You Won’t Believe Which 5 NFL Legends Are Trying to Make a Comeback—One Shocking Invite!

New Orleans – As the excitement of the 2026 NFL Draft settles, Tulane University's football program finds itself celebrating significant milestones. Five former players have received invitations to NFL Rookie Minicamps, positioning them on the brink of professional careers. This is a testament to Tulane's growing prominence in college football, especially after their remarkable performance in the previous season.

The five players heading to the NFL are KC Eziomume with the Chicago Bears, Derrick Graham with the Tennessee Titans, Kameron Hamilton with the New Orleans Saints, Johnny Pascuzzi with the Kansas City Chiefs, and Jake Retzlaff. Among these, Eziomume has already signed a contract with the Bears, while the others are gearing up for their respective camps.

Here’s a closer look at each rookie free agent:

KC Eziomume, Defensive Back
Eziomume had a brief yet impactful career at Tulane, appearing in seven games during the 2025 season and recording a pass breakup. His collegiate journey includes stints at Albany and Alabama A&M, culminating in a total of 80 tackles, 17 pass breakups, and one tackle for loss across 40 career games.

Derrick Graham, Offensive Line
Serving as left tackle, Graham started in 27 games over his last two seasons at Tulane. In 2025, he was recognized as a First Team American All-Conference selection. His offensive line helped the Green Wave rank sixth nationally in sacks allowed per game, contributing to an impressive 11-3 record and a College Football Playoff appearance.

Kameron Hamilton, Defensive Line
A four-year player at Tulane, Hamilton played in 54 games and secured 90 tackles, including 12 sacks. He also made significant contributions in 2025, recording 29 tackles and three sacks, showcasing his versatility and strength on the defensive line.

Johnny Pascuzzi, Tight End
Pascuzzi participated in all 14 games during his final season at Tulane, accumulating 12 receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown. His overall career statistics include 14 catches for 199 yards and a touchdown, along with recognition as an Academic All-District selection.

Jake Retzlaff, Quarterback
Retzlaff transferred to Tulane from BYU and had a standout season in 2025, leading the team with 3,168 passing yards and 634 rushing yards. He set a school record with 16 rushing touchdowns, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities. His impressive stats also include 15 passing touchdowns and a completion percentage of 61.9%, marking him as a significant contributor to the Green Wave’s offensive success.

Reflecting on Tulane's football program, the Green Wave finished the 2025 season ranked No. 18 in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Polls. This achievement is significant as it marks only the second time in four seasons that Tulane has concluded a season in the national rankings. Furthermore, the program secured its second American Conference Championship in four years, achieving an 11-3 record and making its first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff against Ole Miss. This momentous achievement also made Tulane the first team from Louisiana to qualify for the playoffs under the new 12-team format.

Looking ahead, Tulane's 2026 football schedule features a challenging lineup, including games against Duke and Kansas State. With the momentum from last season, fans are eager to see how the team will build on its successes.

Tickets for the upcoming season can be purchased through various channels, including the ticket office at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center. For those interested in supporting Tulane athletics, contributions to the Green Wave Club are encouraged, as they provide essential resources for student-athletes to thrive academically and athletically.

In conclusion, the journey of these five players reflects not only their personal achievements but also the potential of Tulane football as a respected contender in college athletics. As they step into the professional arena, their stories will be watched closely by fans and aspiring players alike.