Record number of Gwinnett County Public Schools’ alumni are actively playing in NFL

A record-setting 31 Gwinnett County Public Schools alumni are currently on NFL rosters or practice squads, the highest number in district history. Representing schools across the district, these athletes showcase the strength of GCPS athletics and the opportunities available for scholar-athletes to succeed at the highest levels of competition.

Their success reflects years of hard work and dedication, along with the support of coaches, teachers, families, and school communities that helped them along the way.

 “Seeing 31 former GCPS student-athletes on NFL rosters is something our entire community can take pride in,” said GCPS Director of Athletics Jason Holcomb. “It speaks to the dedication of our coaches, teachers, families, and support staff who invest in these young people long before they reach the professional level.”

Among all GCPS schools, North Gwinnett High School leads the district with seven former players currently on NFL rosters or practice squads, the most of any GCPS school. North Gwinnett High's NFL representatives include Barrett Carter, Josh Downs, Tyler Goodson, Josh Hancock, Jared Ivey, Kayden McDonald, and DJ Turner.

Peachtree Ridge High School ranks second with five former players currently in the league, while Parkview High School has three. Archer, Brookwood, Collins Hill, Dacula, Grayson, Mill Creek, and Norcross high schools each have two alumni on NFL rosters or practice squads. Lanier and South Gwinnett high schools also have former players competing in the NFL.

GCPS Alumni on NFL Rosters and Practice Squads

Archer High School

• Joshua Ezeudu, Kansas City Chiefs
• Colby Wooden, New Orleans Saints

Brookwood High School

• Nick Moore, Baltimore Ravens
• Kendall Williamson, Los Angeles Chargers

Collins Hill High School

• Jared Bartlett, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars

Dacula High School

• Corey Levin, Atlanta Falcons
• Konata Mumpfield, Los Angeles Rams

Grayson High School

• Wanya Morris, Dallas Cowboys
• Owen Pappoe, Tennessee Titans

Lanier High School

• Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers

Mill Creek High School

• Caleb Downs, Dallas Cowboys
• Shaka Heyward, Cincinnati Bengals

Norcross High School

• Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
• Dohnte Meyers, Cincinnati Bengals

North Gwinnett High School

• Barrett Carter, Cincinnati Bengals
• Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
• Tyler Goodson, Atlanta Falcons
• Josh Hancock, Buffalo Bills
• Jared Ivey, Atlanta Falcons
• Kayden McDonald, Houston Texans
• DJ Turner, Cincinnati Bengals

Parkview High School

• Julian Ashby, New England Patriots
• C.J. Daniels, Los Angeles Rams
• Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins

Peachtree Ridge High School

• Robert Beal, Miami Dolphins
• Orlando Brown Jr., Cincinnati Bengals
• Payne Durham, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Connor Heyward, Las Vegas Raiders

South Gwinnett High School

• Terell Smith, Washington Commanders

"What makes GCPS special is that we focus on developing the whole student,” Holcomb said. “Athletics provide opportunities to build discipline, resilience, leadership, and teamwork, while our schools challenge students to excel in the classroom and prepare for life after graduation.”