Eastern Illinois University (EIU) may not be a household name when it comes to college football, but surprisingly, the Panthers have produced some talented quarterbacks who went on to play in the National Football League (NFL). In this post, we’ll explore the stories of three notable EIU alumni who made it big in the NFL.
Sean Payton: The Quarterback Coach
Before becoming a legendary coach in his own right, Sean Payton played quarterback for Eastern Illinois University from 1987 to 1987. Yes, you read that correctly – just one year! Despite his short time at EIU, Payton made an impact on the field, leading the Panthers to a 6-5 record during his senior season.
After college, Payton went on to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for two seasons before transitioning into coaching. He eventually became the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, where he won Super Bowl XLIV and earned Coach of the Year honors in 2009.
Payton’s connection to EIU serves as a testament to the university’s ability to produce talented athletes who can go on to succeed at higher levels.
Ted Petersen: The Journeyman Quarterback
Ted Petersen played quarterback for Eastern Illinois University from 1977 to 1987, an impressive 10-year stint that speaks volumes about his dedication and passion for the sport. During his time at EIU, Petersen set multiple records, including most career passing yards (6,134) and touchdowns (43).
Petersen’s NFL journey was marked by stints with several teams, including the New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs. Although he never became a star quarterback, his perseverance and determination earned him respect within the league.
Tony Romo: The Star Quarterback
Tony Romo is arguably EIU’s most famous alumnus in terms of NFL success. A standout quarterback for the Panthers from 2004 to 2016, Romo holds multiple school records, including career passing yards (9,411) and touchdowns (82).
Romo went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys, where he became a fan favorite and set multiple franchise records. Although injuries limited his playing time, Romo remains one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history.
Bob Rosenstiel: The Two-Sport Athlete
Bob Rosenstiel played quarterback for Eastern Illinois University from 1997 to 1997 – yes, another one-year wonder! A two-sport athlete, Rosenstiel also played basketball at EIU before focusing solely on football. His impressive athletic background didn’t go unnoticed; he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 5th round of the 1998 NFL Draft.
Rosenstiel’s NFL career spanned several seasons, during which he played for the Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and Carolina Panthers. Although his playing time was limited, Rosenstiel remains an important figure in EIU football history.
Conclusion
The stories of Sean Payton, Ted Petersen, Tony Romo, and Bob Rosenstiel serve as a testament to Eastern Illinois University’s ability to produce talented athletes who can go on to succeed at higher levels. Despite being a small-market school, EIU has managed to send several quarterbacks to the NFL, showcasing its commitment to developing student-athletes.
In conclusion, yes, a small-market school like Eastern Illinois can indeed produce NFL talent. The university’s dedication to football and its athletes has yielded some impressive results, and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for EIU’s football program.
