Mesa's connection to the NFL

  In the last issue of Mesa Sports Memories we took a look at the many MCC alumni who have reached the top level in baseball, the major leagues. There have been 23.

  However, there has actually been 24 former T-Birds who have played in the NFL. The total number of seasons those 24 have played, 57, is quite a bit shorter than in baseball, but a lot of that is due to the fact that football careers are usually shorter as well.

  Two former Mesa football players had seven-year careers in the NFL.

  Wide receiver Larry Brunson split his time among the Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos from 1974-80.

  Meanwhile, Deuce Lutui spent most of his career right here in the Valley, playing from 2006-11 wit the Arizona Cardinals before completing his time in the league with the Tennessee Titans.

  Close behind in NFL service is MCC's current league player, Damarious Randall, who is currently in his sixth season. The No. 1 draft pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2015, he played three seasons for the Pack before moving to Cleveland for two. This year he is a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He saw lots of action in the playoffs for Green Bay in 2015 and 2016, including a 78-year return of an interception in the Wild Card game win over the New York Giants.

  Local radio personality Dan Manucci saw post season action in his three years with the Buffalo Bills. In 1980 he attempted one pass in the Bills' Division Game loss to San Diego.

  Another who has seen post-season action is linebacker Ray Wells. He played in two games of the 2003 playoffs with Tennessee.

  MCC also has one more player currently battling for a spot on an NFL roster. Shakial Taylor played five games for the Indianapolis Colts last year.

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