All-time best Illinois HS football star? Vote in '250 for 250' poll

While Illinois is not the first state that comes to mind when it comes to high school football, the Prairie State has had its fair share of success sending players to college and then the pros. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary , USA TODAY Sports will celebrate the 250 greatest American sports figures of all time. Alongside that national recognition, the USA TODAY Network will spotlight the roots of the country’s sports culture: the high school athletes and sports figures who shaped communities and defined their states.

So, who among the best of the best has defined the Friday Night Lights in Illinois? More: Who is the greatest Texas high school football legend of all time? Vote now!

These are our selections for the football players who defined Illinois. The 15 players (listed in alphabetical order) were all standout players at the high school level before they eventually went on to play at both the college and professional ranks. Did we miss someone?

There's a spot for you to write in your own candidate who wasn't included on our list of 15. Dick Butkus, FB/LB, Chicago Vocational Fittingly, the list kicks off with a player who only played in Illinois for his entire football career. But before he shone with the Illinois Illini Fighting Illini and the Chicago Bears, the Pro Football Hall of Famer played high school football in the state.