“TROJAN GREATS THRIVE: USC Legends Leonard Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown Ranked Among NFL’s Elite in Latest Player Rankings”
The legacy of USC football has long been intertwined with greatness. From the days of Marcus Allen and Ronnie Lott to the dominance of Reggie Bush and Troy Polamalu, the University of Southern California has never lacked representation in the NFL’s upper echelon. That tradition continues, as two of the program’s more recent standouts—Leonard Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown—have been recognized among the NFL’s elite in the latest player rankings. Their emergence as stars in professional football not only reinforces USC’s pipeline to the pros but also serves as a testament to their relentless work ethic, unshakable confidence, and championship pedigree. For Trojans fans, their success isn’t just validation—it’s a continuation of a rich football heritage rooted in excellence, resilience, and pride.
Leonard Williams was once one of the most dominant defensive linemen in college football, a player scouts universally lauded for his explosiveness, strength, and versatility. Drafted sixth overall in the 2015 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Williams arrived in the league with massive expectations. Over time, he’s evolved into a battle-hardened veteran whose production may not always make headlines but is deeply respected by coaches, peers, and analysts alike. His impact can’t be measured solely by sacks—though he’s had plenty—but by his ability to collapse pockets, disrupt blocking schemes, and demand double teams. Williams’ inclusion in the latest rankings reflects not just past glory but consistent, high-level performance. After a successful stint with the Jets, his trade to the New York Giants and then to the Seattle Seahawks reinvigorated his career. In Seattle, he has become a linchpin of a defense undergoing transformation, and his leadership has proven invaluable. He’s no longer just the guy with freakish physical traits—he’s a leader who commands respect through both voice and violence at the line of scrimmage.
While Williams has been grinding through the NFL trenches for years, Amon-Ra St. Brown’s rise has been swifter and, in some ways, more surprising. A fourth-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 2021, St. Brown entered the league overlooked, underestimated, and carrying a long memory of every receiver taken before him. That chip on his shoulder has fueled a meteoric ascent. From the moment he stepped on an NFL field, St. Brown has displayed a blend of crisp route running, strong hands, and unmatched toughness. He plays every down with the fury of someone trying to prove the world wrong—and in doing so, he’s become one of the most reliable wideouts in football. In just three seasons, he’s accumulated multiple 1,000-yard campaigns, Pro Bowl honors, and the universal admiration of fans, teammates, and defensive coordinators alike. His recent contract extension is one of the richest ever handed out to a receiver of his draft class, and it underscores his value not just statistically but emotionally to the identity of the Detroit Lions.
Both Williams and St. Brown represent different eras of USC football but share a deep bond in their commitment to the Trojan spirit—fight on, never quit, never back down. It’s no surprise that their names have appeared in these top-tier NFL rankings, compiled through a combination of player surveys, expert analysis, and front office insights. These rankings aren’t just vanity lists—they reflect a consensus that these athletes are among the best at what they do, week in and week out, on the game’s biggest stages.
For Leonard Williams, his spot among the best defenders is as much about his ability to adapt as it is about brute strength. Throughout his career, he’s adjusted to scheme changes, coaching philosophies, and different locker room cultures—all while maintaining his identity as a disruptive force. At 6-foot-5 and nearly 300 pounds, Williams moves with a grace that belies his size. He’s capable of lining up at multiple positions along the defensive line, and that versatility has made him a valuable chess piece in the hands of defensive coordinators. Whether anchoring against the run or pursuing quarterbacks with relentless aggression, Williams has mastered the nuances of trench warfare. It’s that multifaceted dominance that has earned him recognition even in an NFL stacked with elite pass rushers and interior linemen.
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s game, on the other hand, is about precision and passion. He doesn’t possess the freakish athleticism of some of his contemporaries, but what he lacks in measurables he more than makes up for in technique and heart. His ability to create separation, track the ball in traffic, and haul in contested catches has made him Jared Goff’s go-to target in Detroit’s ascending offense. More than that, St. Brown is a tone-setter—a player who blocks with intensity, celebrates his teammates’ success, and lifts everyone around him. He speaks with confidence, trains with obsession, and performs with fire. NFL insiders frequently mention his film study habits and his recall of defensive tendencies as elite. These aren’t traits that show up in a combine workout—but they win games on Sundays.
Their success also speaks volumes about USC’s developmental culture. Both players arrived on campus with high expectations—Williams as a five-star recruit, St. Brown as a highly ranked prospect with a family legacy of excellence. At USC, they honed their craft against elite competition, absorbed lessons from coaching staffs steeped in NFL experience, and forged identities rooted in accountability and perseverance. That grounding has carried over to the NFL, where the margin for error is slim and careers can be fleeting. In such an environment, Williams and St. Brown have not only survived but thrived.
Perhaps more importantly, their NFL success carries symbolic weight for USC itself. As the program continues to reassert itself on the national stage under Lincoln Riley, current and future Trojans can look to Williams and St. Brown as proof of concept. USC isn’t just about flash or hype—it’s about building professionals, competitors, and winners. In a recruiting landscape where NIL deals and social media clout sometimes overshadow legacy and substance, the enduring success of players like Williams and St. Brown serves as a reminder that real greatness is earned, not gifted.
Their paths have not been without adversity. Williams endured criticism in New York when early sack totals didn’t match his draft position. He pushed through, reshaped his game, and redefined his narrative. St. Brown watched 16 receivers get drafted ahead of him in 2021. He wrote down every name and has outperformed most of them since. Their stories are not just about talent, but about grit, focus, and belief. They embody what it means to bet on yourself—and win.
Their rankings in 2025 also mark a broader trend in the NFL: the resurgence of foundational players. In an era obsessed with highlight reels and viral plays, both Williams and St. Brown offer substance over sizzle. Williams grinds in the trenches where TV cameras don’t linger. St. Brown does the dirty work on third downs, in the red zone, and during must-have drives. They are glue guys, culture setters, and stars who bring more than numbers to the field.
Off the field, both men continue to uphold the Trojan ideal. Williams has been active in community outreach and speaks often about using his platform for positive change. St. Brown, known for his fluent German and academic interests, has become a thoughtful voice in a sport often defined by bravado. Their character is as respected as their athleticism, making them role models not only for USC alumni but for young fans across the country.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, expectations for both players continue to climb. Williams is expected to anchor a revamped Seattle defensive front, aiming to return the Seahawks to playoff prominence. St. Brown is the centerpiece of a Detroit Lions offense that now carries real Super Bowl aspirations. Their performances will be pivotal, their leadership irreplaceable.
In the end, the recognition of Leonard Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown among the NFL’s best is not just an individual accolade—it’s a USC victory. It’s a celebration of a program that, despite its ups and downs, continues to produce greatness. It’s a beacon for current Trojans, a promise to recruits, and a source of pride for fans. As they dominate on Sundays, they carry with them the traditions of the Coliseum, the echoes of the Fight Song, and the unyielding spirit of Troy. In their excellence, USC’s legacy lives on.
