When one thinks of former Badger football greats, names like Al Toon, Alan Ameche and Tim Krumrie often come to mind. Although a number of quality players have been a part of Wisconsin’s rich football tradition over the years, only a select few have had an impact in the NFL like these former stars. Here’s a list of Wisconsin alumni currently attempting to etch their names into the NFL’s list of elite players:

Brooks Bollinger

The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Bollinger as a shortstop in 2000, but he opted to stick with football and wound up starting 42 games in his four seasons at Wisconsin. Although he doesn’t have a very strong arm, his athleticism and track record of being a winner earned him a spot on an NFL roster.

Bollinger, who was picked up by the New York Jets in the sixth round of this year’s draft, was originally named the team’s third-string quarterback. However, due to starter Chad Pennington’s injured left wrist, he has been promoted to the Jets’ backup position. Given the age of Pennington’s replacement, Vinny Testaverde, who will turn 40 in November, Bollinger may see some playing time in his rookie season.

Michael Bennett

Over the course of the past two seasons, Bennett has proven to be one of the league’s most explosive backs. Equipped with lightning speed and amazing quickness once he hits the hole, he has more than filled the void left by the Vikings’ former running back, Robert Smith. Minnesota fans were expecting another great year out of Bennett in 2003, but a fractured foot has sidelined him for the season. Look for Bennett to add to his stat line when he returns to the Vikings next season.

As a Heisman winner and a fan favorite, things looked good for Dayne as he entered the NFL. However, Dayne has not been pleased with his situation since joining the New York Giants in 2000. Through his first two years, Dayne has seen split time with Pro Bowl running back Tiki Barber. At first they were heralded as a balanced “Lightning and Thunder” combo, but now it seems the Giants are leaning more towards Tiki Barber. Dayne has also made his way into the Giants’ doghouse by requesting to be traded away. The trade request was denied by the front office. Dayne was inactive for the first game of 2003.

Chambers, who left Wisconsin in 2000, is steadily becoming one of the rising stars in the NFL. Chambers was drafted in the second round of the 2001 draft by the Miami Dolphins. In his rookie season for the Dolphins, Chambers surprised many by leading the team in both yardage and touchdowns, despite starting in only seven of the 16 games. In 2002, Chambers led the dolphins in both receptions and in receiving yards, and started in all 15 games he played. Chambers, who had become the primary target for Jay Fiedler, scored two impressive touchdowns in an opening-day loss against the Houston Texans. Look for Chambers to have a Pro Bowl-type season and join the ranks of names like Terrell Owens and Randy Moss.

Jamar Fletcher

On the other side of the ball for the Dolphins is another former Badger standout. Jamar Fletcher, who had seven interceptions in each of his three seasons at Wisconsin, has proven himself as a solid member of Miami’s secondary for the past three seasons. Although he hasn’t developed into the elite cornerback the Dolphins expected when they selected him in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft, he has the speed and raw talent to one day be one of the league’s best.

Aaron Gibson

Gibson, whose 6-foot-6, 390-pound frame made him the largest player in Wisconsin football history, was drafted as the 27th overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 1999 draft. Gibson sat out his entire rookie season with a left shoulder injury, and two years later he started 10 games before injuring his right shoulder. Detroit released him in October 2001, and he later signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Like his days in the Motor City, however, Gibson’s playing time was limited due to injury. After playing in just two games during his two-year tenure with the Cowboys, Dallas released the massive offensive tackle shortly after the season opener in 2002.

This season may mark a sign of new beginnings for Gibson, though. The former Badger has been named the Chicago Bears’ starting right tackle, and in the team’s opening week against the 49ers, he was pretty solid. If Gibson can stay healthy, he has all the size and mobility necessary to be one of the league’s top-flight offensive linemen.

Bryant left Wisconsin just two years ago and is still in the process of adjusting to the NFL. Bryant was the 12th overall pick in the 2002 draft for the Arizona Cardinals. At 6-foot-5, 303 pounds and a 4.77 time in the 40, Bryant had the prospect of being an impact player for the Cardinals. However, Bryant’s NFL career has not started off as he envisioned. Bryant was trapped in a contract dispute with the Cardinals and missed all of the preseason and the Cardinals opener. When Bryant finally signed, he was like a student walking into a test having never attended a lecture. With the lack of training Bryant saw time in only 12 games for the Cardinals and ended up with a mere 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Bryant’s 2003 season hasn’t started off much better; Bryant failed to see action in the Cardinals’ opener against the Detroit Lions.

Vincent, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1992 and now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, has had a spectacular career on and off the field. The four-time Pro-Bowler has already collected 38 interceptions and has taken a leadership role on an impressive Eagles defense. More extraordinary then any stat, Vincent has created quite a name for himself off the field. Vincent owns all or part of many successful business ventures, including the Troy Vincent Development and Construction, Essence Hair Nail & Body Spa, Team 23 NHRA Racing, and Hermann and Sons Beef Jerky. Vincent does not spend his wealth on the glitz and excess of many of his counterparts. He is a family man who has been named a finalist for NFL Man of the Year and won the 2003 Sporting News’ Good Guy Award for his dedication for helping his community. Vincent invested $61,000 to a community weight room in his hometown of Trenton and donated $150,000 into the Trenton Recreation Department when he heard the town did not have a youth girl’s basketball league. Vincent had five tackles and an interception in the Eagles’ opener against Tampa Bay.