July 12, 2007

LAS VEGAS - With former UNLV running back Larry Croom (UNLV 2002-03) signing a free-agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, the number of Rebel alumni on NFL rosters increased to seven as training camps around the league are set to begin later this month.

Croom, who has previous NFL experience with a number of teams, including starting one game with the Arizona Cardinals in 2004, just finished playing in the now-defunct NFL Europa for the Amsterdam Admirals.

Another former Rebel standout who is looking to earn a spot on his new team is veteran defensive end Anton Palepoi (2000-01), who is currently with the New Orleans Saints after stints with the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Cardinals.

With one of the league's all-time great receivers, Keenan McCardell (1987-90), still looking for a new team, the NFL Rebel with the longest continuing service is now safety Sam Brandon (1998-2001), who heads into his sixth season with the Broncos.

NFL draft picks from UNLV that are still with their original teams are linebacker Adam Seward (2001-04), who prepares for his third season with the Carolina Panthers, and rookie cornerback Eric Wright (2006), who was a second-round choice by the Cleveland Browns in April.

Two other Rebels that are fighting for rosters spots are 2006 UNLV Defensive MVP Jay Staggs (2003-06), who is with the Chicago Bears, and tight end Greg Estandia (2003-05), who is back with Jacksonville after spending last fall on the Jaguars' practice squad.

REBELS ON ACTIVE NFL ROSTERS
Sam Brandon, DB     Denver BroncosLarry Croom, RB     Pittsburgh SteelersGreg Estandia, TE   Jacksonville JaguarsAnton Palepoi, DL   New Orleans SaintsAdam Seward, LB     Carolina PanthersJay Staggs, DB      Chicago BearsEric Wright, CB     Cleveland Browns