Best NFL players born in Rhode Island
Football has long been woven into the cultural fabric of America, and every state has produced its share of gridiron legends. From Hall of Fame quarterbacks to record-setting receivers and defensive stalwarts, some of the NFL's greatest talents trace their roots back to Rhode Island.
Using data from Pro Football Reference, Stacker compiled a ranking of the best NFL players born in Rhode Island. Players were ranked by weighted career approximate value (AV), a metric developed by Pro Football Reference that measures overall career impact. Data is as of the start of the 2025 NFL season.
This list highlights players who made their mark on the league—some remembered for their longevity, others for their peak dominance. Read on to see which football stars born in Rhode Island have left the biggest legacy in NFL history.
#11. Deon Anderson (FB) (tie)
- City: Providence
- Years played: 2007-2010
- Games played: 39
- Weighted career value: 1
#11. Kevin Smith (DB) (tie)
- City: Newport
- Years played: 1991-1991
- Games played: 16
- Weighted career value: 1
#11. Terry Rennaker (LB) (tie)
- City: Newport
- Years played: 1980-1980
- Games played: 15
- Weighted career value: 1
#10. Jamie Silva (DB)
- City: East Providence
- Years played: 2008-2009
- Games played: 25
- Weighted career value: 2
#9. Al Krevis (T)
- City: Providence
- Years played: 1975-1976
- Games played: 13
- Weighted career value: 4
#8. Joe Reed (QB)
- City: Newport
- Years played: 1972-1979
- Games played: 50
- Weighted career value: 12
#6. John Mellekas (C) (tie)
- City: Newport
- Years played: 1956-1963 (4 years as starter)
- Games played: 84
- Weighted career value: 16
#6. Will Blackmon (DB) (tie)
- City: Providence
- Years played: 2006-2016 (2 years as starter)
- Games played: 96
- Weighted career value: 16
#5. Tom Mitchell (TE)
- City: Newport
- Years played: 1966-1977 (6 years as starter)
- Games played: 145
- Weighted career value: 30
#4. Bill Sandeman (T)
- City: Providence
- Years played: 1966-1973 (4 years as starter)
- Games played: 84
- Weighted career value: 31
#3. Steve Furness (DT)
- City: Providence
- Years played: 1972-1981 (2 years as starter)
- Games played: 106
- Weighted career value: 33
#2. Al Del Greco (K)
- City: Providence
- Years played: 1984-2000
- Games played: 248
- Weighted career value: 40
#1. Gerry Philbin (DE)
- City: Pawtucket
- Years played: 1964-1973 (9 years as starter)
- Games played: 123
- Pro Bowl selections: 2
- All-Pro selections (1st team): 2
- Weighted career value: 62
