“Last Chance U” Star Emmit Gooden Takes His Talents to Mexico, Joining Reyes de Jalisco in Pro Football
Emmit Gooden, the former standout from Netflix’s “Last Chance U,” is making waves once again in professional football. The 6’4″, 270-pound defensive tackle is currently playing for the Reyes de Jalisco in Mexico’s Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional (LFA), where he has quickly become a key player. In just four games this season, Gooden has racked up five sacks and 20 tackles, helping his team to a 3-1 record.
A former junior college All-American and SEC defensive lineman, Gooden was a highly sought-after recruit during his high school years. He gained national attention as a star on “Last Chance U,” where he played for Independence Community College under coach Jason Brown. Gooden’s on-field performances earned him NJCAA Second Team All-American honors after his sophomore season, with impressive stats that included 81 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and one sack.
Following his time at junior college, Gooden transferred to the University of Tennessee, where he made an immediate impact in his first season, posting 33 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, and one sack. However, after a knee injury and some legal troubles, he was dismissed from the team, leading him to bounce back with Lincoln University in 2021, where he earned a spot in the Podyum Preps All-Star Bowl.
Gooden then took his talents overseas, playing for the Seinäjoki Crocodiles in the Finnish Maple League. There, he was a force on defense, recording 49 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, eight and a half sacks, and even scoring a defensive touchdown. His outstanding performances helped the Crocodiles reach the league’s title game.
Now in Mexico’s LFA, Gooden is continuing his journey, proving he still has much to offer in the world of professional football.
Source: https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/last-chance-u-star-emmit-gooden-playing-pro-football-for-mexicos-reyes-de-jalisco/
