CSU-Pueblo alums in the pros
BASEBALL ALUMS IN THE PROS | CURRENT PRO BASKETBALL PLAYERS | CURRENT PRO SOCCER PLAYERS | FORMER PRO BASKETBALL PLAYERS | FORMER PRO FOOTBALL PLAYERS | SIGNED PRO FOOTBALL CONTRACT | OTHERS
Colorado State University-Pueblo athletics has a rich tradition of its former student-athletes playing professionally. CSU-Pueblo alums have made it to the highest levels, boasting numerous professionals in football, baseball, soccer and basketball.
Below are listings of former professionals who were CSU-Pueblo student-athletes. For a list of baseball alums in the pros, click here.
If you have a name of another CSU-Pueblo/University of Southern Colorado/Southern Colorado State College/Pueblo Junior College alum who played professional athletics at any level, please submit that person's name to sports information director Anthony Sandstrom at anthony.sandstrom@colostate-pueblo.edu and get them included on this list.
To learn more about the careers of ThunderWolves in the pros, click on their names.
Current Pro Basketball Players
| NAME | YEARS AT CSUP | ORGANIZATION (League) |
| Damon Williams | 1996-98 | KTP Basket Kotka (Finland), 2008-09; Pyrinto Tampere (Finland), 2007-08, 09; Pallalcesto Udine (Italian), 2006-07; Pallacanestro Biella (Italian), 2005-06; Scandone Avellino (Italian), 2004-05; Robur Osimo (Italian), 2003-04; Progresso Castelmaggiore (Italian), 2002-03; Albacomp (Hungary), 2001-02; Pyrbasket (Finland), 1999-2001. |
| Jamar Brown | 2000-02 | Springfield Armor (NBA D-League), 2009-Pres.; Colorado 14ers (NBA D-League), 2008-09 |
Current Pro Soccer Players
| NAME | YEARS AT CSUP | ORGANIZATION (League) |
| Ryan Creager | 2003-06 | Denver Dynamite (Professional Arena Soccer League), 2008-09; Colorado Rush (PASL), Colorado Springs Blizzard (USL), Utah Salt Ratz (MPSL). Member of 2008 United States Arena Soccer National Team |
Former Pro Basketball Players
| NAME | YEARS AT CSUP | ORGANIZATION (League) |
| Bob Warlick | 1961-63 | Los Angeles Stars (ABA), 1969-70; Phoenix Suns (NBA), 1968-69; Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), 1968-69; San Francisco Warriors (NBA), 1966-68; Detroit Pistons (NBA), 1965-66. |
| John Smith | 1964-68 | New York Nets (ABA), 1969-70; Pittsburgh Pipers (ABA), 1969-70; Dallas Chapparals (ABA), 1968-70. (Drafted in 8th round of 1968 NBA Draft by Los Angeles Lakers). |
| Randy Johnson | 1979-81 | Drafted in 7th round of 1981 NBA Draft by Los Angeles Clippers. Played for the Montana Golden Nuggets in the Continental Basketball League. |
| Chris Childress | 2006-08 | Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA D-League), 2008-09. |
Former Pro Football Players
| NAME | YEARS AT CSUP | ORGANIZATION (League) |
| Frank Grant | 1968-71 | Washington Redskins (NFL) 1973-78; Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), 1978. (Drafted in 13th round of 1972 NFL Draft by Washington). |
| Craig Ward | 1979-82 | Michigan Panthers (USFL), 1983 |
| Mark DeRose | 1981-82 | Denver Gold (USFL), 1983. |
| Dan DeRose | 1981-83 | New York Giants (NFL), 1987. Replacement Player during 1987 NFL Players' Strike. Was Giants' defensive captain. Signed as free agent by Denver Broncos (NFL) in 1983, did not play. |
| John Trahan | 1981-84 | Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), 1987. Replacement player during 1987 NFL Players' Strike. |
| Herman Heard | 1982-83 | Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), 1984-89. (Drafted in 3rd round of 1984 NFL Draft by Kansas City) |
| Joe Taibi | 1982-84 | New York Giants (NFL), 1987. Replacement Player during 1987 NFL Players' Strike. |
| Myron Jefferson | 1984-87 (Track) | Albany Firebirds (Arena Football League), 1991-93. |
Drafted/Signed Pro Football Contract - Did not play
Others
Professional Official: Ken Franek (men's basketball, 1982-85) - umpired baseball from 1986-95 in Northwest League (1986), California League (1987-88), Carolina League (1989-90), and Pacific Coast League (1991-95).
Professional Official: Steve "Red" Morrow (baseball, 1981-84) - minor league umpire
