Other NFL players from NIU

Safety Jimmie Ward was drafted No. 30 overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft May 8, 2014, according to a May 9, 2014 Northern Star article.

By Brooklynn Schmidgall

Former NIU wide receiver Kenny Golladay drafted to the Detroit Lions in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL draft on Friday night, according to a May 1 Northern Star article found here. But Golladay isn’t the only current NFL player to come out of NIU. According to ESPN, there are 5 other current NFL players that originated from NIU.

1. Da’Ron Brown

He is currently the wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers. He has also been signed to the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, New York Giants and Miami Dolphins practice squads since 2015. Read more Northern Star stories about Brown here.

2. Tommylee Lewis

Lewis is the wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints. This is the only team in the NFL he has been associated with so far. Read more Northern Star stories about Lewis here.

3. Rashaan Melvin

Indianapolis Colts cornerback originated from NIU as well. He has been a part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins (twice), Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots since 2013. Read more Northern Star stories about Melvin here.

4. Tim Semisch

Tight end with the Tennessee Titans, Tim Semisch, played at NIU from 2011-2014 according to the Los Angeles Charger’s Website. Before signing with the Titans, Semisch spent time on the practice squads of the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Chargers. Read more Northern Star stories about Semisch here.

5. Jimmie Ward

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward graduated from NIU in 2013. He was the 30th pick of the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Read more Northern Star stories about Ward here.