These Four BYU NFL Stars Are the Best in the League at What They Do
As BYU fans, let’s take a moment to celebrate Andy Reid, Fred Warner, Puka Nacua, and Taysom Hill for being the top players in the NFL at their respective positions.
The NFL is undergoing a BYU revolution, a testament to the strength of Kalani Sitake’s program. While many are aware of the impressive talents hailing from Provo, Utah, it’s worth reflecting on how remarkable BYU’s players are at the pinnacle of football. The Cougars are making waves in the league and leaving their legacy.
Andy Reid – The NFL’s Top Coach
The former BYU lineman and graduate assistant is undoubtedly the best active head coach in the NFL.
Under the leadership of Reid, the Kansas City Chiefs are seeking their third consecutive Super Bowl victory, a feat no team in NFL history has accomplished. The Chiefs have reached seven straight AFC Championship games, showcasing a level of sustained success that’s almost incomprehensible.
Reid’s 301 career wins, including playoffs, places him fourth on the all-time list, behind only Don Shula (347), Bill Belichick (333), and George Halas (324). His 28 postseason victories are second only to Belichick’s 31.
When Reid’s career comes to a close, he will undoubtedly be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Fred Warner – The NFL’s Top Linebacker
Fred Warner has earned First Team All-Pro honors in four of the last five seasons, including 2024, despite playing much of the year with a broken ankle.
In his seven years in the NFL, Warner has tallied 897 tackles, averaging 128 per season. Renowned for his ability to stop the run, he is also regarded as the league’s best middle linebacker in pass coverage, with 28 passes defended over the last three seasons.
At just 28 years old, Warner remains in his prime. He is a future Hall of Famer when his playing days are over.
Puka Nacua – The NFL’s Top Wide Receiver
Puka Nacua is widely regarded as the NFL’s best wide receiver. Pro Football Focus has ranked him as the No. 1 receiver for 2024, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. Despite missing six games early in the season due to injury, his performance per game was outstanding.
Nacua’s 90.0 receiving yards per game ranked third in the league, as did his 7.2 receptions per game. His 106 targets resulted in a 74.5% catch rate, with an average of 12.5 yards per reception. No other wide receiver with 65 or more targets matched those numbers.
In his second season, Nacua has solidified his place as the best receiver in the league.
Taysom Hill – The NFL’s Top All-Around Player
The NFL has never seen a versatile player like Taysom Hill.
The former BYU quarterback has done it all during his remarkable eight-year career. He’s thrown for 2,369 yards and 11 touchdowns, rushed for 2,437 yards and 33 touchdowns, averaging an incredible 5.6 yards per carry. As a receiver, he has 99 catches for 943 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Hill has also excelled on special teams, recording 17 tackles and 489 yards on 20 kickoff returns. He’s blocked punts, recovered fumbles, and even forced a safety.
In 2023, Hill became the first player in NFL history to have 10 passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns in his career. His dominant 2024 game against the Cleveland Browns made him the first player in history with over 100 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 50 receiving yards, and 10 passing yards in a single game.
Although his individual stats don’t yet merit a Hall of Fame induction, Hill’s unmatched all-around career could one day earn him a place in Canton, Ohio.
