Florida Ranks No.1 In Producing The Most NFL Players. Why?

WLRN Public Media | By John Power

Published January 26, 2016 at 12:15 PM EST

Antonio Brown, a Miami native and Miami Norland alumnus, plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sunshine State residents can now relish Florida's distinction in being the No.1 U.S. state in producing NFL players.

Florida edged California by one player this season. Florida had 204 players, while California had 203 on NFL kickoff weekend rosters. Only four states had more than 100 players. Texas was third with 181, followed by Georgia with 114, according to the annual count by USA football.Within Florida, Miami produced 31 active NFL players and 20 players came out of Fort Lauderdale.

NFL players were asked where they grew up.

So why is Florida producing so many professional football players?

Several factors influence Florida’s success.

Florida’s favorable climate permits football to be a year-round sport. Year-long rigorous training, including summer workouts and the actual in-season and offseason workouts all play a part in developing student athletes.

Florida is a football-driven state. It is home to two National Football League teams that have won Super Bowls and three major college football schools that have won championships. The competition and culture are very much influenced by football.

Florida is known as one of the powerhouse states when it comes to NFL players being drafted. Florida led the nation in the 2014 and 2015 NFL drafts in regards to draft picks.

As, Larry Bluestein—a Miami Herald sports columnist—told Complex Magazine“From Palm Beach down to Key West is probably the most solid 200 miles (for recruiting) you’ll ever find.” The reason is the rise of competition in the community, pushing athletes to develop and hone their skills as players at a younger age.

Coach Henry Farmer runs drills with players at Charles Hadley Park in Liberty City.

With seven Division-I college programs and a few minor division teams, young athletes have to compete for limited spots with locals and numerous other athletes from outside Floridalooking for eminence in the Sunshine State.

Despite any setbacks, Florida continues to harvest football athletes at a professional level and has no intentions on hindering the growth.

Bluestein tells risemiaminews“I think there’s a hunger factor. There’s no fooling around.”