Very few NFL players get a storybook ending. Sadly, that was the case yesterday, after a concussion sidelined San Diego Chargers Wide Receiver Malcom Floyd during his final game. Floyd's 10-year professional career ranks among the longest, and most productive, of any University of Wyoming alum.

Floyd starred for the Pokes from 2000-2004. As a sophomore, several publications named him an all-conference selection. In four collegiate seasons, he tallied 186 catches for 2,411 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Floyd wasn't considered a likely professional prospect coming out of college. He was not invited to attend the scouting combine and went undrafted in the 2004 Draft. Through hard work and tenacity, he landed a spot on the San Diego Chargers practice squad. And when his opportunity came, Floyd made the most of it.

After being relegated to the practice squad for most of his rookie year, Floyd got his first NFL start on Jan. 5, 2005, versus the Kansas City Chiefs. It was also the first start for quarterback Phillip Rivers, who found Floyd in the end zone for the first touchdown of their respective careers. The tandem would combine for 33 more touchdowns over the next decade.

In 2011, Floyd set a career high with 856 yards receiving. He set another career best the following year with 56 receptions. Floyd's best was still to come.  In 2014, he tallied 52 receptions, six touchdowns, and tied his career best with 856 yards. In his tenth and final season, Floyd added 30 catches for 561 yards and three touchdowns.

Floyd is one of 66 former Wyoming Cowboys to play in the NFL. Notable Pokes careers include:

Tight End Jay Novacek, who won three Super Bowls and was named to five Pro Bowls as a member of the Dallas Cowboys in the '90s.

Running Back Jim Kiick, who played in three Super Bowls as a member of the Miami Dolphins in the late 60’s and early '70s.

Guard Conrad Doler made three Pro Bowls as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 70's.

Dave Hampton spend eight years with the Atlanta Falcons in the late '60s and '70s. In 1972, Hampton led the NFL in all-purpose years and was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1975.

Of those legendary former Wyoming players, only Novacek had a longer NFL career. Not too shabby for a guy who most scouts thought was too slow to make it.

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