“Last Chance U” Star Emmit Gooden Playing Pro Football for Mexico’s Reyes de Jalisco

| American Football | 04/02/2023

The former star of Netflix “Last Chance U” Emmit Gooden. The ex-junior college All-American and SEC defensive lineman has been back on the field this season, playing an impactful role for his new team the Reyes de Jalisco in Mexico’s professional football league (LFA –Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional)

So far this season in Mexico’s LFA, Gooden has been a standout once again for this team racking up five sacks, 20 tackles in only four games for the 3-1 Reyes de Jalisco.

Gooden is a 6’4″, 270-pound defensive tackle who has shown flashes of physical dominance in his college career. The 25-year-old was a four-star high school recruit who starred in the Netflix series “Last Chance U” as a member of Independence Community College Pirates playing for head coach Jason Brow

Gooden was one of the show’s most featured players as cameras followed him closely throughout the season. On the field, Gooden was also a star, earning NJCAA Second Team All-American honors after totaling 81 tackles, six and half tackles for loss, and one sack as a sophomore.

Gooden started immediately at the University of Tennessee (NCAA D1 SEC), recording 33 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, and one sack during his first year on campus. After missing the following season due to a knee injury, Gooden was dismissed from the Tennessee football team following some troubles with the law.

The former “Last Chance U” star bounced back signing with Lincoln University (NCAA DII) for his final collegiate season in 2021. Gooden was selected to play in the Podyum Preps All-Star Bowl game this past winter.

The once coveted NCAA prospect played professionally last year in Europe, where he was a impact defensive end for the  Seinäjoki Crocodiles of the Finnish Maple League. Gooden racked up 49 tackles, 19.5 tackles for a loss, eight and half sacks and one defensive touchdown as he led the Crocodiles to a title game appearance.

 

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and