Who are the famous football players in Omega Psi Phi?

By Jason Bolton July 30, 2024 11:54

Photo by Bob Rosato / Sports Illustrated via Getty Images file

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. is one of the oldest African American fraternities in America. With the guidance of faculty advisor Doctor Ernest Everett Just, Omega Psi Phi was founded, sharing common missions to unite fellowmen in brotherhood through scholarship and service by three undergraduate students: Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman. As a group, Omega Psi Phi promotes the idea that "Friendship is Essential to the Soul" and thus be active in bonding and service.

To this day, Omega Psi Phi has spawned a host of successful athletes, politicians, business people, and entertainers. In the sports world, especially in the football arena, this fraternity has helped many famous players climb up to where they are now. The focus of Omega Psi Phi on academic achievement, leadership, and service to the community has helped cultivate an impressive legacy of its members who have excelled in professional and college football.

Famous Omega Psi Phi Football Players

Deion Sanders

One of the most exciting athletes to have passed through football, known as "Prime Time" Deion Sanders. Sanders was a stand-out athlete throughout his high school and college years; he played football collegiately at Florida State University, where he finished third in the lifetime receiving yards list. Sanders also earned consensus All-American honors.

Career Highlights:

Super Bowl Champion: Sanders won the championship twice, first with the 49ers (Super Bowl XXIX) and a second time for the Cowboys(Super Bowl XXX).
Pro Bowl: 1990,91.93-95, 98
NFL Defensive P.O.Y.: 1994
HOF(er): Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, adding to his resume as one of the greatest cornerbacks ever.

Off the field, Sanders has been a role model for student-athletes, stressing academic success and life skills development.

Ray Lewis

Another famous member of Omega Psi Phi is Ray Lewis, known for his leadership skills and aggressive playing style on the field. Before his NFL career, Taylor attended the University of Miami as a college football player before being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 1996. Lewis proved pivotal in the Ravens' defense and is considered one of the NFL's greatest linebackers.

Career Highlights:

Super Bowl: Lewis led the Ravens to two Super Bowl wins (Super Bowls XXXV and XLVII) Super Bowls-2
Defensive Player of the Year: 2x NFL DPOY (2000, 2003), and selected to participate in his third Pro Bowl
HOF: Lewis was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, a feat that is arguably owed to how great he was at his job, and bestowed this honor.

Lewis has been an active voice in advocating for youth programs and community service off the field as he continues to use his platform to motivate and inspire others.

Ed Reed

One of the most celebrated Ravens to grace this fraternity's holy books, a six-time all-pro safety and man with 64 career interceptions known for his ability as a playmaker and football smarts. Reed was an All-American at the University of Miami before being selected by Baltimore in 2002.

Career Highlights:

Super Bowl Champion: Reed was a Ravens' 2012 championship team member.
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: 2004, Pro Bowl selection nine times
HOF: Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009, praising his exceptional defensive ability to alter playoff games with some unknown post-season magic.

Reed has been known for his work in various humanitarian causes, including the promotion and scholarship programs he runs to help youth reach their goals.

Deshaun Watson

Watson, a national championship-winning quarterback at Clemson University and up-and-coming NFL star with the Cleveland Browns is also an Omega Psi Phi member. Selected by the Houston Texans in 2017, Watson set himself up as one of the best QBs across the NFL.

Career Highlights:

Pro Bowl Selections: Watson has been named to the Pro Bowl more than once, demonstrating that he is a leader on and off the field.

Subsequently, Watson launched initiatives for education and health in impoverished communities; he is also well-known as a philanthropist.

Cam Newton

Cam Newton is an iconic member of Omega Psi Phi and an incredibly engaging and passionate leader. He played college football at Auburn University and won the Heisman Trophy as part of a national championship-winning team in 2010. The Carolina Panthers selected Newton with the first overall pick in 2011, making him their franchise quarterback.

Career Highlights:

NFL MVP: Newton won the NFL MVP in 2015, taking Carolina to a Super Bowl appearance during that occurrence Super Bowl 50.
Pro Bowls: Multiple Time Pro Bowl selection, known for the dual-threat ability to pass and run

Newton also has an extensive background in community service, education & youth empowerment initiatives.

The Fraternity's Impact on Football

The fraternity stands for leadership, discipline, and community service, all essential to making a great athlete. Organizations such as Omega Psi Phi provide their members with the necessary mentorship programs and community engagement to help them navigate through these tumultuous waters of professional athletics.

This elite fraternity maintains an unwavering dedication to academics, which means that while football will always be the top priority of its members, their academics is still a strong foundation to their careers.

Omega Psi Phi has a rich football heritage reflected by the successes of its academic branding members on and off the field. Their influence on each other in the sport and community reflects an obvious prevalence that Omega Psi Phi possesses among its members and football. While continuing to produce and uplift new generations of athletes, the brotherhood's success in the arena is still effective.