Top 10 Former Tennessee Volunteers In The NFL
By Zach Ragan
4. Jerod Mayo — Linebacker
August 24, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New England Patriots 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Volunteer from 2005-2007
Drafted with the 10th overall pick in the first round by the New England Patriots in 2008
Current team: New England Patriots
Jerod Mayo is another one of the great defensive players to come from the University of Tennessee. Mayo was highly rated going into the 2008 draft and was selected in the top 10 by the Patriots.
The Virginia native has easily lived up to expectations.
In Mayo’s rookie season he was named defensive player of the year. The talented linebacker had 128 tackles on the season, including a 20 tackle game against the Jets.
2010 saw Mayo make his first pro-bowl, while leading the league in tackles with 175. He was also named a defensive captain for the 2010 season.
In both 2009 and 2011 Mayo missed significant time due to injury, but still recorded 100 total tackles in each season.
Mayo was selected to his second pro-bowl following the 2012 season.