Miami leads the nation in producing NFL players

• When local players reach the sport's highest level, it bolsters that reputation — potentially helping the next generation get noticed.

State of play: Miami narrowly topped Las Vegas and Bradenton for the top spot.

• Two other Florida cities made the top 10: Tampa at No. 8 (13 players) and Plantation at No. 9 (12 players).

Between the lines: Bradenton's inclusion on the list is a credit to the IMG Academy, a prestigious pro-athlete factory headquartered there.

• IMG produced more NFL players on rosters at the start of this season than any other school, per the NFL.

Zoom in: South Florida's list of alumna in the NFL includes Broncos All Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II and Giants Pro Bowl defensive end Brian Burns.

• Both went to American Heritage in Plantation.
• And the pass-rushing Bosa brothers — Nick, of the 49ers, and Joey, of the Chargers — played for St. Thomas Aquinas.