[2] From Tennessee State, three players were selected in the 1972 NFL draft – defensive back Clifford Brooks, linebacker Robert Stevenson, and quarterback Joe Gilliam.
Running back Larry Grissom was inducted to his university's hall of fame in 1985,[3] as was safety Billy Blakeman in 2009.
[4] Quarterback Greg Davis went on to be the head coach at Tulane, and offensive coordinator for several college teams.
Tennessee State head coach John Merritt was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
McNeese State head coach Jack Doland was inducted to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.