2013 | National | 34 | American | 0 | Dick Vermeil | Herman Edwards |
| 2014 | National | 31 | American | 17 | Dick Vermeil | Dennis Green |
| 2015 | National | 17 | American | 0 | Mike Martz | Mike Holmgren |
| 2016 | National | 18 | American | 17 | Mike Martz | Mike Holmgren |
| 2017 | National | 27 | American | 7 | Mike Martz | Jim Zorn |
| 2018 | National | 23 | American | 0 | Mike Martz | Darrell Green |
MVP
| Year | Name | Position | College |
| 2012 | G. J. Kinne | QB | Tulsa |
| 2013 | Dayne Crist | QB | Kansas |
| 2014 | J.C. Copeland | FB | LSU |
| 2015 | Terrell Watson | RB | Azusa Pacific |
| 2016 | Andrew Baggett | K | Missouri |
| 2017 | Lorenzo Jerome | FS | St. Francis |
| 2018 | Troy Apke | S | Penn State |