25 Athletes from Oklahoma That Made it to the “Pros”

Oklahoma Athletes That Made It To The “Big Time”

Oklahoma is known for its strong athletic tradition, and has produced many successful professional athletes across a variety of sports. From football and baseball to wrestling and track and field, Oklahoma has been a breeding ground for some of the most talented and accomplished athletes in the world.

Many of these athletes got their start in Oklahoma, honing their skills and developing their talents before moving on to achieve greatness on the national and international stage. This article will take a look at some of the most notable professional athletes who got their start in Oklahoma, whether they were born here, grew up here, or landed here to pursue their dream before making it in the “big-time”. This list is in no particular order.

Mickey Mantle

One of the most famous names in Baseball history, Mickey Mantle was born in Spavinaw, which is located in Northeastern Oklahoma. He played his entire career with the New York Yankees. He was a center fielder and is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

Mantle was a 20-time All-Star, a three-time MVP and won seven World Series championships with the Yankees. He was famous for his power hitting, speed and defense. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974 and his No.7 was retired by the Yankees. Mantle died in 1995.

Samaje Perine

Samaje Perine is an American football running back who was born in Pflugerville, Texas. He played college football at the University of Oklahoma, and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He played for the Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals, before joining Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.

He’s known for his power running style and his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. He’s also a versatile player and can be used as a pass-catcher as well. He had a solid rookie season, but his production decreased in the following years. He’s considered a strong contributor on special teams as well.

Mark Price

Mark Price is a retired NBA player who was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He played college basketball at Georgia Tech before being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the 1986 NBA draft. He spent most of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he established himself as a top point guard in the league. He’s a four-time NBA All-Star, and led the league in free-throw percentage four times.

He’s considered one of the best shooters of all time, particularly for his ability to shoot from long range. He was also known for his passing ability, and his ability to run a team as a point guard. After his playing career, Price has become a successful coach and currently coaching the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Ryan Broyles

Ryan Broyles, born in Norman, Oklahoma, played wide receiver at the University of Oklahoma where he set several NCAA records for receptions and receiving yards. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Lions before playing for the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants.

He’s known for his sure hands and ability to make difficult catches. Despite his ability, injuries impacted his productivity and he was not able to have the expected impact in the NFL. He retired from the NFL in 2016 and returned to Oklahoma to work as a college football analyst for Fox Sports.

Jim Thorpe

Born in Prague, Oklahoma and a member of the Sac and Fox Nation, Jim Thorpe was a professional football player, baseball player, and Olympic gold medalist. He attended Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, where he played both football and track and field. Thorpe is considered one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.

He played professional football for several teams including the Canton Bulldogs, New York Giants and the Chicago Cardinals. He also played baseball for the New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds. In the Stockholm Olympics of 1912, Thorpe earned gold medals.

He was stripped of his medals in 1913 due to a violation of amateur status, but they were returned to him in 1983, 30 years after his death. Thorpe was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963, and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983.

Shannon Miller

Shannon Miller is a retired American gymnast who was born in Rolla, Missouri. However, her family moved to Edmond, Oklahoma when she was only 6 months old and ended up graduating high school from Edmond North High School. She is among the most successful gymnasts in American history, winning a total of seven Olympic and World Championship medals.

She is best known for her achievements in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, where she won five medals, including two gold medals. She was the first American gymnast to win a balance beam gold medal in the Olympics. Shannon Miller was also a three-time national all-around champion and a member of the Magnificent Seven, the first American gymnastics team to win the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics.

She also won a total of 16 World and Olympic medals, being the most decorated American gymnast until Simone Biles. After her gymnastics career, she became a motivational speaker and a gymnastics commentator, also involved in several charity work and organizations.

DeMarco Murray

DeMarco Murray was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, but moved to Oklahoma to play football at the University of Oklahoma. He was a consensus All-American and won the Doak Walker Award in 2010. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the Cowboys, where he established himself among the top running back in the league.

