Current Pro Football Players from Idaho (2024)
Football Players, and athletes of all sports really, take pride in where they’re from. Whether it’s the state, city or area code – you always notice players wanting to rep their home area.
Fans tend to do the same thing. It’s always more fun to pull for a player when they’re from your home state (or even your hometown), especially when that player also happens to be playing on your favorite team.
With all that in mind, we went through NFL.com and pulled the home states (or, in a few cases, countries) of every player on the 53-man active rosters for each team.
We found 3 players from the state of Idaho
NFL Players from Idaho
Here are all 3 guys on NFL Rosters at the start of the 2023 season including what town they’re from and what team they play for.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leighton Vander Esch | Riggins | Idaho | Dallas Cowboys |
| Taysom Hill | Pocatello | Idaho | New Orleans Saints |
| Scott Matlock | Homedale | Idaho | Los Angeles Chargers |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background on each player:
Leighton Vander Esch
Born in Riggins, Idaho, a town with a population of just over 400, Leighton Vander Esch’s story is one of remarkable ascent. In high school, he was a multi-sport star, playing basketball and participating in track and field alongside football.
Vander Esch was not heavily recruited out of high school but walked on at Boise State University, where he eventually earned a scholarship. His breakout year was in 2017, where he recorded 141 tackles and 4 interceptions, leading to him being drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Vander Esch’s journey from an eight-man football team in a small Idaho town to the professional league is a testament to his determination and skill.
Taysom Hill
Taysom Hill, born in Pocatello, Idaho, grew up in a city known for its outdoor recreation and strong community spirit. He attended Highland High School, where he was a standout in football, basketball, and track.
Despite suffering a season-ending injury during his senior year, he received scholarship offers from multiple universities, ultimately choosing to attend Brigham Young University (BYU). At BYU, Hill was known for his versatility and athleticism, playing as a quarterback while also contributing in various other positions.
His professional career has been marked by this same versatility, making him a unique asset to his team in the NFL.
Scott Matlock
Scott Matlock, born and raised in Homedale, Idaho, a town with deep agricultural roots, has carried the values of his community onto the football field. He played for Homedale High School, where he excelled and earned all-state honors, leading his team to the state playoffs.
Matlock’s impressive high school career led him to Boise State University, where he continued to shine. Known for his strength and agility, Matlock quickly became a key player for Boise State’s defensive line. His ability to disrupt the opposition’s offense made him a standout player and a prospect for the NFL.
Hall of Fame Players from Idaho
In addition to the current players from Idaho we compiled a list of all players that have gone on to make it into the NFL Hall of Fame:
| Name | City | Induction Year |
|---|---|---|
| Larry Wilson | Rigby | 1978 |
