Best High School Football Players in PA History: Pennsylvania’s Greatest Gridiron Stars
Pennsylvania, especially the western part of the state, is a football hotbed that has produced some of the most legendary players in the history of the sport. Known for its gritty, blue-collar approach to the game, high school football in Pennsylvania is steeped in tradition and passion.
The state has consistently produced tough, skilled athletes who go on to excel at the college level and in the NFL. From iconic quarterbacks to game-changing linemen, Pennsylvania has consistently produced some of the best high school football players in PA, whose talent and impact have left a lasting legacy on the sport.
Pennsylvania’s high school football legacy is defined not only by its top-tier players but also by its competitive spirit and deep-rooted rivalries. This list pays tribute to the players who have left an indelible mark on the gridiron, setting the standard for greatness in PA football history.
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
#10: Curt Warner (1976–1979)
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’11”, 205 lbs
- High School: Penn Hills High School (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Curt Warner was a standout running back who made a name for himself at Penn Hills High School from 1976 to 1979. Known for his speed and agility, Warner dominated at the high school level, rushing for over 4,000 yards during his career.
Highly recruited, Warner chose to play at Penn State, where he became the centerpiece of their offense and helped lead the Nittany Lions to a national championship in 1982. Warner’s combination of vision, acceleration, and toughness made him one of the most electrifying high school and college players of his era.
His success continued into the NFL, where he was a two-time Pro Bowler with the Seattle Seahawks. Warner’s high school legacy in Pennsylvania is still celebrated, as he remains one of the state’s all-time great running backs.
Notable Accomplishments:
- Rushed for over 4,000 yards in high school
- Key contributor to Penn State’s 1982 National Championship
- Two-time Pro Bowler in the NFL
#9: Chuck Bednarik (1940–1943)
- Position: Linebacker/Center
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 233 lbs
- High School: Bethlehem Liberty High School (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)
Chuck Bednarik is one of the most legendary figures in football history, and his toughness was evident even during his high school days at Bethlehem Liberty High. Playing both linebacker and center, Bednarik was known for his hard-nosed, physical style of play, which would become his trademark.
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
At Liberty, Bednarik was a standout, helping his team to success while earning All-State honors. After high school, he served as a bomber gunner in World War II, earning multiple medals for his service before heading to the University of Pennsylvania, where he became an All-American.
Bednarik is best known for his two-way play in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won two NFL championships and earned his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Notable Accomplishments:
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
- 2x NFL Champion
- 8x Pro Bowler
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1967)
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
#8: Tom Clements (1968–1971)
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 lbs
- High School: Bishop Canevin High School (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Tom Clements was a standout quarterback at Bishop Canevin High School, where his leadership and football IQ helped him become one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in the country. Known for his strong arm, accuracy, and ability to read defenses, Clements led Bishop Canevin to several successful seasons.
His high school career paved the way for his success at Notre Dame, where he quarterbacked the Irish to a national championship in 1973. After his college success, Clements enjoyed a prolific career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he was a two-time Grey Cup Champion and one of the most successful quarterbacks in league history.
His knowledge of the game later translated into coaching, where he served as an assistant coach in the NFL for several years.
Notable Accomplishments:
- Led Notre Dame to a National Championship (1973)
- 2x Grey Cup Champion
- CFL Hall of Fame Inductee
#7: Sean Gilbert (1985–1988)
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 315 lbs
- High School: Aliquippa High School (Aliquippa, Pennsylvania)
Sean Gilbert was a dominant force at Aliquippa High School, one of Pennsylvania’s most storied football programs. Known for his rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism, Gilbert was nearly impossible to block, regularly overpowering offensive linemen and making plays in the backfield.
His outstanding high school career earned him national recognition, and he continued to shine at the University of Pittsburgh, where he became one of the best defensive linemen in college football. In 1992, Gilbert was selected third overall in the NFL Draft, and he went on to have a successful career, including a Pro Bowl selection.
Gilbert’s ability to disrupt offenses made him one of the best defensive players to come out of Pennsylvania.
Notable Accomplishments:
- NFL Pro Bowl selection
- 3rd overall pick in the 1992 NFL Draft
- 39.5 career sacks in the NFL
#6: Ricky Watters (1983–1986)
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 211 lbs
- High School: Bishop McDevitt High School (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)
Ricky Watters was a star at Bishop McDevitt High School, where his combination of speed, power, and versatility made him one of the top running backs in the state. Watters was not only an explosive runner but also a dynamic receiver, making him a true dual-threat weapon in high school.
