Last Chance U NFL Players: The Path to the Big Leagues
With their honest and emotional depiction of junior college (JUCO) football players trying to land a spot at the NFL, the Netflix docuseries "Last Chance U" won over many people. Although there are obstacles on the road to the professional ranks, several athletes shown on the show have realized their dream of Nfl play. Examining the careers of these eminent personalities, this article explores their achievements and challenges as they negotiated the demanding world of professional football.
Rejzohn Wright: Multiple Chances Defensive Back
Outstanding defensive back Rejzohn Wright of "Last Chance U's season five made his name at Laney College before moving on to Oregon State. He proved his ability and promise, landing a first team All- Pac-12 slot. Wright got on the Carolina Panthers' practice squad even though he was not selected in 2023. He was let before the season started, but later the Las Vegas Raiders gave him another chance. Wright presently has a reserve/future contract with the New Orleans Saints, giving him another chance at making the Nfl roster following a short stay with the Raiders.
John Franklin III: Quarterback through Super Bowl champion
During his collegiate career, John Franklin III, the EMCC quarterback highlighted in season 1 showed flexibility by switching to wide receiver. Franklin was not selected in 2018, but he landed a spot on the Chicago Bears practice squad and subsequently signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Franklin's fortitude was put to the test when a leg injury kept him from playing during the 2019 season, but he still participated on the Buccaneers' Super Bowl-winning squad. He continued to participate in the USFL then traveled to Canada, where the Edmonton Elks released him in 2024.
Allenzae Staggers: Short NFL Trip of a Star Wide Receiver
Impressive wide receiver for EMCC in season 1, Allenzae Staggers broke the school's single-game receiving yard record and made the Biletnikoff watch list. The Washington Commanders watched his performance and invited him to minicamp. Staggers, though, was let go before the 2019 season started, so ending his brief NFL career. Since then, there have been no updates on his career.
Ronald Ollie: The Trip of the Fan-favorite Defensive Tackle
With his humor and tenacity, season 1's beloved defensive tackle Ronald Ollie won over viewers. He received an All-Southland Honorable Mention as a senior following transfer to Nicholls State. Ollie impressed the New Orleans Saints even though he was not selected, then took part in the Oakland Raiders' minicamp. Sadly, his tenure with the Raiders was brief; he then signed with the Canadian Football League. Retired from professional football, Ollie now concentrates on coaching young athletes at his own camps.
C.J. Reavis: The Safety Seeking Success Following a Setback
After being let go from Virginia Tech, gifted safety C.J. Reavis—who starred in season 1—faced challenges. He recovered at EMCC then finished his college career at Marshall. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Reavis debuted in the NFL in 2018. Reavis signed with the Atlanta Falcons following Jaguar release, but he never made it past their practice squad. Right now, he is a Canadian Football League Saskatchewan Roughrader.
Chauncey Rivers: The Defensive Lineman Traveling a Bumpy Path
Season 2 defensive linemen Chauncey Rivers had a rough beginning to his college career. He settled at EMCC after being kicked from Georgia. After his time on "Last Chance U," Rivers played for Mississippi State and was subsequently signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undegraduated free agent. Rivers eventually joined the active roster and even recorded a few tackles before suffering a season-ending ACL tear, although first spending time on the practice squad. Since then, he has competed in the UFL and presently represents the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Canada.
Dakota Allen: The NFL Draft Linebacker Made Here
Originally making waves at Texas Tech, Dakota Allen, the season two star linebacker was dismissed for legal problems. He stabilized at EMCC and got a second shot at Texas Tech. Being the first "Last Chance U" player to be selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, Allen's outstanding performance earned him a seventh-round ticket. Before joining the Cleveland Browns and subsequently the Denver Broncos, Allen played for the Los Angeles Rams, Oakland Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Since 2022 he hasn't participated in the NFL.
Jermaine Johnson II: Pro Bowler from First Round Draft
Before moving to Georgia, Jermaine Johnson II, the defensive lineman seen in seasons three and four, made a big impression at Independence Community College. Following still another move to Florida State, Johnson dominated, leading the ACC in sacks and tackles-for-loss. Being the first "Last Chance U" player chosen in the first round, his outstanding performance landed him a first-round ticket in the NFL Draft. Johnson signed with the New York Jets and has since become a major component of their defense, making a Pro Bowl call-off in his second season.
Kuony Deng: The Undrafted Linebacker Possessed of Many Possibilities
Signed by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022 but released before the season started, Kuony Deng, the linebacker seen in seasons 3 and 4, was He subsequently joined the Chicago Bears' practice squad, finally landing a reserve/futures contract. Still, Deng was let free once more before the 2023 season. Following a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he returned to the collegiate ranks to serve as an Oregon State Beavers graduate assistant coach.
The Difficulties Outside of the Main Event
Though "Last Chance U" highlights the goals and hardships of these gifted athletes, not every narrative finishes with an NFL contract. After being involved in a fatal stabbing, season 2 running back Isaiah Wright experienced a terrible turn of events and spent time in prison. Season 3 center Kerry Buckmaster totally retired from football. Renowned for his divisive approach, Coach Jason Brown encountered legal challenges and criticism for his behavior. These illustrations show the complexity of life outside the field of play and remind us that even the most driven people can run across unanticipated challenges.
Legacy of "Last Chance U"
Showcasing JUCO athletes' resiliency, tenacity, and challenges both on and off the field, "Last Chance U" offered a singular window into their life. Although not all of the players on the show made it to the NFL, the show was a potent reminder of the aspirations, hardships, and second chances that define the path of aspirant athletes. It also underlined the need of mentoring, support networks, and second chances for young men trying to overcome challenges and reach their objectives.
