The Jayhawker

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With a nickname like the Gravedigger, you better be a nightmare for the opposing team. And Gilbert Brown was just that—an imposing figure who imposed his will on offensive lines throughout his college and NFL careers. He’s a guy who could’ve gone to some of the most historic programs in college football, so why’d he decide that Kansas was the right fit for him? Brown made an immediate impact in Lawrence, helping build a winning program that would make an Aloha Bowl appearance in 1992. But he was just getting started. Brown would go on to have a 10-year NFL career as part of a formidable Green Bay Packers defensive front, and would go on to win Super Bowl XXXI. He played through injuries throughout his career, and only three players in Packers history have appeared in more playoff games. Make no mistake: Brown was a difference-maker. And it all started at Kansas.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kwamie Lassiter II was destined to play at Kansas. After all, his dad was an All-Big 8 performer and Aloha Bowl champion defensive back for the Jayhawks. Lassiter’s dad played an influential role in his son’s football life—coaching him up, going to games, and making him want to be a Jayhawk. But then, that bond was gone. Kwamie’s dad passed away from a heart attack in January 2019, and it changed everything. Gone were the postgame breakdowns, the workouts, and the father-son bonding. But Kwamie has found a way forward, leaning on his family—both at home, and at Kansas. He’s emerged as a playmaker and talented receiver and returner for the Jayhawks, and if he has his way, his story is just getting started.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are many different ways to reach the top of a depth chart. Some grow up in a big football market, get noticed early and play right away. But for Andrew Parchment, the journey wasn’t quite so simple. A Florida native, Parchment started his collegiate career at Northern Illinois, before transferring to Iowa Central Community College after two seasons. He did well enough at the JUCO level to get a call from Les Miles to come play at Kansas, and his dream of playing at the major college football level finally became a reality. Beyond working hard, how’d it happen? There’s the close-knit family with Caribbean roots, and Parchment’s love of making music to keep him focused. It was a difficult road to get to this point for Parchment, but he now sits atop the depth chart as KU’s top option in the passing game.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.