SPP Football in the Pros

Minkah Fitzpatrick, '15
Pittsburgh Steelers (ACTIVE)

        Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the most accomplished football alumni in Saint Peter’s Prep history. A 2015 graduate, Fitzpatrick was a dynamic leader for the Marauders and helped guide Prep to the 2014 New Jersey State Championship with standout play on both sides of the ball.

   After high school, Fitzpatrick continued his career at University of Alabama, emerging as one of college football’s premier defensive talents. He was a key contributor on Alabama’s 2015 and 2017 National Championship teams, earned All-American honors in 2016 and 2017, and was awarded both the Chuck Bednarik Award (nation’s top defensive player) and the Jim Thorpe Award (nation’s top defensive back) following the 2017 season.

        Fitzpatrick entered the NFL as the 11th overall pick in the 2018 Draft by the Miami Dolphins and was traded early in his career to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he developed into one of the league’s elite safeties. During his time with Pittsburgh, he earned five Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors, and he co-led the NFL in interceptions in 2022.
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        In the 2025 offseason, Fitzpatrick was traded back to the Miami Dolphins as part of a blockbuster deal that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for Fitzpatrick and a draft pick. He continues his professional career in Miami, bringing veteran leadership, playmaking ability, and championship pedigree to the Dolphins’ defense.
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        Through every stage of his career, Fitzpatrick has exemplified the standard of excellence, football intelligence, and competitiveness that the Saint Peter’s Prep program instills in its players.

Cody Simon, '20
Arizona Cardinals (ACTIVE)

        Cody Simon was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the 4th round of the 2025 NFL Draft, capping a football journey defined by leadership, production, and championship success at every level.
At Saint Peter’s Prep, Simon was a multi-year captain and two-way starter at linebacker and wide receiver. He played a pivotal role in leading the Marauders to the 2019 New Jersey State Championship, highlighted by a punt-return touchdown at MetLife Stadium. His performance, versatility, and leadership at Prep earned him a scholarship to Ohio State University.

         Simon spent four seasons with the Buckeyes, steadily developing into a cornerstone of Ohio State’s defense. His breakout came during the 2024 season, when he served as a team captain and wore the prestigious “Block O” jersey, symbolizing the program’s highest standards of toughness and leadership. He delivered on the game’s biggest stages, recording 11 tackles and two sacks against Oregon in the Rose Bowl and eight tackles in the National Championship game against Notre Dame. Simon was named First Team All-Big Ten and earned Defensive MVP honors in the National Championship game.
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         Now beginning his professional career in the NFL, Simon continues to represent Saint Peter’s Prep with pride, embodying the program’s tradition of excellence, resilience, and preparation at the highest level of the game

Shayne Simon, '18
DC Defenders (UFL) (ACTIVE)

        Shayne Simon, a 2018 graduate of Saint Peter’s Prep, built a football career defined by leadership, consistency, and academic achievement. Following his standout high school career with the Marauders, Simon signed with University of Notre Dame, where he appeared in 32 games for the Fighting Irish while earning a degree in finance.

        After graduating from Notre Dame, Simon transferred to the University of Pittsburgh, where he continued to excel both on and off the field. Over two seasons with the Panthers, he played in 25 games, was elected a team captain, and completed his master’s degree in Supply Chain Management—further reinforcing his reputation as a leader within the program.

        Simon’s professional journey began as an undrafted free agent with the Buffalo Bills, earning an opportunity to compete at the NFL level. In December 2024, he signed a professional contract with the DC Defenders. Simon recorded 17 total tackles across 10 regular-season games and playoff action, showcasing his ability to contribute consistently at the professional level. He is preparing for his second UFL season in 2026, continuing his upward trajectory in professional football.

​        Through sustained leadership, academic excellence, and perseverance, Simon continues to represent Saint Peter’s Prep with distinction as he advances his football career at the professional level.

Will Hill III, '08
Arlington Renegades (XFL)

        Will Hill III, a 2008 graduate of Saint Peter’s Prep, assembled one of the most accomplished high school résumés in program history. Prior to enrolling at the University of Florida, Hill was ranked as the No. 2 overall player nationally in ESPN’s Top 150 and earned USA Today All-American honors. As a sophomore, he led the Marauders to the 2005 New Jersey State Championship, accounting for nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards and 25 touchdowns while contributing as a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and safety. During his junior and senior seasons, Hill again guided Prep to the state finals, finishing as a runner-up both years.
Hill continued his football career at Florida from 2008–2010, where he quickly emerged as a starter for the Gators. He was selected to the 2008 SEC All-Freshman Team and played a key role on Florida’s 2009 National Championship team. Following his junior season, Hill declared for the NFL Draft.

