You Won’t Believe What Other Pro Athletes Are From Montana

BUTTE, MT - When you're born and raised under the Big Sky, you're no stranger to grit, perseverance, or playing through a twisted ankle in single-digit weather.

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It’s no wonder that some of the toughest, most awe-inspiring athletes in the country have roots planted firmly in Montana soil.

And this last week, Montana’s athletic pedigree just got another boost.

Tommy Mellott—aka “Touchdown Tommy”—just signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Yes, that Tommy Mellott. The pride of Butte, Montana. The MSU Bobcat who bulldozed, juked, and scrambled his way through multiple FCS championship runs. After giving everything to Montana State, he’s now gearing up for Sunday football in the big leagues.

It’s a Cinderella story made for the high plains. But here’s the thing: Mellott isn’t an anomaly.

He’s the latest chapter in a growing book of Montana athletes who’ve taken their talents far beyond the Treasure State.

His rise begs the question: Who else from Montana is making waves?

From Olympic gold to major league moments, this state has churned out legends in football, basketball, rodeo, wrestling, and everything in between. Whether they hail from a town with three stoplights or a school where the entire graduating class could fit on a single bus, these athletes have carved out their places on the national stage.

So if Mellott’s story lit a fire in you, buckle up.

Coming up is a list of 10 top-tier athletes from Montana—some you’ll know, some may surprise you, but all of them prove one thing: Montana isn’t just Big Sky Country—it’s big-time athlete country.