If you’re a Marshall Thundering Herd fan, you know the school has an underrated football legacy. From electric wideouts to battle-tested quarterbacks, Marshall has produced some names that still echo in NFL stadiums. But when it comes to first-round NFL Draft picks—those prized, golden-ticket players—it’s been a long, quiet wait. So, when was the last time a Marshall player stepped up to that iconic stage and got the call on Day One?
Byron Leftwich: Marshall’s Last First-Round Draft Pick
It’s been over two decades since a Marshall player went in the first round of the NFL Draft. That honor belongs to Byron Leftwich, who was selected 7th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2003 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-5, with a rocket arm and iron-willed leadership, Leftwich was the pride of Huntington, West Virginia. His unforgettable college career still lives rent-free in the minds of Thundering Herd fans.
Let’s talk numbers:
- 11,903 career passing yards
- 89 touchdown passes
- 65.1% completion rate
- Two-time MAC Offensive Player of the Year
Leftwich was known not just for his stats but for his warrior mentality. His most legendary moment came in a 2002 game against Akron, when he played with a fractured shin. After completing a long pass, unable to walk, his linemen carried him down the field between plays so he could keep competing. That’s not just football; that’s folklore.
Byron’s NFL career was solid, if unspectacular. He started 50 games and tossed 58 career touchdown passes, mainly for the Jaguars and later with the Steelers and Buccaneers. But where he made waves post-retirement was as a Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping lead Tom Brady and crew to the Lombardi Trophy in 2021.
“He’s one of the smartest football minds I’ve ever been around,” said Bucs coach Bruce Arians in 2020. “He sees the game like a quarterback, making him a great play-caller.”
A Look Back at Marshall’s First-Round Pedigree
While Leftwich was the most recent first-rounder, he’s not the only one in Marshall’s history. The most famous? Easy: Randy Moss.
Drafted 21st overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998, Moss changed the NFL the moment he stepped onto the field. His rookie season included 17 touchdown receptions, and he ended his Hall of Fame career with 156 total. At Marshall, Moss was otherworldly, posting 96 catches, 1,820 yards, and 26 touchdowns in just one season at the FBS level (1997).
Fun fact: Moss signed initially with Notre Dame, then transferred to Florida State, before ultimately landing at Marshall. There, he teamed up with quarterback Chad Pennington and helped the Herd dominate in their jump to FBS.
Marshall’s first-round history includes
- Randy Moss (WR)—1998, Vikings, 21st overall
- Byron Leftwich (QB)—2003, Jaguars, 7th overall
- Chad Pennington (QB)—2000, Jets, 18th overall (often forgotten in these convos, but he counts!)
That’s it. Three first-round picks. But those three combined for over 200 career NFL touchdowns and 30,000+ passing yards, so quality has never been the issue—just opportunity.
What’s Next for the Herd? Is Another First-Rounder on the Horizon?
In recent years, Marshall hasn’t sniffed the first round, but they’ve quietly sent some talent to the NFL. Notables include:
- Vinny Curry (DE)—2nd Round, 2012, Philadelphia Eagles
- Corey Gammage (WR)—Undrafted but earned NFL minicamp invites
- Neville Hewitt (LB)—Undrafted, now a veteran NFL linebacker
Under head coach Charles Huff, who came to Marshall with experience from Alabama and Penn State, the program is aiming higher. Huff is known for his recruiting ability, bringing an SEC-style culture to Huntington.
“We’re not just building a team—we’re building a brand,” Huff said in 2023. “Marshall can produce elite NFL talent again.”
There’s buzz around players like Eli Neal (LB) and J.J. Roberts (DB), who could find NFL homes. But to break the first-round ceiling again? That may require a generational talent like Moss or a battle-tested leader like Leftwich. Still, the Herd is inching closer with better visibility, improved recruiting, and enhanced facilities.
KEEP READING: When Was the Last Time Boise State Had a First-Round NFL Draft Pick?
Marshall may not produce first-rounders every season, but when it does, those players make it count. Byron Leftwich in 2003 was the last to wear the green and white on Day One of the NFL Draft, but his legacy—both as a player and coach—is still felt in pro football circles.
The future looks promising as Coach Huff builds his foundation and continues to recruit nationally. It may not happen next year, but don’t be surprised if another Thundering Herd star rises to the NFL’s first-round spotlight. And when it does, you can bet the entire state will be watching.
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