        Hill’s professional career spanned multiple leagues and levels. He played five seasons in the NFL, starting games for both the New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens from 2012–2016. He later continued his career in the Canadian Football League, Arena Football League, and the XFL. In 2022, Hill was selected by the Arlington Renegades and went on to win an XFL Championship during the 2023 season.

        Through elite performance, adaptability, and longevity, Hill’s career reflects the high standard of preparation and competitive excellence associated with Saint Peter’s Prep football.

Ayir Asante, '19
Edmonton Elks (ACTIVE)

        Ayir Asante, a 2019 graduate of Saint Peter’s Prep, has built a football career defined by leadership, winning programs, and steady progression to the professional level. Following his standout career with the Marauders, Asante signed with College of the Holy Cross, where he quickly became a key contributor and team leader.

        At Holy Cross, Asante served as a team captain and was part of multiple Patriot League championship teams, helping establish the Crusaders as one of the top programs in the FCS during his tenure. His consistency, work ethic, and leadership earned him recognition within the program and the opportunity to compete at the FBS level as a graduate transfer. Asante completed his collegiate career at University of Wyoming, where he contributed to a bowl-winning season, adding another championship experience to his résumé.

        After completing college, Asante signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and participated in offseason and training camp activities before being released later that offseason. In early 2025, Asante earned an opportunity to continue his professional career in the Canadian Football League, signing with the Ottawa Redblacks and later joining the Edmonton Elks organization. As a wide receiver in the CFL, Asante is entering his second full season (2026) in the league, continuing to pursue his professional aspirations at the next level.
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        Asante’s journey—from Prep standout to NFL off-season contributor and now a developing professional in the CFL—exemplifies perseverance, adaptability, and dedication to his craft as he continues his football career abroad.

Kai (KJ) Gray, '16
Edmonton Elks (CFL) 

    KJ Gray, a 2016 graduate of Saint Peter’s Prep, was a dynamic two-way standout for the Marauders, excelling as both a wide receiver and defensive back. During his senior season, Gray recorded 38 receptions for 820 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense, while adding 37 tackles, six pass breakups, and an interception on defense—showcasing his versatility and impact on both sides of the ball.
     Gray continued his football career at Rutgers University, where he quickly became an impact player during his freshman and sophomore seasons. His collegiate journey also included stops at Sam Houston State University and Lincoln University, allowing him to further develop his game and adaptability at multiple levels of college football.

         In January 2023, Gray signed professionally with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League. He quickly established himself as a starter and playmaker, and at the conclusion of the season was awarded the Jackie Parker Trophy, recognizing the Most Outstanding Rookie in the West Division.
       
        Gray’s path—from Prep standout to professional football—reflects perseverance, versatility, and the ability to excel wherever opportunity presents itself, continuing Saint Peter’s Prep’s proud tradition of developing players for the next level.

Jayson Ademilola, '18
Houston Roughnecks (XFL)

       Jayson Ademilola, a 2018 graduate of Saint Peter’s Prep, was one of the most dominant defensive linemen in program history before continuing his career at University of Notre Dame alongside his twin brother and fellow Prep alumnus Justin Ademilola. Over five seasons with the Fighting Irish, Jayson appeared in 54 career games, contributing as a reliable and physical presence along Notre Dame’s defensive front.
      At Saint Peter’s Prep, Ademilola established himself as one of the most disruptive defenders in the state of New Jersey. He currently holds multiple school records, including single-season sacks (11.5), career sacks (23.5), single-season tackles for loss (23.5), and career tackles for loss (46.5), cementing his legacy as one of the most productive defensive linemen in program history.

        Following the 2023 NFL Draft, Ademilola signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning an opportunity at the professional level. He was later selected by the Houston Roughnecks in the 2023 XFL Rookie Draft, continuing his professional football journey.

         Through sustained production, toughness, and consistency at every level, Ademilola exemplifies the development and preparation that define Saint Peter’s Prep football.

Justin Ademilola, '18
Montreal Alouettes (CFL)

        Justin Ademilola, a 2018 graduate of Saint Peter’s Prep, continued his football career beyond high school and college with a path defined by consistency, toughness, and preparation. After an impressive career on the defensive line at Prep, Ademilola went on to play his collegiate football at University of Notre Dame alongside his twin brother and fellow Marauder alumnus, Jayson.

        Following his collegiate career, Ademilola earned an opportunity at the NFL level, receiving an invitation to rookie minicamp with the Green Bay Packers after the 2023 NFL Draft. He later signed a two-year contract with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

​        Ademilola has since retired from professional football, concluding a career that spanned high school, collegiate, and professional opportunities. He remains a proud representative of Saint Peter’s Prep, exemplifying the work ethic, discipline, and foundation developed through the Marauders football program.