Nobody outside the 207 thinks of Orono as a professional football pipeline on par with Gainesville, Columbus or South Bend.
A national television audience is about to discover that the University of Maine can hold its own, however.
Monday Night Football kicks off with an ESPN doubleheader at 7 p.m. tonight, and no fewer than four Maine alumni will be in the starting lineup.
Two of the former Black Bears will suit up for those beloved New York Jets against the Baltimore Ravens in the opener.
Matt Mulligan, who was a senior three years ago, is on the Jets’ special teams unit. Mike Devito, now in his fourth season with the Jets, starts at defensive end.
Probably the most recognized name in the group, Stephen Cooper (Class of 2003) returns to his spot at linebacker for the San Diego Chargers against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Second-year pro Jovan Belcher is part of the Chiefs’ linebacking unit.
Three of Maine’s rivals in the Colonial Athletic Association — Richmond, James Madison and Delaware — have won recent national championships.
As of last year, however, Maine boasted more players on an NFL roster than any other school in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA).
Other active former Black Bears in the league are Montell Owens (Jaguars) and Brandon McGowan (Patriots, injured reserve).
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