Other Clubs

Even after all these years, the LSU Tigers’ 2019 National Championship players continue to create incredible history during NFL Free Agency.

The 2019 LSU Tigers football team is widely regarded as one of the most dominant college football teams in recent history. Led by quarterback Joe Burrow, head coach Ed Orgeron, and a roster brimming with talent, LSU not only captured the College Football Playoff National Championship but also set a new standard for excellence in the sport. Fast forward to today, and many of the key players from that historic squad are continuing to make waves in the NFL, particularly during the free agency period, where they are securing record-breaking deals and cementing their place as some of the best players in professional football.

From Joe Burrow’s meteoric rise as the Cincinnati Bengals’ franchise quarterback to the stunning success of former LSU stars like Justin Jefferson, Derrick Stingley Jr., and Patrick Queen, the impact of the 2019 LSU Tigers remains strong in the NFL. These players are not only fulfilling their potential at the next level, but they are also making headlines year after year during free agency, securing massive contracts and reaffirming LSU’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite NFL talent.

In this article, we will explore the continued success of LSU’s 2019 National Championship players during NFL Free Agency, highlighting their accomplishments and how they have become key figures in the professional football world.

The 2019 LSU Tigers: A Historic Team

Before diving into the current successes of LSU’s 2019 National Championship players, it’s important to recall the level of talent that was on display during that unforgettable season. The 2019 LSU Tigers set multiple records, particularly on offense, where Joe Burrow and his teammates produced one of the most prolific offensive seasons in college football history.

Burrow, the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner, set the standard for quarterbacks with 60 passing touchdowns and over 5,600 yards in a single season. He led LSU to a 15-0 record and the National Championship, culminating in a dominant win over the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. But Burrow wasn’t the only star on the team—LSU had numerous players who excelled in their respective positions and have continued their football careers with tremendous success.

Joe Burrow: The Rise of a Superstar Quarterback

Joe Burrow’s ascent from a backup quarterback at Ohio State to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is nothing short of a fairytale story. His historic 2019 season at LSU propelled him to national prominence and earned him the Heisman Trophy, making him the most decorated college quarterback that year. But Burrow’s success didn’t stop in college—he’s since become the face of the Cincinnati Bengals’ franchise.

After being drafted by the Bengals in 2020, Burrow quickly turned heads with his poise, accuracy, and leadership on the field. Despite a rookie season cut short by injury, Burrow’s talent was evident, and he returned in 2021 with a vengeance, leading the Bengals to the Super Bowl in just his second season. Burrow’s performance during the 2021 and 2022 seasons earned him recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and he has become the centerpiece of the Bengals’ offense.

In 2023, Burrow’s contract negotiations became a major talking point during NFL Free Agency. With several quarterbacks in the league securing huge deals, Burrow was expected to become the next in line for a record-breaking contract. His performance and leadership since entering the NFL made it clear that he was worth every penny. The Bengals ultimately rewarded Burrow with a massive extension, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history. The deal not only reflects Burrow’s immense value to the team but also reaffirms the LSU Tigers’ ability to produce elite quarterbacks capable of succeeding at the highest level of the NFL.

Justin Jefferson: The Unstoppable Wide Receiver

When it comes to the most electric playmakers from the 2019 LSU team, wide receiver Justin Jefferson immediately comes to mind. Jefferson was a key component of LSU’s record-breaking offense, finishing his college career with 111 receptions for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns during that magical 2019 season. His ability to make spectacular catches and dominate defensive backs made him one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Minnesota Vikings selected Jefferson with the 22nd overall pick, and since then, he has been nothing short of spectacular. In his first season, Jefferson broke multiple rookie records, including the most receiving yards by a rookie in NFL history. His ability to separate from defenders with his speed, route-running precision, and ball skills quickly made him one of the top wide receivers in the league.

As Jefferson’s career progressed, so did his stature in the NFL. By 2023, he had emerged as a top-five wide receiver, consistently putting up impressive numbers and making critical plays for the Vikings. His ability to make spectacular catches and change the course of games earned him a place among the elite, and during free agency, Jefferson became one of the most coveted players in the league for a contract extension. The Vikings didn’t hesitate to lock him down with a record-breaking deal, making Jefferson one of the highest-paid wide receivers in NFL history. This contract is just another testament to LSU’s ability to produce high-impact players who dominate at the next level.

Derrick Stingley Jr.: A Shutdown Corner in the NFL

Derrick Stingley Jr. was one of the most highly decorated players on LSU’s 2019 defense and was widely regarded as one of the top cornerback prospects heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. During his time at LSU, Stingley displayed a unique combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ that made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers. As a freshman in 2019, he was already considered one of the top cornerbacks in college football, earning consensus All-American honors and playing a pivotal role in LSU’s championship run.

Stingley’s transition to the NFL has been seamless. The Houston Texans selected him with the third overall pick in the 2022 draft, and he quickly became a standout in their defensive backfield. His ability to cover top receivers and disrupt passing plays has made him an integral part of the Texans’ defense. Stingley’s potential as one of the top cornerbacks in the league was clear from his rookie season, and in the 2023 free agency period, the Texans made it clear that they intended to keep their young star in Houston for the long term.

Stingley’s impact on the field, combined with his leadership qualities, has made him one of the most exciting young players in the NFL. During free agency, his contract negotiations garnered significant attention, and in the end, the Texans rewarded him with a record-breaking deal, ensuring that Stingley would remain the cornerstone of their defense for years to come. His deal cements his place among the NFL’s elite defensive players, further establishing the LSU Tigers’ reputation as a breeding ground for top-tier talent.

Patrick Queen: A Force in the Middle of the Defense

Another key contributor to LSU’s championship run in 2019 was linebacker Patrick Queen. As one of the most versatile linebackers in college football, Queen played a major role in LSU’s defensive success, helping to shut down both the run and pass in key games throughout the season. His leadership, combined with his sideline-to-sideline speed, made him a natural fit in the NFL.

The Baltimore Ravens selected Queen in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he quickly became a vital component of their defense. Queen’s speed and ability to read the quarterback have allowed him to thrive in the NFL, and by his second season, he was already making significant contributions as one of the league’s top young linebackers. As free agency approached, the Ravens recognized Queen’s importance to their defense and rewarded him with a lucrative extension, ensuring that he would remain a cornerstone of their defensive unit for years to come.

Queen’s success is another example of LSU’s ability to develop elite talent capable of making an immediate impact at the NFL level. His growth as a player has been impressive, and his record-breaking deal speaks to his status as one of the NFL’s best linebackers.

Continued Success for the LSU Tigers in the NFL

The success of LSU’s 2019 National Championship players during NFL free agency is not an anomaly; it is a testament to the culture of excellence that has been cultivated within the LSU football program. These players have not only dominated at the collegiate level but have seamlessly transitioned to the NFL, where they continue to make an impact year after year.

The continued success of these players during free agency is a reflection of their hard work, dedication, and the incredible development they received at LSU. Each of these players has become a cornerstone of their respective NFL teams, and their contracts are a direct result of their exceptional talent and contributions to the game.

As these players continue to build on their already impressive careers, one thing is clear: the LSU Tigers’ 2019 National Championship team will forever be remembered as one of the greatest teams in college football history, and its players will continue to shape the NFL for years to come.

 

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button

AdBlock detected remove to access site

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker