Pittsburgh is officially on the clock to host the 2026 NFL Draft.

Western Pennsylvania has historically been a hotbed for producing talent on the gridiron that makes their way through college and to the NFL, where they have found success in the league.

From star players to journeymen special teamers to Super Bowl Champions and Hall of Fame inductees, these are their stories.

Starting in late April 2025 and counting down one per week until next year's draft here in Pittsburgh, the KDKA-TV Sports team will be counting down the best 52 players from the Pittsburgh area to be selected in the NFL Draft, presented by UPMC. Updated 6:09 PM / September 10, 2025

No. 33 - Jim Sweeney, Seton LaSalle

When you think of football and western Pennsylvania, you think of tough and gritty and that'

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