From Las Vegas high schools to the NFL: 16 local players now on pro rosters
Southern Nevada continues to shine as a national football talent hub
As the NFL season kicks off, Southern Nevada is once again proving it’s more than just a place for fans — it’s a growing pipeline for professional football talent. This year, 16 players who once roamed Las Vegas high school football fields are expected to be on NFL rosters, highlighting the region’s rapidly rising status in the world of elite football development.
Only Miami, Florida, sent more high school athletes to the league this year, with 17.
Among the local pros is Jonah Laulu, a Centennial High graduate who is now living out a dream with the Las Vegas Raiders. Laulu, who played for the Colts as a rookie last year, was picked up by the Raiders in August 2024. He played in all 17 games last season and is projected to start on defense this year.
“There will be times I’m walking through the facility and I look at the logo, and I just think — eight years ago I’d never have imagined this,” said Laulu. “This is a dream come true.”
Kyu Blu Kelly, a Bishop Gorman graduate, is also back home playing for the Raiders. A fifth-round pick in 2023, Kelly spent most of last season on the practice squad but has been showing promise in training camp. Despite a recent calf injury, he is expected to compete for a starting cornerback role.
Raiders coach Pete Carroll spoke highly of Kelly’s development:
“Those kinds of stories — I love seeing guys come out of backup situations and work their way through. He’s making a statement.”
Giving back to the next generation
Laulu has embraced his homecoming, not just professionally but in the community. He hosted a youth football camp this summer at his old high school and has been actively involved in Raiders-led community initiatives.
“When I was that age, we didn’t have a team here. Now that we do, I want to show the next generation that I’m a Vegas kid, just like them.”
He’s not the only local looking to give back. Laulu played in the Green Machine youth program, which has now produced three NFL athletes: himself, Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson, and Texans TE Brevin Jordan.
Bishop Gorman leads the pack
Bishop Gorman High School, long known for its dominance in high school football, continues to be the most productive local NFL pipeline. Seven of the 16 Las Vegas-area NFL players are Gorman alums, including:
- Ronnie Stanley (Ravens), one of the league’s top offensive tackles
- Rome Odunze (Bears), rookie wide receiver standout
- Jalen Nailor (Vikings), wide receiver
- Cedric Tillman (Browns), wide receiver
- Jaden Hicks (Chiefs), rookie safety
- Brevin Jordan (Texans), tight end
- Kyu Blu Kelly (Raiders), cornerback
Other local talent on NFL rosters
Las Vegas is represented all across the league, with players from various high schools earning spots on rosters:
- Daniel Bellinger (Giants, TE) — Palo Verde High
- Will Hernandez (Cardinals, OG) — Chaparral High
- Jordan Howden (Saints, DB) — Desert Pines
- Dalton Kincaid (Bills, TE) — Faith Lutheran
- Darnell Washington (Steelers, TE) — Desert Pines
- Miles Killebrew (Steelers, ST) — Foothill High
- Troy Fautanu (Steelers, OL) — Liberty High
Several local players were recently released, including Tony Fields II (Desert Pines, formerly with the Rams) and Dorian Thompson-Robinson (Bishop Gorman, briefly with the Eagles after a stint with the Browns).
UNLV alumni making strides
Two former UNLV players also cracked NFL rosters this season:
- Kyle Williams (Patriots, WR)
- Nohl Williams (Chiefs, CB)
Both played at UNLV in 2020–2021 before transferring to Power Five schools. While not related, they share the distinction of being among the few recent Rebels to make it into the league.
Other former UNLV stars — including Ricky White and Jackson Woodard — were waived during camp but could still land on practice squads or future rosters.
Las Vegas: more than just a sports town
The growth of the NFL in Las Vegas — with the Raiders now firmly established — has played a role in inspiring and supporting local talent. Players like Laulu and Kelly serve as powerful examples of what’s possible for young athletes in Southern Nevada.
As more high school stars rise through the ranks, Las Vegas is no longer just a sports destination — it’s becoming a full-fledged football development hub.
Image Sources: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2025/sep/02/locals-dot-rosters-of-several-nfl-teams-in-2025/
Category: Sports
Subcategory: Local Sports News
Date: 09/2/2025
