The start of the National Football League season sees a significant presence of former Minnesota Golden Gophers, with 18 players making it onto active 53-man rosters and five others joining practice squads. These athletes are strategically positioned across various teams, ready to contribute in different capacities, from starting roles to special teams, as the Week 1 matchups unfold.
Former Gophers Take the Field for NFL Week 1
The NFL's Week 1 schedule commenced on Wednesday night, featuring the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots. While only one former Gopher was expected to suit up for this initial game, the rest of the week promises to showcase many more. These ex-collegiate stars are distributed across several teams, each poised to impact their respective games.
In the desert, the Arizona Cardinals will face the Los Angeles Chargers. Linebacker Jack Gibbons is expected to either start or be the first rotational player off the bench. Unfortunately, tight end Jamison Geers remains on injured reserve for the entire 2026 season, having not been released with an injury settlement. He will aim for a comeback in the following year.
Further east, the Baltimore Ravens host the Indianapolis Colts. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman will start, despite ongoing legal issues, and will contend for snaps with rookie Ja'Kobi Lane. For the Cincinnati Bengals, defensive end Boye Mafe is slated to start and might even face off against former teammate Ko Kieft of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On Sunday night, the Dallas Cowboys travel to face the New York Giants. Brevin Span-Ford will serve as the Cowboys' second-string tight end, contributing significantly on special teams and occasionally on offense. The Green Bay Packers will journey to Minnesota to challenge the Vikings, with cornerback Benjamin St. Juste expected to either start or feature prominently in the secondary.
In Houston, the Texans welcome the Buffalo Bills, where Aireontae Ersery will anchor the offensive line as the starting left tackle. Meanwhile, Indianapolis Colts cornerback Justin Walley makes his NFL debut as a slot corner, potentially matching up against former Gopher Rashod Bateman.
The Jacksonville Jaguars host the Cleveland Browns, boasting a trio of former Gophers: safety Eric Murray, who will start, guard Daniel Faalele, who begins as a backup swing guard after a trade, and defensive end Danny Striggow, who will be a rotational piece and special teams contributor.
Out west, the Las Vegas Raiders are set to play the Miami Dolphins. Cody Lindenberg has earned a backup linebacker spot and will contribute on special teams. The Minnesota Vikings will host the Green Bay Packers, featuring Blake Cashman starting at linebacker. Quarterback Max Brosmer, initially on the 53-man roster, was moved to the practice squad and awaits further developments regarding JJ McCarthy’s status.
For the New Orleans Saints, Jordan Howden will serve as a backup safety, playing key roles on special teams during their visit to the Detroit Lions. The New York Giants' offensive line will be anchored by John-Michael Schmitz at center, while safety Tyler Nubin is also a likely starter, possibly clashing with Brevan Span-Ford.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have Kyler Baugh and Esezi Otomewo on their practice squad as defensive tackles, ready to step in if injuries occur. The Seattle Seahawks have Deven Eastern on their practice squad and Nick Kallerup, a tight end known for his blocking and special teams skills, on their active roster.
Finally, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Ko Kieft will continue his role as a blocking tight end and special teams ace, alongside safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who is a definite starter. The Washington Commanders have Terell Smith on their practice squad, hoping to return to active play after an injury-plagued camp. Several other Gophers, including Le' Meke Brockington, Ethan Robinson, Tyler Cooper, Drew Biber, Tyler Johnson, and Jai'Onte' McMillan, are currently free agents or on injury designations, looking for new opportunities.
The extensive presence of former Minnesota Golden Gophers in the NFL highlights the strength and talent developed within the university's football program. As these athletes embark on their professional journeys, their stories serve as an inspiration, showcasing the dedication required to reach the pinnacle of professional sports. Their diverse roles, from starters to practice squad members, underscore the competitive nature of the NFL and the continuous effort needed to succeed. Fans and aspiring players can draw lessons from their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the game, as they represent their alma mater on the grandest stage of American football.
