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Every former Wisconsin Badger in the NFL entering 2023 training camp

Ben Kenney
·12 min read
1

The 2023 NFL season kicks off 45 days from today, and teams across the league are already convening for preseason camp.

The time period represents different things for different players. For undrafted free agents and those looking to stick on an NFL roster, training camp represents hope. For the established veterans, it’s a time to get back in the swing of football and prepare for the season.

There are former Wisconsin Badgers that fall into both categories listed. Right now there are more than 30 former Badgers preparing for camp, that including everyone from undrafted free agent Tyler Beach to future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell Wilson.

While this list is subject to change as rosters are cut, here is every former Wisconsin Badger on an NFL roster as of July 24, 2023:

RB Corey Clement -- Arizona Cardinals

Oct. 29, 2016; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes with the football during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 23-17. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 29, 2016; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes with the football during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 23-17. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2013-2016

NFL Season: 6th

Notes: 2017 Super Bowl Champion (Philadelphia), 100 receiving yards in the Super Bowl

RB Melvin Gordon -- Baltimore Ravens

Oct. 4, 2014; Evanston, Illinois; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) runs past Northwestern Wildcats safety Traveon Henry (10) during the second half at Ryan Field. Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 4, 2014; Evanston, Illinois; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) runs past Northwestern Wildcats safety Traveon Henry (10) during the second half at Ryan Field. Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2011-2014

NFL Season: 9th

Notes: Two-time Pro Bowler (2016, 2018), 69 career touchdowns, one 1000-yard rushing season (2017)

OG Kevin Zeitler -- Baltimore Ravens

Nov. 5, 2011; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers guard Kevin Zeitler (70) celebrates a touchdown during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Purdue 62-17. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 5, 2011; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers guard Kevin Zeitler (70) celebrates a touchdown during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Purdue 62-17. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2008-2011

NFL Season: 12th

Notes: Most NFL snaps at non-QB position since 2012 (11,054), 166 career starts

OG David Edwards -- Buffalo Bills

Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook (12) takes advantage of pass protection by offensive lineman David Edwards (79) throws a long pass during the second quarter of their game against Illinois on Saturday. Oct. 20, 2018 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.<br>Credit: MARK HOFFMAN
Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook (12) takes advantage of pass protection by offensive lineman David Edwards (79) throws a long pass during the second quarter of their game against Illinois on Saturday. Oct. 20, 2018 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Credit: MARK HOFFMAN

Years at Wisconsin: 2015-2018

NFL Season: 5th

Notes: Started all 17 games for Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams team in 2021

LB T.J. Edwards -- Chicago Bears

Dec. 30, 2017; Miami Gardens, Florida; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) celebrates after Miami Hurricanes place kicker <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/31366" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Michael Badgley;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Michael Badgley</a> (15, not pictured) misses a field goal during the first half in the 2017 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2014-2018

NFL Season: 5th

Notes: Went from undrafted free agent to starting all 17 games for NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, signed 3-year, $19.5 million contract with the Chicago Bears this offseason

LB Jack Sanborn -- Chicago Bears

Nov. 21, 2020; Evanston, Illinois; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) defends Northwestern Wildcats running back Cam Porter (20) during the second half at Ryan Field. David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 21, 2020; Evanston, Illinois; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) defends Northwestern Wildcats running back Cam Porter (20) during the second half at Ryan Field. David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2018-2021

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: Made Chicago Bears roster after being signed as an undrafted free agent, started six games in 2022 before injury ended his season

C Tyler Biadasz -- Dallas Cowboys

Aug. 30, 2019; Tampa, Florida; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Jack Coan (17) awaits the ball from offensive lineman Tyler Biadasz (61) during the first half against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Aug. 30, 2019; Tampa, Florida; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Jack Coan (17) awaits the ball from offensive lineman Tyler Biadasz (61) during the first half against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2016-2019

NFL Season: 4th

Notes: Took over for Cowboys-great, Wisconsin product Travis Frederick in 2020, started 33 of 34 possible games over the last two seasons

TE Jake Ferguson -- Dallas Cowboys

Jake Ferguson

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2021

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: Caught 19 passes for 174 yards, 2 touchdowns in rookie season. Could win starting job this season with Dalton Schultz in Houston

DE Matt Henningsen -- Denver Broncos

Sept. 11, 2021; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Matt Henningsen (92) celebrates after sacking Eastern Michigan Eagles quarterback Ben Bryant (8) (not pictured) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sept. 11, 2021; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Matt Henningsen (92) celebrates after sacking Eastern Michigan Eagles quarterback Ben Bryant (8) (not pictured) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2021

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: Registered one sack last year in limited action. 6th-round pick of the Broncos in 2022.

