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How every former Wisconsin Badger performed in NFL Week 17, 2023

ben kenney
·9 min read
1

The calendar has turned to 2024 and the NFL regular season is finally entering its final week.

New Year’s Eve was a packed day of Week 17 action. Wisconsin products again were among the biggest headlines, including Russell Wilson being benched in Denver, Jonathan Taylor returning to the lineup and finding the end zone, T.J. Edwards continuing his stellar season, Melvin Gordon finding the end zone for the first time this season and more.

With the playoffs now on the horizon, each former Badger will get one more shot in the regular season to enter the playoffs with momentum, maintain job security or cap off a stellar campaign.

Before we get to that, here is how every former Wisconsin Badger performed in NFL Week 17:

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 17 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; <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 17 Stats: 21 carries, 96 yards, one touchdown

Season Stats: 139 carries, 553 yards, six touchdowns, 17 receptions, 145 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 17 Stats: Two tackles

Season Stats: 60 tackles, 17 sacks, eight 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 17 Stats: Three tackles, 0.5 run stuffs

Season Stats: 68 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 17 Stats: One tackle

Season Stats: 64 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 17 Stats: Two tackles, one run stuff, one interception, one pass defended

Season Stats: 145 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 17 Stats: One carry, zero rushing yards

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 <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 17 Stats: One tackle

Season Stats: 15 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 17 Stats: One reception, 18 receiving yards

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 17 Stats: One tackle, one sack, one forced fumble

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 <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 17 Stats: Two tackles

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 17 Stats: Four receptions, 33 receiving yards

Season Stats: 65 receptions, 692 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 17 Stats: Four tackles, one run stuff

Season Stats: 62 tackles, three sacks, seven 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 17 Stats: Zero statistics recorded

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; <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 17 Stats: Four tackles, one sack, one pass defended

Season Stats: 28 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)

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 <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 17 Stats: Six carries, 10 yards, one touchdown

Season Stats: 19 carries, 63 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)

Sep 27, 2023; <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;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 17 Stats: Seven receptions, 98 yards, one touchdown

Season Stats: 14 receptions, 203 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