Sundaydle

NFL Connections #129, Answers

The full solution: all four groups and the 16 names, sorted from the easiest group to the trickiest.

The 2,000-yard rushing club
Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson, Jamal Lewis, Saquon Barkley

At least 2,000 rushing yards in one NFL regular season through 2025. This is a season milestone, not a career total.

Player facts

Barry Sanders: 2,053 rushing yards (1997 season). Eric Dickerson: 2,105 rushing yards (1984 season). Jamal Lewis: 2,066 rushing yards (2003 season). Saquon Barkley: 2,005 rushing yards (2024 season).

Sources
Draft college: Oklahoma
Adrian Peterson, Baker Mayfield, Billy Sims, Kyler Murray

The sourced draft record lists Oklahoma. This identifies the draft school, not every school attended.

Sources
Won AP NFL MVP
Marshall Faulk, Matt Ryan, Steve McNair, Thurman Thomas

Won AP NFL MVP through the 2025 NFL season; shared awards count.

Player facts

Marshall Faulk: AP MVP for the 2000 season. Matt Ryan: AP MVP for the 2016 season. Steve McNair: AP MVP for the 2003 season. Thurman Thomas: AP MVP for the 1991 season.

Sources
Draft college: USC
Carson Palmer, Drake London, Keyshawn Johnson, Mark Sanchez

The sourced draft record lists USC. This identifies the draft school, not every school attended.

Sources
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