CB Faion Hicks -- Denver Broncos

Sept. 4, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Noah Cain (21) rushes with the football as Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Faion Hicks (1) defends during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sept. 4, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Noah Cain (21) rushes with the football as Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Faion Hicks (1) defends during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2021

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: Appeared in two games for Broncos last year. 7th-round pick in 2022 still looking for a permanent roster spot.

QB Russell Wilson -- Denver Broncos

Nov. 26, 2011; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson (16) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 26, 2011; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson (16) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2011

NFL Season: 12th

Notes: Nine-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl Champion with Seattle (2014). One of the best quarterbacks of the generation.

OL Tyler Beach -- Houston Texans

Sept. 7, 2019; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Tyler Beach (65) during the game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sept. 7, 2019; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Tyler Beach (65) during the game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2022

NFL Season: 1st

Notes: Signed with Houston Texans as undrafted free agent in 2023

OL Michael Deiter -- Houston Texans

Oct. 28, 2017; Champaign; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (3) is unable to stop Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Michael Deiter (63) from scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 28, 2017; Champaign; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (3) is unable to stop Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Michael Deiter (63) from scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2014-2018

NFL Season: 5th

Notes: Third-round pick of Dolphins in 2019. Started 15 games at left guard in 2019, only eight starts since

RB Dare Ogunbowale -- Houston Texans

Sept. 3, 2016; Green Bay; Wisconsin Badgers running back Dare Ogunbowale (23) during the Lambeau Field College Classic against the LSU Tigers at Lambeau Field. Wisconsin won 16-14. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sept. 3, 2016; Green Bay; Wisconsin Badgers running back Dare Ogunbowale (23) during the Lambeau Field College Classic against the LSU Tigers at Lambeau Field. Wisconsin won 16-14. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2012-2016

NFL Season: 7th

Notes: Former undrafted free agent now on his fourth team in seven years. Appeared in all 17 games each of the last two seasons, primarily on special teams

RB Jonathan Taylor -- Indianapolis Colts

Sept. 30, 2017; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor (23) rushes with the football as Northwestern Wildcats safety Kyle Queiro (21) defends during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sept. 30, 2017; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor (23) rushes with the football as Northwestern Wildcats safety Kyle Queiro (21) defends during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2019

NFL Season: 4th

Notes: Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro in 2021. Led NFL that season in carries (332), rushing yards (1811) and yards-per-game (106.5)

WR Kendric Pryor -- Jacksonville Jaguars

Sept. 25, 2021; Chicago, Illinois; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Kendric Pryor (3) runs in for a touchdown against Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Clarence Lewis (6) during the second half at Soldier Field. Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Sept. 25, 2021; Chicago, Illinois; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Kendric Pryor (3) runs in for a touchdown against Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Clarence Lewis (6) during the second half at Soldier Field. Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2016-2020

NFL Season: 4th

Notes: Jaguars claimed Pryor in August of 2022. Spent the entire season on Jacksonville’s practice squad

OL Cole Van Lanen -- Jacksonville Jaguars

Cole Van Lanen (71) and his Badgers teammates on offense celebrate touchdown by Jack Coan during the first half. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-Imagn Content Services, LLC
Cole Van Lanen (71) and his Badgers teammates on offense celebrate touchdown by Jack Coan during the first half. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-Imagn Content Services, LLC

Years at Wisconsin: 2016-2020

NFL Season: 3rd

Notes: 6th-round pick of the Packers in 2021. Traded to Jaguars in August of 2022.

LB Leo Chenal -- Kansas City Chiefs

Dec. 19, 2020; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Leo Chenal (45) celebrates his third down tackle that stopped a Minnesota Golden Gophers advance during the second half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 19, 2020; Madison; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Leo Chenal (45) celebrates his third down tackle that stopped a Minnesota Golden Gophers advance during the second half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2019-2021

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: Super Bowl Champion with Chiefs (2022). Appeared in all 17 games last year with eight starts.

OG Logan Bruss -- Los Angeles Rams

Jan. 1, 2020; Pasadena, California; Wisconsin Badgers fullback Mason Stokke (34) celebrates with offensive lineman Logan Bruss (60) after scoring a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks in the third quarter during the 106th Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 1, 2020; Pasadena, California; Wisconsin Badgers fullback Mason Stokke (34) celebrates with offensive lineman Logan Bruss (60) after scoring a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks in the third quarter during the 106th Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2021

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: 3rd-round pick of Los Angeles Rams in 2022.

