Zack Martin, Mark Clayton top Indianapolis’ 10 best NFL stars

9. Nick Hardwick, OL, Lawrence North

Hardwick’s story is different from most on this list, and different from many guys who have starred in the NFL. Although he attended Lawrence North, Hardwick did not actually play football in high school, instead starring in wrestling where he won a state championship. However, while he was in college at Purdue, Hardwick decided to try out football as a walk-on. He quickly became the Boilermakers’ starting center and an All-Big Ten performer as he lined up ahead of future NFL quarterback Kyle Orton. The San Diego Chargers took a chance on Hardwick with the 66th overall pick in 2004, and he rewarded them with a strong 11-year career that included a Pro Bowl appearance in 2006. After injuries began catching up to him, Hardwick officially retired in 2015 after being part of many successful Chargers teams.