Since 2001, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has showcased the nation's premier high school football talent. The level of play in these games has demanded the absolute highest levels of mental, emotional and physical strengths for those participating. The expansive and continually growing list of prominent alumni featured in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl's history stands as proof of this strength and the extraordinary level of competition. Some of the most notable All-American alumni include: Adrian Peterson, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, 2012 #1 NFL Draft Pick Andrew Luck, Marcus Lattimore and Robert Woods among many more.
As of the start of NFL training camps, there are more than 200 U.S. Army All-American Bowl alumni on NFL rosters. During the 2012 NFL Draft, 22 U.S. Army All-Americans were selected, including six first round selections. An incredible total of 51 U.S. Army All-Americans have been selected in the past two NFL Drafts. More and more U.S. Army All-Americans enter the NFL each season as the Army All-American Bowl continues to produce some of the game’s brightest stars on its biggest stage.
2003 U.S. All-American Bowl
Lincoln High School | FL
- Cromartie was a prep star on offense and special teams, scoring 13 touchdowns in his senior season at Lincoln. However, he really stood out from the cornerback position, shutting down opposing receivers and winning USA Today Defensive High School Player of the Year in 2002.
College: Florida State University
- Despite playing just two seasons in Tallahassee, Cromartie left a big impression. He led the team in kickoff returns both years and was an All-ACC pick at cornerback in 2004, his only year as a starter. Cromartie was tabbed as a preseason All-American and was primed to even play some wide receiver in 2005 before his season was wiped out by an ACL tear in July.
NFL: New York Jets, Selected in the 2006 NFL Draft, 1st Round, 19th Overall (San Diego Chargers)
- Just eight months after his injury, Cromartie performed well enough at Florida State’s Pro Day to convince teams of his health going forward, and San Diego made him their first choice in the 2006 NFL Draft. After intercepting ten passes in 2007, Cromartie was named to the Pro Bowl, where he proceeded to snag two more. He started all 32 games the next two seasons before being traded to the Jets before the 2010 season. Cromartie was one of the most sought-after free agents in 2011 but decided to re-sign with New York for four years. He lived up to the billing, playing his usual steady defense while starting all 16 games.
