Dozens of NFL current players got their starts in Tampa Bay

When the NFL kicked off its 2024 season, there were 30 players on rosters who played their high school ball in the Tampa Bay area.

Why it matters: Florida is a renowned breeding ground for football talent.

• When local players reach the sport's highest level, it bolsters that reputation — potentially helping the next generation get noticed.

Zoom in: According to the league, 13 players from Tampa were on NFL rosters in Week 1, the 8th most of any U.S. city.

• Bradenton ranked No. 3, with 15 rostered players.
• And two South Florida cities, also made the top 10: Miami at No. 1 (17 players) and Plantation at No. 9 (12 players).

Between the lines: Bradenton's inclusion on the list is a credit to the IMG Academy, a prestigious pro-athlete factory headquartered there.

• IMG produced more NFL players on rosters at the start of this season than any other school, per the NFL.

Stunning stat: The school produced two top-10 picks in this year's draft: Titans offensive lineman J.C. Latham and Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

• Per the NFL , that's the first time a high school has had two former players taken in the top 10 of a Draft since at least 1970.