Following Leo Chenal’s spectacular seven-tackle performance against the Baltimore Ravens in Thursday night’s NFL season opener, a total of 24 more former Wisconsin Badgers will suit up for Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season this weekend.
Headlined by all-world outside linebacker T.J. Watt, versatile running back Jonathan Taylor and former Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson, the batch of UW alumni will participate in 12 more contests spanning from São Paulo, Brazil to San Francisco, California.
Former Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun will look to ride Chenal’s momentum during the Eagles’ Friday night showdown with the Green Bay Packers in Brazil. Two days later, 15 former Badgers will lace up in the noon CT window.
Those early games include the first look at Colts offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini and the highly-anticipated return of Taylor in the backfield against Dare Ogunbowale and the Houston Texans.
Fans can also tune in to watch Maema Njongmeta, who just clinched a spot on the Bengals’ final 53-man roster, against the New England Patriots.
Watt, Wilson, Keeanu Benton, Nick Herbig and Isaiahh Loudermilk will play Atlanta at noon as well, before tight end Jake Ferguson and the Dallas Cowboys take the field on a nationally-televised stage vs. the Cleveland Browns.
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Arguably the most notable game for Badger faithful, however, is the New York Jets’ primetime bout vs. the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Braelon Allen, who diced up defenders at running back throughout his UW tenure, will serve as the No. 2 running back behind Breece Hall.
After months of anticipation, it’s finally here. Buckle up, Badgers fans.