ST. LOUIS - Former Redbird football players Aveion Cason, Boomer Grigsby and Steve Rodenhauser were among a list of former NFL Most Valuable Players, Pro-Bowl selections and Super Bowl participants released as part of the Missouri Valley Football Conference's All-Select NFL Team at the league's annual media day Monday.
Founded in 1985 as the Gateway Football Conference, the Missouri Valley Football Conference will celebrate its 25th season of FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) football during the 2009 season. To kick off the league's 25th Year Celebration, the Missouri Valley Football Conference is paying tribute to its all-time greats - those who have had stellar careers or played with distinction in the National Football League.
In all, former conference players have combined to play in 15 Pro Bowls and earned four MVP honors, while 12 players have combined for 23 Super Bowl appearances. Notably, 16 former league players on the list are currently active in the NFL.
In addition, the league is honoring an "institutional greats" category, recognizing student-athletes who played at current member schools while those schools were not a part of the league. Those selections included Illinois State's Estus Hood, Dennis Nelson and Mark Prior.
During the season, fan voting will be conducted to help select a "Silver Anniversary Team," recognizing the league's all-time greats. Voting can be accessed at www.valley-football25.org. Team composition for the league's Silver Anniversary Team will be determined by a committee and fan voting. Fans can also vote to determine an Offensive and Defensive MVP of the league's All-Select NFL Team.
The conference office, with consultation from institutional personnel, compiled the list of honorees.
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