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How every former Wisconsin Badger performed in NFL Week 8

Ben Kenney
·8 min read

We’re almost at the halfway point of the 2023 NFL season already, or the midpoint of the regular season at least.

The year has always seen former Wisconsin Badgers hold national relevance. Steelers OLB T.J. Watt is playing like an All-pro yet again, Broncos QB Russell Wilson is improving on last year’s disaster, Colts RB Jonathan Taylor is back on the field, Bears ILB T.J. Edwards might finish with 200 total tackles and more.

While the team in Madison is a disappointing 5-3 so far this season, many of the program’s now-NFL players are playing quite well.

For updates on all the players listed above, as well as every other Wisconsin product, here is how every former Badger performed in NFL Week 8:

QB Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos)

Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles in the backfield during the fourth quarter against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/kansas-city/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Kansas City Chiefs;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Kansas City Chiefs</a> at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: 12/19 passing, 114 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions, 45.1 QBR, eight carries, 30 rushing yards

Season Stats: 66.1% completion, 1,613 yards, 16 touchdowns, four interceptions, 45.3 QBR, 31 carries, 201 rushing yards

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.

RB Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts)

Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammates in the second half against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/cleveland/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Cleveland Browns;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Cleveland Browns</a> at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: 12 carries, 95 yards, one reception, 2 receiving yards

Season Stats: 44 carries, 207 yards, one touchdown, 10 receptions, 109 receiving yards

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2019

NFL Season: 4th

Notes: Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro in 2021. One of the better young running backs in the NFL

OLB T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) pass rushes at the line of scrimmage past <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/baltimore/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Baltimore Ravens;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Baltimore Ravens</a> guard <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/32315" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Patrick Mekari;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Patrick Mekari</a> (rear) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Week 7 Stats: Two tackles, 0.5 sacks, one pass defended

Season Stats: 18 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 2.5 run stuffs, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, six passes defended, one interception

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.

OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (Miami Dolphins)

Sep 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) reacts after a play against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/new-england/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:New England Patriots;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">New England Patriots</a> in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: One tackle

Season Stats: 32 tackles, four sacks, 3.5 run stuffs, one fumble recovery, two passes defended

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.

ILB Jack Sanborn (Chicago Bears)

<a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/green-bay/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Green Bay Packers;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Green Bay Packers</a> running back <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/30295" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Aaron Jones;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Aaron Jones</a> (33) lunges for a first down against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) in the first quarter during their football game Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill.

Week 8 Stats: Eight tackles

Season Stats: 38 tackles, five run stuffs, one interception

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

ILB T.J. Edwards (Chicago Bears)

Oct 1, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) brings down Denver Broncos running back <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/30227" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Samaje Perine;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Samaje Perine</a> (25) in the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: 13 tackles, three run stuffs, one fumble recovery

Season Stats: 85 tackles, two sacks, nine run stuffs, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery

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

RB Dare Ogunbowale (Houston Texans)

Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale (33) dives for first down Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale (33) dives for first down Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: Inactive

Season Stats: Two carries, four yards

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

DL Isaiahh Loudermilk (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Aug 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/40139" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Nick Herbig;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Nick Herbig</a> (51) reacts with defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) after sacking <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/atlanta/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Atlanta Falcons;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Atlanta Falcons</a> quarterback <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/31219" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Logan Woodside;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Logan Woodside</a> (11) (not shown) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: Two tackles

Season Stats: Six tackles, two passes defended

Years at Wisconsin: 2016-2020

NFL Season: 3rd

Notes: Appeared in 26 games in his first two seasons in Pittsburgh.

FB Alec Ingold (Miami Dolphins)

Dec 17, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins full back Alec Ingold (30) runs with the ball against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/buffalo/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Buffalo Bills;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Buffalo Bills</a> during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: One reception, five receiving yards

Season Stats: Two carries, zero yards, four receptions, 65 receiving yards

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 Nick Herbig (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Aug 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Logan Woodside (11) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Logan Woodside (11) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: Two tackles, one run stuff, one forced fumble

Season Stats: 10 total tackles, one sack, one run stuff, one forced fumble

Years at Wisconsin: 2020-2022

NFL Season: 1st

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

DE Matt Henningsen (Denver Broncos)

DENVER, CO – AUGUST 13: Ben DiNucci #17 of the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/dallas/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Dallas Cowboys;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Dallas Cowboys</a> avoids a sack by Matt Henningsen #91 of the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at Empower Field At Mile High on August 13, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Week 8 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

Season Stats: Seven tackles, 1.5 run stuffs, two passes defended

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.

TE Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys)

Nov 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/ny-giants/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:New York Giants;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">New York Giants</a> at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: Four receptions, 47 yards, one touchdown

Season Stats: 25 receptions, 137 yards, two touchdowns

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2021

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: Caught 19 passes for 174 yards, 2 touchdowns in rookie season.

LB Leo Chenal (Kansas City Chiefs)

Nov 13, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/jacksonville/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Jacksonville Jaguars;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: 10 tackles, one sack, 1.5 run stuffs

Season Stats: 34 tackles, five run stuffs, two sacks

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.

DL Keeanu Benton (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Sep 24, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) celebrates after sacking Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) celebrates after sacking Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: One tackle

Season Stats: 14 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble

Years at Wisconsin: 2019-2022

NFL Season: 1st

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

LB Zack Baun (New Orleans Saints)

Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun (53) on the kickoff return team in the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun (53) on the kickoff return team in the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

Season Stats: 12 tackles, 0.5 run stuffs, one interception

Years at Wisconsin: 2015-2019

NFL Season: 4th

Notes: Second-round pick of the Saints in 2020. 45 career games entering 2023, eight starts with most of his action being on special teams.

RB Melvin Gordon (Baltimore Ravens)

Sep 24, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Melvin Gordon III (33) runs with the football while being defended by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) in the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Melvin Gordon III (33) runs with the football while being defended by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) in the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

Season Stats: 13 carries, 53 yards, three receptions, 46 receiving yards

Years at Wisconsin: 2011-2014

NFL Season: 9th

Notes: Signed with the Ravens in late July

Story originally appeared on Badgers Wire