Yes, he is the first Wildcat to play in the National Football League. He's #2 on this list mainly because I didn't want to mess with the numbering format. This is more of a 1A/1B type of thing.
#2, or #1: Bryce Callahan, DB, 2008-09
College: Rice (2010-15)
Pro: Chicago Bears (2015-18), Denver Broncos (2019-present)
First photo taken by Don Carson. Last two photos from Getty Images; sources included in links.
First photo taken by Don Carson. Last two photos from Getty Images; sources included in links.
Accolades at Cy Woods
Most career interceptions (13)
Most career return touchdowns (4)
1st-team All-District 15-5A, 2008 and 2009
PFWA 1st-Team All-State, 2009
THSCA All-Star, 2009
Accolades at Rice
2nd all-time in interceptions (13)
Sporting News Freshman All-American, 2011
Conference USA All-Freshman, 2011
Honorable Mention All-Conference USA, 2011
2nd-team All-Conference USA, 2013-14
Armed Forces Bowl, 2012
Conference USA champion, Liberty Bowl - 2013
Hawaii Bowl, 2014
East-West Shrine Game, 2015
Bryce Callahan was special. The things he did on the field were absolutely insane. Returning punts, ball-hawking in the secondary, burning everyone as a receiver... Bryce was a game. changer. He was also a track star for the Wildcats, although to be honest, that sort of bored him. If he really, truly set his mind to it, he probably would've been a state qualifier in the sprints and jumps.
He intercepted six passes in 2008 and picked off seven more in 2009. He returned a punt for a touchdown in year one and took three more back to the house the next year. The first year was just a preview of what was in store for Cy-Fair ISD football. Once he assumed his final form, he was an absolute terror for opposing teams.
After Cy Woods, Bryce Callahan signed to play football at Rice and played a starring role during one of the most successful periods of Rice Owls football. He redshirted his first season but eventually, he became a leader of the Owl defense. Despite his success at the college level, Bryce went undrafted.
However, he wouldn't have to wait very long for a shot at the NFL as he signed with the Bears shortly after the draft. He was actually waived midway through his rookie season, but he fought for his place in the league and hasn't looked back since.
Once upon a time, Bryce Callahan dazzled under the lights of Pridgeon Stadium and the Berry Center. Now, ten years later, he's taking on greats such as Aaron Rodgers and Larry Fitzgerald and Adrian Peterson.
He's on his path to stardom, I'm just a regular guy who happened to play with a future NFL player. I'm glad that I could play a small role in his road to the league. Always got love for my brothers and I'll be keeping track of his career, wherever it may take him.
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