Category: Badgers in NFL

Former Wisconsin linebacker named ProFootballFocus’ 2024 NFL ‘Breakout Player of the Year’

Former Wisconsin linebacker named ProFootballFocus’ 2024 NFL Breakout Player of the Year

Former Wisconsin and current Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun was named ProFootballFocus’ 2024 ‘Breakout Player of the Year’ on Wednesday.

The honor is nowhere near surprising. After amassing 88 combined tackles and two sacks from 2020-23 with the New Orleans Saints, Baun emerged as the engine of the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive unit in 2024.

Baun shattered his previous career bests with 151 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, four pass deflections and 3 1/2 sacks during the regular season. His 151 tackles were tied for the sixth-most in the NFL behind Zaire Franklin (Colts), Budda Baker (Cardinals), Robert Spillane (Raiders), Jamien Sherwood (Falcons) and Roquan Smith (Ravens).

The former Badger also pocketed a 90.1 PFF grade for his contributions leading an NFL-best defensive unit, the highest among any linebacker in the league. He and San Fransisco 49ers superstar Fred Warner were the two inside linebackers on the outlet’s First-Team All-Pro unit. To put that into context, Baun didn’t crack PFF’s top 32 linebacker power ranking before the season began.

Baun’s ascendance is inarguably the most impressive by any defensive player this season. The output earned him a Pro Bowl nod alongside fellow Badgers Andrew Van Ginkel and T.J. Watt.

His Eagles now sit at No. 2 in the NFC playoff picture prior, set to host the No. 7-seed Green Bay Packers in Wild Card Round.

Which former Wisconsin Badgers are headed to the NFL playoffs?

Which former Wisconsin Badgers are headed to the NFL playoffs?

Following an 18-week season, 14 former Wisconsin Badgers are officially slated to suit up for the 2025 NFL Playoffs.

With the Denver Broncos’ 38-0 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the playoff field is officially set. A total of 14 teams, seven from each conference, will appear in the postseason starting next weekend.

Of those 14 squads, nine feature Wisconsin football alumni. David Edwards (Bills), Kevin Zeitler (Lions), Rob Havenstein (Rams), Tyler Biadasz (Commanders) and Michael Deiter (Commanders) will lace up as former Wisconsin offensive linemen in the playoffs. Whether it be guard, center, or tackle, fans can find the greatest number of former Badgers on the offensive line this postseason.

Elsewhere on offense, running back Dare Ogunbowale (Texans) will return to the playoffs for the second straight season, while quarterback Russell Wilson (Steelers) will make his first playoff appearance since Jan. 9, 2021.

At linebacker, the most star-studded position for UW alumni this season, Leo Chenal (Chiefs) will look to collect his third consecutive Super Bowl, Andrew Van Ginkel (Vikings) will aim to make a deep run with Minnesota, Zack Baun (Eagles) will face the hungry Green Bay Packers in Philadelphia, and the group of  T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton and Isaiahh Loudermilk (Steelers) will all return to the postseason under head coach Mike Tomlin.

The player with arguably the highest chance to advance to the Super Bowl is Chenal on the No. 1-seed Chiefs. Van Ginkel, Baun and Zeitler could each challenge the two-time defending champion if their teams come out of the NFC.

Four former Wisconsin Badgers earn bids to 2025 Pro Bowl Games

Four former Wisconsin Badgers earn bids to 2025 Pro Bowl Games

Four former Wisconsin Badgers earned spots in the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Thursday.

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt, Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, Philadelphia Eagles inside linebacker Zack Baun and Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor are the former Wisconsin stars selected.

Both Baun and Van Ginkel will make their Pro Bowl debuts for the NFC squad on Feb. 2 in Orlando, Florida. Taylor, who last participated in 2021, will make his return for his second Pro Bowl bid of his career. Watt, one of the most dominant defensive players of the generation, will appear in his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl.

While Taylor and Watt’s respective inclusions on the Pro Bowl roster crew are impressive, the main storylines for Badger fans surround Van Ginkel and Baun.

Both linebackers entered the 2024 season looking to prove themselves on new teams. Each have put together two of the more elite seasons across the league.

Baun has amassed 151 total tackles, 93 solo tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles and 3 1/2 sacks for the Eagles’ league-best defense. Van Ginkel, who recently became the first player since Hall of Famer Jason Taylor to log at least 10 sacks and two pick-sixes in a single season, has totaled 72 total tackles, 11 1/2 sacks and 17 tackles for loss for the 14-2 Vikings.

