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How every former Wisconsin Badger performed in NFL Week 15 2023

ben kenney
·9 min read
1

Week 15 of the NFL season wraps up tonight when the struggling Eagles visit the Seattle Seahawks. There are no Wisconsin products playing tonight, so this weekly column was prime for a Monday release.

There are a few notable headlines from the week to share. First, Chargers WR Alex Erickson — yes, he is still in the NFL — scored his first touchdown in more than six years. Next, Bears inside linebacker T.J. Edwards kept pace with the top tacklers in the NFL, as he still ranks No. 5. And finally, Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt was wreaking havoc on an opposing quarterback again.

Related: Wisconsin Badgers 2024 transfer portal tracker

Here are notes from those performances, plus how every former Wisconsin Badger performed in NFL Week 15:

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 15 Stats: 18/32 passing, 223 yards, one touchdown, 88.4 quarterback rating, seven carries, six rushing yards, one rushing touchdown

Season Stats: 66.3% completion, 2,832 yards, 24 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 97.5 quarterback rating, 76 carries, 321 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; <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/indianapolis/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Indianapolis;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Indianapolis</a>, 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 15 Stats: Did not play (injured)

Season Stats: 100 carries, 414 yards, four touchdowns, 16 receptions, 137 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)

Oct 8, 2023; <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/pittsburgh/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Pittsburgh;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Pittsburgh</a>, 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 15 Stats: Three tackles, two sacks

Season Stats: 55 tackles, 16 sacks, eight run stuffs, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, seven 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 15 Stats: Four tackles, 0.5 run stuffs, 0.5 sacks, one pass defended

Season Stats: 55 tackles, 4.5 sacks, six run stuffs, one fumble recovery, one interception, seven 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 Los Angeles Chargers 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 15 Stats: One tackle, one run stuff

Season Stats: 63 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 15 Stats: Six tackles, 0.5 sacks, one run stuff, two passes defended

Season Stats: 137 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 14 run stuffs, two interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, six 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; Cincinnati, 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 <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> at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Week 15 Stats: One carry, 17 rushing yards

Season Stats: Six carries, 29 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 <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 15 Stats: Did not play (inactive)

Season Stats: 14 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 15 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

Season Stats: Two carries, zero yards, 10 receptions, 89 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 19, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) and cornerback <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/40089" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Joey Porter Jr.;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Joey Porter Jr.</a> (24) celebrate a defensive stop against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Week 15 Stats: Two tackles

Season Stats: 14 total tackles, two sacks, four run stuffs, 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: <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 <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 15 Stats: Two tackles

Season Stats: 15 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 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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 Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Week 15 Stats: Six receptions, 44 receiving yards

Season Stats: 57 receptions, 614 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 15 Stats: Six tackles, one pass defended

Season Stats: 56 tackles, three sacks, six 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 15 Stats: Two tackless

Season Stats: 33 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; 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

Week 15 Stats: One tackle

Season Stats: 23 tackles, 2.5 run stuffs, one sack, 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; <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;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Baltimore</a>, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Melvin Gordon III (33) runs with the football while being defended by Indianapolis Colts linebacker <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/31205" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Zaire Franklin;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Zaire Franklin</a> (44) in the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

Week 15 Stats: Inactive (practice squad)

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

Alex Erickson (Los Angeles Chargers)

Sep 27, 2023; <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;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Los Angeles</a>, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers coach Chris Beatty (left) and receiver Alex Erickson (82) during practice at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Week 15 Stats: One reception, 13 yards, one touchdown

Season Stats: Five receptions, 74 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