Liberty University athletics has grown in recognition and success, producing talent in numerous sports.
In recent years, Liberty has developed successful players who have gone on to the NFL, NBA, MLB and other professional leagues.
Malik Willis was chosen by the Tennessee Titans with the 86th pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft and is now the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.
Willis spent his first four years in the NFL learning behind veteran quarterbacks with the Titans and the Green Bay Packers before signing as a free agent with the Dolphins in March 2026.
Demario Douglas is the primary slot receiver for the New England Patriots, and he made an appearance in the most recent Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks. Douglas plays with star quarterback Drake Maye, who, despite recent struggles in the Patriots’ first three games of the season, had success last year with the team.
Additionally, Liberty has alumni in the NBA and MLB.
Taelon Peter started his professional career in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers. Peter is now with the San Antonio Spurs, who made the NBA Finals last year against the New York Knicks.
Peter shares the guard position with big-name players like Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox. This is a tough place to get minutes in, but he continues to prove himself on and off the court.
Right-handed pitcher Ben Blair was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays with the 49th overall pick in the MLB draft, the second-highest draft pick in Flames history. Blair was assigned to the Florida Complex League Rays and waits for his turn to prove himself in the world of professional baseball.
The potential of Liberty athletics continues to grow, providing student-athletes a chance to make it into professional sports.
Gross is a sports editor for The Liberty Champion.