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How every former Wisconsin Badger performed in NFL Week 1

Ben Kenney
·6 min read

Week 1 of the NFL season is now complete with league-wide headlines including Jets QB Aaron Rodgers going down with an apparent Achilles injury, the Lions toppling the Chiefs on Thursday night and general sloppiness across the league.

NFL teams don’t play many important players in the preseason anymore, electing to enter Week 1 fully healthy. The drawback of that is rust, and Week 1 across the NFL showed exactly that.

There wasn’t rust for some top Wisconsin products, though. Steelers OLB T.J. Watt had a big day in his season debut, Saints OLB Zack Baun blocked a punt and Broncos QB Russell Wilson looked solid after a tough 2022.

A few top former Badgers including Jonathan Taylor did not suit up in Week 1. But aside from them, here is how every Wisconsin product performed:

QB Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos)

Aug 11, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks on against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/arizona/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Arizona Cardinals;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Arizona Cardinals</a> at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks on against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1 Stats: 27/34 passing, 177 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions, 74.7 QBR

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.

OLB T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 01: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after sacking <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/32993" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Tyler Huntley;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Tyler Huntley</a> #2 of the <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> during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 01: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after sacking Tyler Huntley #2 of the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Week 1 Stats: five total tackles, three sacks, one pass defended, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery

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)

Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) stops <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/tampa-bay/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Tampa Bay Buccaneers;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> running back Giovani Bernard (25) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) stops Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Giovani Bernard (25) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Week 1 Stats: five total tackles

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)

Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) stretches with teammates at the NFL football team’s practice facility in Lake Forest, Ill., Wednesday, May 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) stretches with teammates at the NFL football team’s practice facility in Lake Forest, Ill., Wednesday, May 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Week 1 Stats: four total tackles

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)

Mar 16, 2023; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards speaks during a press conference at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2023; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards speaks during a press conference at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1 Stats: 14 total tackles

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

DL Isaiahh Loudermilk (Pittsburgh Steelers)

<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> offensive tackle <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/27595" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Billy Turner;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Billy Turner</a> (77) blocks Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during the first quarter of their game Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17.<br>Packers04 32
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Billy Turner (77) blocks Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during the first quarter of their game Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17.
Packers04 32

Week 1 Stats: One tackle

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.

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
Dec 17, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins full back Alec Ingold (30) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1 Stats: Two receptions, 17 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 <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) 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 1 Stats: One assisted tackle

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)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 13: Ben DiNucci #17 of the Dallas Cowboys 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 1 Stats: One assisted tackle

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
Nov 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1 Stats: Seven targets, two receptions, 11 receiving yards

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

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
Nov 13, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1 Stats: Six total tackles, three solo

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)

Former Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton goes through drills as an NFL scouts looks on during the Badgers pro day at the McClain Center in Madison, Wis. on Thursday March 22, 2023.<br>Uw Football Pro Day 2 March 23 2023
Former Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton goes through drills as an NFL scouts looks on during the Badgers pro day at the McClain Center in Madison, Wis. on Thursday March 22, 2023.
Uw Football Pro Day 2 March 23 2023

Week 1 Stats: Three total tackles, one solo

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 <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/minnesota/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Minnesota Vikings;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Minnesota Vikings</a> 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 1 Stats: One punt block

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.

Story originally appeared on Badgers Wire