The Alfond Foundation’s challenge grant encourages the University of Maine to engage Football alumni in supporting their alma mater through private support and other forms of involvement, such as mentoring current scholar athletes. The Foundation is especially interested in engaging Black Bear alumni with NFL experience.
UMaine has set a goal of raising at least $100,000 from former Black Bears who are currently playing in the NFL, or who have played in the NFL in the past. NFL coaching staff, past or present, are also invited to participate.
All Black Bear football alumni are invited to associate their giving with a special person or event that shaped their UMaine football experience. Through a special connection, alumni who played for Coach Ron Rogerson ’66 are known as “The Rogerson Group” and have made significant contributions to football in honor of Coach Rogerson. Similarly, the players who bonded as the “Tangerine Bowl Team” of 1965 are joining forces to become a prominent donation group. We invite you to pull together teammates, family members, and friends to honor a special coach or championship team; we are happy to help you track your group’s giving in the spirit of friendly competition!
For more information on how Black Bear Football alumni can help UMaine meet the Alfond Challenge, contact Seth Woodcock, Associate Athletic Director for Development at 207.318.5910.
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Black Bears in the Pros
The Black Bear football program has produced many professional players and coaches. The Harold Alfond Foundation and UMaine encourage alumni with backgrounds in professional sports to reconnect with their alma mater! Make a gift to help current scholar athletes and come back to campus to talk to our team. Mentors make a difference!
| Year |
Player |
Position |
Team |
| 2018 |
Jamil Demby |
OL |
LA Rams |
| 2017 |
Pat Ricard |
DL/FB |
Baltimore Ravens |
| 2016 |
Trevor Bates |
LB/DL |
Indianapolis Colts |
| 2016 |
Bruce Johnson |
OL |
Philadelphia Eagles |
| 2015 |
Damarr Aultman |
WR |
Miami Dolphins |
| 2014 |
Kendall James |
DE |
Minnesota Vikings |
| 2014 |
Justin Perillo |
TE |
Green Bay Packers |
| 2014 |
Derrick Johnson |
WR |
New England Patriots |
| 2013 |
Donte Dennis |
LB |
St. Louis Rams |
| 2013 |
Darlos James |
RB |
Detroit Lions |
| 2012 |
Jerron McMillian |
DB |
Green Bay Packers |
| 2012 |
Trevor Coston |
DB |
Chicago Bears |
| 2012 |
Derek Session |
WR |
Buffalo Bills |
| 2012 |
Pushaun Brown |
RB |
New York Jets |
| 2012 |
Derek Buttles |
TE |
Buffalo Bills |
| 2011 |
Mark Masterson |
LB |
Miami Dolphins |
| 2011 |
Jeremy Kelley |
WR |
Indianapolis Colts |
| 2010 |
Tyler Eastman |
OL |
Kansas City Chiefs |
| 2010 |
Landis Williams |
WR |
Denver Broncos |
| 2009 |
Andrew Downey |
LB |
Detroit Lions |
| 2008 |
Matthew Mulligan |
TE |
Miami Dolphins |
| 2008 |
Anthony Cotrone |
FB |
Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 2007 |
Daren Stone |
DB |
Atlanta Falcons |
| 2007 |
Matt King |
DL |
New York Jets |
| 2007 |
Mike DeVito |
DL |
New York Jets |
| 2006 |
Kevin McMahan |
WR |
Oakland Raiders |
| 2006 |
Montell Owens |
RB |
Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 2006 |
Jermaine Walker |
LB |
Washington Redskins |
| 2006 |
Ryan Waller |
WR |
Kansas City Chiefs |
| 2005 |
Marcus Williams |
RB |
Indianapolis Colts |
| 2005 |
Brandon McGowan |
DB |
Chicago Bears |
| 2003 |
Stephen Cooper |
LB |
San Diego Chargers |
| 2002 |
Chad Hayes |
TE |
Kansas City Chiefs |
| 2002 |
Lennard Byrd |
DB/RS |
New York Giants |
| 2001 |
Dwayne Wilmot |
WR |
Indianapolis Colts |
| 2001 |
Phil McGeoghan |
WR |
New York Jets |
| 2000 |
Brent Naccara |
LB |
New York Jets |
| 1999 |
Mickey Fein |
QB |
Detroit Lions |
| 1999 |
Drew O’Connor |
WR |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 1997 |
Dave Rilatt |
OL |
Chicago Bears |
| 1997 |
Mike Flynn |
OL |
Baltimore Ravens |
| 1996 |
Brian Gaine |
TE |
New York Jets |
| 1992 |
Carl Smith |
RB |
Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1992 |
Dan Jones |
OL |
Cincinnati Bengals |
| 1990 |
Mike Buck |
QB |
New Orleans Saints |
| 1990 |
Scott Hough |
OL |
New Orleans Saints |
| 1990 |
Justin Strzelczyk |
OL |
Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 1988 |
Rob Sterling |
DB |
Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1984 |
Clay Pickering |
WR |
Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots |
| 1983 |
Lorenzo Bouier |
RB |
Dallas Cowboys |
| 1980 |
Roger Lapham |
RB |
Buffalo Bills |
| 1979 |
Chris Keating |
LB |
Buffalo Bills |
| 1970 |
Gene Benner |
WR |
Cleveland Browns |
| 1967 |
John Huard |
LB |
Denver Broncos |
| 1962 |
Dave Cloutier |
HB |
Dallas Cowboys |
| 1962 |
Manch Wheeler |
QB |
Buffalo Bills |
| 1959 |
Roger Ellis |
C |
New York Giants |
| 1956 |
Thurlow Cooper |
DE |
Cleveland Browns |
*List includes all drafted players, undrafted free agents, rookie camp invites
