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How every former Wisconsin Badger performed in NFL Week 18, 2023

Ben Kenney
·9 min read

The 2023 NFL regular season drew to a close Sunday night in Miami as the Bills clinched the AFC East with a win over the Dolphins and finalized the 2024 playoff field.

There will be several Wisconsin products playing in this year’s postseason. The entire Steelers group of T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton and Isaiahh Loudermilk clinched their spot with a win over the Ravens, Melvin Gordon is in with the 1-seed Ravens, Leo Chenal’s Chiefs and Jake Ferguson’s Cowboys are division champions and Andrew Van Ginkel and Alex Ingold are in with the aforementioned Dolphins.

There will be updates as the playoffs continue. But for now, here is how every former Wisconsin Badger performend in NFL Week 18:

QB Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos)

Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and offensive tackle <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/30133" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Garett Bolles;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Garett Bolles</a> (72) walk off the field following the win over 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 Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Week 18 Stats: Did not play (benched)

Season Stats: 66.4% completion, 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 98 quarterback rating, 80 carries, 341 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns

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 Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammates in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Week 18 Stats: 30 carries, 188 yards, one touchdown, two receptions, eight receiving yards

Season Stats: 169 carries, 741 yards, seven touchdowns, 19 receptions, 153 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown

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)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates after sacking <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/cincinnati/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Cincinnati Bengals;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Cincinnati Bengals</a> quarterback <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/32138" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Jake Browning;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Jake Browning</a> (6) in the in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 12 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. The Steelers took a 16-10 win over the Bengals in Cincinnati.

Week 18 Stats: Eight tackles, two sacks, one run stuff

Season Stats: 68 tackles, 19 sacks, nine run stuffs, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, eight 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 18 Stats: One tackle

Season Stats: 69 tackles, six sacks, 7.5 run stuffs, one fumble recovery, one interception, eight 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)

Oct 29, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) tackles <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/la-chargers/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Los Angeles Chargers;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Los Angeles Chargers</a> wide receiver <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/26699" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Keenan Allen;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Keenan Allen</a> (13) during the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

Week 18 Stats: One tackle

Season Stats: 65 tackles, one sack, eight run stuffs, one interception, two passes defended

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)

Dec 10, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/detroit/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Detroit Lions;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Detroit Lions</a> quarterback <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/29235" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Jared Goff;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Jared Goff</a> (16) throws through the defense of Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Week 18 Stats: Ten tackles

Season Stats: 155 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 15 run stuffs, three interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, seven passes defended

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)

Nov 12, 2023; <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/cincinnati/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Cincinnati;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Cincinnati</a>, Ohio, USA; Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale (33) reacts with linebacker <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/34031" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Christian Harris;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Christian Harris</a> (48) after a play on a kick off during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Week 18 Stats: Two special teams tackles

Season Stats: Eight carries, 35 rushing yards, two receptions, 18 receiving yards, 1/1 field goal (29 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 Nick Herbig (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 18 Stats: One tackle

Season Stats: 16 tackles, 1.5 run stuffs, 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 18 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

Season Stats: Two carries, zero yards, 13 receptions, 119 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)

Oct 22, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) sacks <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/la-rams/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Los Angeles Rams;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Los Angeles Rams</a> quarterback <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/9265" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Matthew Stafford;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Matthew Stafford</a> (9) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Week 18 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

Season Stats: 27 total tackles, three sacks, four run stuffs, two forced fumbles

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: <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/32901" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Ben DiNucci;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Ben DiNucci</a> #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 18 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

Season Stats: 19 tackles, two 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 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second half against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/seattle/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Seattle Seahawks;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Seattle Seahawks</a> at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Week 18 Stats: Six receptions, 69 receiving yards

Season Stats: 71 receptions, 761 yards, five 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 18 Stats: Three tackles, one run stuff

Season Stats: 65 tackles, three sacks, eight run stuffs, one quarterback hit, one pass defended

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 <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/27590" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Jimmy Garoppolo;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Jimmy Garoppolo</a> (10) during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Week 18 Stats: Three tackles

Season Stats: 36 tackles, 1.5 run stuffs, one sack, two forced fumbles, two passes defended

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; <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/new-orleans/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:New Orleans;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">New Orleans</a>, 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

Week 18 Stats: Two tackles

Season Stats: 30 tackles, 2.5 run stuffs, two sacks, one interception, two passes defended

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)

Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Melvin Gordon III (33) reacts following his fourth quarter touchdown run against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Melvin Gordon III (33) reacts following his fourth quarter touchdown run against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Week 18 Stats: Seven carries, 18 rushing yards, one fumble lost

Season Stats: 26 carries, 81 yards, one touchdown, three receptions, 46 receiving yards

Years at Wisconsin: 2011-2014

NFL Season: 9th

Notes: Signed with the Ravens in late July

Alex Erickson (Los Angeles Chargers)

Dec 14, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Alex Erickson (82) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/las-vegas/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Las Vegas Raiders;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Las Vegas Raiders</a> at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Week 18 Stats: Two receptions, 29 receiving yards

Season Stats: 16 receptions, 232 receiving yards, one touchdown

Years at Wisconsin: 2013-2015

NFL Season: 8th

Notes: Elevated from Chargers practice squad in Week 11

Story originally appeared on Badgers Wire