His performances on the field earned him a scholarship to Notre Dame, where he continued to impress, helping the Fighting Irish win the 1988 National Championship. Watters carried his success into the NFL, where he enjoyed a 10-year career, earning five Pro Bowl selections and rushing for over 10,000 yards.
Watters was also a key contributor in the San Francisco 49ers’ Super Bowl XXIX victory, further solidifying his legacy as one of Pennsylvania’s greatest football players.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 5x Pro Bowler
- 10,643 career rushing yards
- Super Bowl Champion (XXIX)
#5: Mike Ditka (1954–1957)
- Position: Tight End/Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 228 lbs
- High School: Aliquippa High School (Aliquippa, Pennsylvania)
Mike Ditka was a legendary figure in Pennsylvania football, playing for the renowned Aliquippa High School, where he excelled on both offense and defense. As a tight end and linebacker, Ditka showcased his tough, physical style of play, helping his team dominate local competition.
His athleticism and leadership earned him a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, where he became an All-American tight end. Ditka’s high school performances laid the groundwork for an NFL career that saw him become one of the greatest tight ends of all time and later a Hall of Fame coach. His hard-nosed approach to the game became a hallmark of his career both on the field and the sidelines.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 5x Pro Bowler
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1988)
- NFL Coach of the Year (1985)
- Super Bowl Champion as a player and coach
#4: LeSean McCoy (2002–2005)
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’11”, 210 lbs
- High School: Bishop McDevitt High School (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)
LeSean “Shady” McCoy is one of the most electrifying running backs in Pennsylvania high school football history. While playing at Bishop McDevitt, McCoy was known for his shifty running style, elusiveness, and ability to make defenders miss.
He rushed for over 6,600 yards in high school, earning national recognition as one of the top running back prospects in the country. After a stellar career at the University of Pittsburgh, McCoy went on to become one of the NFL’s premier backs, leading the league in rushing yards in 2013.
His speed, agility, and vision made him a game-changer at every level of competition.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 6x Pro Bowler
- 2x First-Team All-Pro
- 2x Super Bowl Champion (LIV, LV)
- Over 11,000 career rushing yards in the NFL
#3: Tony Dorsett (1968–1972)
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’11”, 192 lbs
- High School: Hopewell High School (Aliquippa, Pennsylvania)
Tony Dorsett is one of the most celebrated running backs in football history, and his legend began at Hopewell High School in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. Dorsett’s ability to break tackles and explode for long runs made him a high school sensation, setting records and leading his team to victories.
He went on to become a Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Pittsburgh, where he set the NCAA record for career rushing yards. Dorsett then took his talents to the NFL, where he helped lead the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl victory and earned a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
His quickness, vision, and toughness made him a nightmare for defenders at every level.
Notable Accomplishments:
- Heisman Trophy Winner (1976)
- 4x Pro Bowler
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1977)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1994)
- Super Bowl Champion (XII)
#2: Dan Marino (1976–1979)
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 224 lbs
- High School: Central Catholic High School (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Dan Marino was a football prodigy at Central Catholic High School, where his cannon arm and quick decision-making made him one of the most highly regarded quarterback prospects in the country.
Marino’s legendary high school career set the stage for his success at the University of Pittsburgh and later in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. Known for his lightning-fast release and ability to throw deep with precision, Marino set numerous passing records throughout his career.
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, he is still regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. His impact on high school football in Pennsylvania and his legacy as an NFL icon is cemented.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 9x Pro Bowler
- NFL MVP (1984)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2005)
- Over 61,000 career passing yards
#1: Joe Montana (1971–1974)
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 200 lbs
- High School: Ringgold High School (Monongahela, Pennsylvania)
Joe Montana, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, began his football journey at Ringgold High School. Known for his poise, leadership, and clutch performances, Montana showed early signs of greatness in high school, leading his team to numerous victories.
After a successful college career at Notre Dame, where he won a national championship, Montana went on to revolutionize the quarterback position in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.
His four Super Bowl championships and ability to excel under pressure earned him the nickname “Joe Cool.” Montana’s high school career in Pennsylvania is remembered as the starting point for a player who would go on to set the standard for success at the quarterback position.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 4x Super Bowl Champion
- 3x Super Bowl MVP
- 2x NFL MVP
- 8x Pro Bowler
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2000)