He then played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans, and the Kansas City Chiefs before retiring in 2019. He’s known for his power running style, ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. He was a three-time Pro Bowler, and led the NFL in rushing yards in 2014. He was also a productive receiver out of the backfield, and he helped his teams to reach the playoffs several times.

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin, born in Oklahoma City, got his start in basketball in the Sooner state.  He had wild success at OU before being drafted into the NBA by the L.A. Clippers. He is now a power forward for the Boston Celtics. He’s a six-time NBA All-Star, four-time All-NBA selection, and was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2011. Griffin is known for his powerful dunks, athleticism, and his ability to score and rebound effectively.

He was a key player for the Clippers during his time with the team, helping lead them to the playoffs several times. Griffin’s career has been plagued by injuries, but he continues to be a productive player when healthy. In addition to his career on the court, Griffin is also known for his philanthropic efforts and is involved in various charitable organizations.

Alvan Adams

Alvan Adams, now retired, was a professional basketball player who was born in Lawton, Oklahoma. He played college basketball at the University of Oklahoma, where he led the Sooners to the NCAA Final Four in 1974. He was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 1975 NBA Draft. He spent his entire career with the Suns, playing from 1975 to 1988. He was well-known for his versatility and his ability to play multiple positions on the court.

He was a good passer, rebounder and he had a good shooting touch. He was the 1976 NBA Rookie of the Year, and was a four-time NBA All-Star. He was also a key player for the Suns team that reached the NBA Finals in 1976. After his playing career, he was the general manager of the Suns, and currently working in the front office of the team.

Brian Bosworth

Brian Bosworth, also born in Oklahoma City, was a linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL from 1987-1989. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he was a two-time consensus All-American and won the Butkus Award, given to the best collegiate linebacker, in 1985 and 1986. He was celebrated physical play, his distinctive hairstyle and his flamboyant personality.

He was also known for his criticism of the NCAA and for his outspoken personality. He was a first round pick for the Seattle Seahawks in the 1987 supplemental draft and played three seasons for the team. However, his NFL career was cut short due to shoulder injuries and he was forced to retire in 1989. After retiring, he has been involved in various business ventures and acting appearances.

Sam Bradford

Former professional quarterback, Sam Bradford, was born in Oklahoma City and played college football at the University of Oklahoma. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 2010 NFL Draft. He was with the Rams for five seasons, then joined the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, and the Atlanta Falcons.

He was noted for his strong arm and accuracy as a passer. He was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week multiple times, and also made the Pro Bowl in 2012. He retired from the NFL in 2020.

Allie Reynolds

Allie Reynolds was born in Bethany, Oklahoma, and was a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians and the New York Yankees. Famous for his powerful fastball, Reynolds was a six-time All-Star and won two World Series championships with the Yankees in 1952 and 1953. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967.

Troy Aikman

Troy Aikman was another household name back in the day. His family moved from West Covina, California to Henryetta, OK when he was only 12.  He started his freshman year at the University of Oklahoma, and played football for the Sooners from 1984-1985. He was on the Dallas Cowboys team from 1989 to 2000. He is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

He led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s and was the Super Bowl XXVII MVP. He was also named to six Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. He also won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 1997.

After his football career, he became a sportscaster, working as a color commentator for Fox NFL and a commentator for the NFL on Fox. He also involved in charity work, including the Troy Aikman Foundation which focuses on improving the lives of children.

Joe Carter

Joe Carter was born in Oklahoma City on March 7, 1960.  He’s been several teams throughout his career, including the Cleveland Indians, San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, and Baltimore Orioles. He was popular for his power hitting and was a five-time All-Star.

Carter is most famous for hitting a walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series, helping the Blue Jays win their second consecutive championship. He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.

John Starks

John Starks, also born in Tulsa, attended Rogers State University in Oklahoma before starting his professional career. Although he has played on a variety of professional teams, most of his popularity came while being with the New York Knicks.

He is considered among the greatest Knicks players of all time and is remembered for his fiery competitive spirit, as well as his clutch shooting and defensive skills. He was with the Knicks from 1990 to 1998, and then Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and the Vancouver Grizzlies. He retired from the NBA in 2002.

Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders, born in Wichita, KS, ended up moving to Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma State University.  He was drafted as a running back for the Lions in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft. He was committed to the Lions for 10 seasons, from 1989 to 1998. He is considered to be among the best running backs in the history of the NFL and is known for his quickness, agility and elusiveness.

He won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1997, and was a 6 time Pro Bowler. He retired from the NFL in 1998, after just 10 seasons, with 18,190 rushing yards and 99 touchdowns, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Johnny Bench

Johnny Bench was born in Oklahoma City and raised in Binger, OK.  He began his professional career with the Cincinnati Reds in 1967. He was known for his defensive skills behind the plate, winning two National League Gold Glove Awards in 1968 and 1969, and he was also a powerful hitter, winning National League MVP awards in 1970 and 1972, and was a 2-time National League home run champion.

He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. He was a 14-time All-Star, and won 2 World Series titles with the Reds in 1975 and 1976. After retirement, he has been a commentator and television analyst for baseball games.

Bill Goldberg

Bill Goldberg is a former professional wrestler, football player, and actor from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He joined the Los Angeles Rams in 1990, but he is best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

He began his wrestling career in WCW in 1997 and quickly became a fan favorite, winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. He then joined WWE in 2003, where he continued to be a prominent figure in the industry. He is also known for his appearances in movies and television shows.

Lee Roy Selmon

Lee Roy Selmon was a former Defensive End for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL from 1976 to 1984. He was born in Eufaula, Oklahoma and attended the University of Oklahoma where he played college football. He was the first player ever drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1976, and was considered one of the best defensive players in the NFL during his career.

Selmon was a six-time Pro Bowler and was named the 1979 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, and the Buccaneers Ring of Honor. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995, becoming the first player from the Buccaneers to be inducted. Selmon died in 2011.

James Winchester

James Winchester is a professional football long snapper in the NFL. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and attended the University of Oklahoma. He previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles, and now plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. He is known for his precise snapping skills and has been a consistent performer throughout his career. He has been in the NFL since 2013 and is currently a free agent.

Steve Largent

Steve Largent, born in Tulsa, OK, was a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks. He played his entire 14-year career with the team, from 1976 to 1989. Largent was famous for his sure hands and consistency, and he holds several NFL records, including most receptions in a career by a player who spent his entire career with one team.

He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995 and his number 80 was retired by the Seattle Seahawks. After his retirement from football, Largent went on to serve as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma.

John Smith

John Smith is a retired American freestyle wrestler. He was born in Del City, Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma State University, where he became a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion and four-time All-American. He competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal in the freestyle wrestling. He also won gold medals in the 1990 and 1991 World Wrestling Championships, and the 1991 Pan American Games.

He won a silver medal in the 1992 Summer Olympics. He was elected to the United States Olympic Hall of Fame in 1995. After his competitive career, Smith has been a coach for the Oklahoma State University wrestling team and helped lead the team to multiple NCAA national championships.

Jermaine Gresham

Jermaine Gresham was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma and attended the University of Oklahoma. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft as tight end. Gresham was with the Bengals for five seasons before joining the Arizona Cardinals for three seasons. He has also been on the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks teams. He has been to the Pro Bowl once in his career, in 2011.

Tony Casillas

Tony Casillas, born on Tulsa, played as a defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he played college football. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 1986 NFL Draft.

He was with theFalcons for 6 seasons, before moving to the Dallas Cowboys for 4 seasons, and then to the Kansas City Chiefs for 2 seasons. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and won Super Bowl XXVII with the Cowboys. He retired from football in 1999, and since then he has been involved in real estate business and he has been a college football commentator.

Oklahoma has produced a remarkable number of successful and famous athletes who have made a significant impact on the world of sports. These individuals have not only achieved great success in their respective sports, but they have also served as inspiration and role models for future generations of Oklahoma athletes.

Their stories of hard work, determination, and perseverance are a testament to the strong athletic tradition that exists in Oklahoma and serve as a reminder that with the right mindset and focus, anything is possible.