Notre Dame Football: 12 Former Golden Domers Remain in NFL Divisional Playoffs
The NFL Divisional Playoffs are set and 12 former Notre Dame players are moving on to the second round.
Wild Card weekend saw one great game between the Lions and Rams and five other ones that left quite a bit to be desired.
As the NFL playoff field gets cut nearly in half, so do the amount of former Notre Dame players participating in the postseason. The Irish saw 10 of their 22 former players on playoff teams eliminated this weekend.
So who is left and how did they fare on Wild Card weekend?
Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton - Safety
The Ravens had a a first round bye after securing the best record in the AFC in 2023. Kyle Hamilton didn’t have to play this past weekend but did certainly enjoy being named an NFL All-Pro on Friday.
Baltimore Ravens: Sam Mustipher - Center
Sam Mustipher has played in a reserve role for the Ravens this season but did start two games in their regular season. He and the Ravens host the Houston Texans this weekend.
Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley - Offensive Tackle
Ronnie Stanley is about as good as pass blocking tackle as there is in the NFL when he is healthy and he’s been healthy this year. That likely is also a major reason why Lamar Jackson is in contention to win his second career NFL MVP award.
Buffalo Bills: No Former Notre Dame Players
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills advanced to the AFC Divisional round after a 31-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday. The Bills, who are one of two remaining teams without a former Notre Dame player on their roster, will host Kansas City this weekend.
Houston Texans: Kurt Hinish - Defensive Tackle
Kurt Hinish had three tackles and a sack of Joe Flacco in the Texans dominating win over the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round.
Houston Texans: Jarrett Patterson - Center
Jarrett Patterson surprised many by going from a late round draft pick to starting at center for the Texans this season before an injury midway through the year sidelined him for the remainder. The Texans will travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens on Saturday afternoon.
Kansas City Chiefs: Drue Tranquill - Linebacker
Drue Tranquill recorded four tackles for the Chiefs in their 26-7 win over the Miami Dolphins. Tranquill and company travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills for a spot in the AFC Championship game on Sunday.
Detroit Lions: Scott Daly - Longsnapper
Scott Daly was one of four former Notre Dame players to be a part of history as the Detroit Lions outlasted the Los Angeles Rams and won their first playoff game in 32 years on Sunday night.
Detroit Lions: Julian Okwara - Linebacker
Julian Okwara played in nine games for the Lions this season and recorded two sacks but did not factor into the box score during Sunday’s win.
Detroit Lions: Romeo Okwara - Defensive End
Romeo Okwara recorded nine tackles and two sacks for the Lions this regular season but also did not factor into Sunday’s game.
Detroit Lions: Brock Wright - Tight End
Former Notre Dame tight end Brock Wright did not haul in any receptions Sunday but did fall on a fumbled ball by quarterback Jared Goff to keep possession for the Lions. Detroit will play host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend.
Green Bay Packers: No Former Notre Dame Players
The Green Bay Packers advanced to the Divisional Round by blowing out the Dallas Cowboys on the road. The Packers don’t have any former Notre Dame players on their roster but did eliminate former Golden Domers Brandon Aubrey (Kicker/ND soccer player) and Zach Martin with their win. Green Bay travels to top-seeded San Francisco this weekend.
San Francisco 49ers: Aaron Banks, Offensive Guard
Aaron Banks was a regular starter on the 49ers offensive line this year that helped make their offense one of the league’s best. The 49ers had a first round bye and welcome the Green Bay Packers to town for a spot in the NFC Championship game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Robert Hainesy - Offensive Tackle
Robert Hainsey was drafted by the Buccaneers in part because he had experience at different positions on the offensive line. He began his pro career playing center but has moved outside this season. Hainesy helped the Bucs to a 32-9 blowout win over the Eagles as Tampa Bay will now travel to Detroit to take on the Lions this weekend.