OT Rob Havenstein -- Los Angeles Rams

Nov. 22, 2014; Iowa City, Iowa; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25), offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (78) and linebacker Vince Biegel (47) carry the Heartland traveling trophy of the field at Kinnick Stadium. Wisconsin beat Iowa 26-24. Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 22, 2014; Iowa City, Iowa; Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25), offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (78) and linebacker Vince Biegel (47) carry the Heartland traveling trophy of the field at Kinnick Stadium. Wisconsin beat Iowa 26-24. Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2010-2014

NFL Season: 9th

Notes: 2nd-round pick of Rams in 2015. Entering 9th season with the team which has included a Super Bowl (2021), 116 starts at right tackle

FB Alec Ingold -- Miami Dolphins

Oct 24, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Bart Houston (13) hands off the football to running back Alec Ingold (45) against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Bart Houston (13) hands off the football to running back Alec Ingold (45) against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2015-2018

NFL Season: 5th

Notes: One of the last true fullbacks remaining in the NFL. Has scored touchdowns in each of his four NFL seasons

OLB Andrew Van Ginkel -- Miami Dolphins

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2018

NFL Season: 5th

Notes: Scored a 78-yard fumble recovery in 2020, appeared in every game for the Dolphins in each of the last three seasons.

LB Zack Baun -- New Orleans Saints

Sep 7, 2019; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Zack Baun (56) during the game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2019; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Zack Baun (56) during the game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2015-2019

NFL Season: 4th

Notes: Second-round pick of the Saints in 2020. 45 career games, eight starts with most of his action being on special teams.

LB Ryan Connelly -- New Orleans Saints

Sep 8, 2018; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Ryan Connelly (43) during the game against the New Mexico Lobos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2018; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Ryan Connelly (43) during the game against the New Mexico Lobos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2014-2018

NFL Season: 5th

Notes: 5th-round pick of the Giants in 2019. Bounced to and from the Vikings practice squad for much of 2022 and 2023.

OT Ryan Ramczyk -- New Orleans Saints

Ryan Ramczyk Wisconsin
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2015-2016

NFL Season: 7th

Notes: Former first-round pick. Earned irst-Team All-Pro honors in 2019 and has 89 starts at right tackle in first six years with the Saints.

WR Alex Erickson -- New York Jets

Oct 24, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Alex Erickson (86) is tackled by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Taylor Barton (3) at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin beat Illinois 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Alex Erickson (86) is tackled by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Taylor Barton (3) at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin beat Illinois 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2012-2015

NFL Season: 8th

Notes: Made his career in Cincinnati as a punt/kick returner. Led NFL in kick returns in 2018 (40), kick return yards in 2016 (810), punt returns in 2017 (39) and total return yards in 2016 (1005).

C Joe Tippmann -- New York Jets

Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Tippmann (75) looks to clear a path during the third quarter of their game Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Washington State beat Wisconsin 17-14.
Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Tippmann (75) looks to clear a path during the third quarter of their game Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Washington State beat Wisconsin 17-14.

Years at Wisconsin: 2019-2022

NFL Season: 1st

Notes: Second-round pick of the Jets in 2023.

DT Keeanu Benton -- Pittsburgh Steelers

Oct 16, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers nose tackle Keeanu Benton (95) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Army Black Knights during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers nose tackle Keeanu Benton (95) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Army Black Knights during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2019-2022

NFL Season: 1st

Notes: Second-round pick of the Steelers in 2023.

OLB Nick Herbig -- Pittsburgh Steelers

Nov 21, 2020; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Nick Herbig (19) celebrates his team’s fumble recovery against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2020; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Nick Herbig (19) celebrates his team’s fumble recovery against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2020-2022

NFL Season: 1st

Notes: Fourth-round pick of the Steelers in 2023.

DT Isaiahh Loudermilk -- Pittsburgh Steelers

Oct 12, 2019; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (97) celebrates after tackling Michigan State Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2019; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (97) celebrates after tackling Michigan State Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2016-2020

NFL Season: 3rd

Notes: Appeared in 26 games in his first two seasons in Pittsburgh. Has one career sack, 30 career tackles.

OLB T.J. Watt -- Pittsburgh Steelers

Oct 3, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Iowa won 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Iowa won 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2013-2016

NFL Season: 7th

Notes: Five-time Pro Bowler (2018-2022), three-time First-Team All-Pro (2019-2021). Led NFL in sacks in 2020 (15), 2021 (22.5). 2021 NFL Defensive Player Of The Year.

TE Troy Fumagalli -- San Francisco 49ers

Oct 22, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Miles Taylor (19) misses the tackle on Wisconsin Badgers tight end Troy Fumagalli (81) at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Miles Taylor (19) misses the tackle on Wisconsin Badgers tight end Troy Fumagalli (81) at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2013-2017

NFL Season: 5th

Notes: Spent first three NFL seasons in Denver. Has since spent time on New England and San Francisco’s practice squad.

CB Rachad Wildgoose -- Washington Commanders

Nov 23, 2019; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Rachad Wildgoose (5) breaks up the pass intended for Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver David Bell (3) during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2019; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Rachad Wildgoose (5) breaks up the pass intended for Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver David Bell (3) during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Years at Wisconsin: 2018-2020

NFL Season: 3rd

Notes: Spent first two years with the Jets and Commanders respectively. Started three games for Washington in 2022.

Story originally appeared on Badgers Wire