Alongside his 11 1/2 sacks and 19 tackles for loss, Watt leads the league with six forced fumbles for the 10-6 Steelers. Taylor, meanwhile, punched his Pro Bowl ticket with a 1,254-yard, 10-touchdown campaign with the Colts.

Barring deep playoff runs from all four teams, this quartet of former Badgers will don Pro Bowl uniforms in February.

Former Wisconsin linebacker sets NFL record

Former Wisconsin linebacker sets NFL record

This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.

2024 has been the breakout year for former Wisconsin Badgers and current Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun.

Baun signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in March after four seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He had struggled to break through with the Saints after joining the team as a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft. He primarily played on special teams, and never played more than 27% of the team’s defensive snaps in any of his four seasons.

The former Badger found his stride in Philadelphia. He has held a starting inside linebacker job all season, quarterbacking an Eagles defense that leads the league in total defense (280.9 yards allowed per game) and is third in points allowed per game (18.1).

Baun’s individual numbers are even more impressive. He has 151 total tackles (fourth most in the NFL), 11 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 3 1/2 sacks, five forced fumbles, four pass deflections and an interception.

According to CBS’ Jeff Kerr, Baun is the only player in NFL history with more than 150 tackles and five forced fumbles in a single season.

The former Badger’s breakout is one of the stories of the league this season. He went from totals of 30 tackles, four tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and two sacks in 2023 to the aforementioned NFL-leading stats. His current pace makes him a lock for Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors when the season concludes.

Notably, this follows Baun spending his college career as a pass-rushing outside linebacker. His final season with the Badgers included 76 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 12 1/2 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles. The switch from a 3-4 outside linebacker role to his current position is a significant one.

The Eagles saw something in Baun’s history or game film to prioritize him during free agency and entered the 2024 season with him as the team’s leading stand-up inside linebacker. They’ve benefited greatly from the signing and are set to enter the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 2 seed.

The only remaining question is how much money Baun signs for this offseason.

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Former Wisconsin linebacker named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Former Wisconsin linebacker named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Former Wisconsin linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel was named the NFC’s Defensive Player of Week 16 on Tuesday.

Van Ginkel, who played at Wisconsin from 2017-18, earned the designation for his contributions in the Minnesota Vikings’ 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

In that contest, the UW alumnus recorded five tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks and three QB hits. Those two sacks also led the conference in Week 16.

With the performance, the former Badger star became the second player since 1982 to record at least 10 sacks and two pick-sixes in a single season. The other: Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor with the Miami Dolphins in 2006.

Van Ginkel has notched 69 total tackles, 11.0 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, 18 QB hits, one forced fumble and five pass deflections in 15 starts in 2024. He’s also reeled in a pair of pick-sixes, which leads the NFL.

The Rock Valley, Iowa native joined Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard and Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey on the NFC ‘Players of the Week’ standouts from Week 16.

Van Ginkel signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Vikings this offseason after five seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He’s been worth every penny for Brian Flores’ defensive unit this season.

Van Ginkel joins Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal and Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor as former Badgers to receive ‘Player of the Week’ recognition this season.

Wisconsin legend named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after dominant performance

Wisconsin legend named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after dominant performance

Former Wisconsin and current Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor was named the AFC’s Offensive Player of Week 16 on Tuesday.

The two-time Doak Walker Award winner, who played at Wisconsin from 2017-19, earned the designation for his dominant performance in the Colts’ 38-30 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

In the contest, the former Badger rushed 29 times for 218 yards and three touchdowns. Those 218 yards exceeded Taylor’s previous season high by 104 yards.

With the monster output, he also became the second-leading rusher in Colts franchise history — now only behind Hall of Fame RB Edgerrin James (9,226 yards).

Taylor has rushed for 1,129 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games in 2024. He’s also reeled in 15 catches for 122 yards and one receiving touchdown this season.

The New Jersey native joined Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Moa and Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders on the AFC ‘Players of the Week’ group of standouts from Week 16.

Taylor joins Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel as former Badgers to receive ‘Player of the Week’ recognition this season.

The Colts, searching for a playoff berth, are back in action on Dec. 29 against the New York Giants.

Former Wisconsin linebacker joins elite company in win over Seahawks

Former Wisconsin linebacker joins elite company in win over Seahawks

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel joined elite company in Minnesota’s 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Van Ginkel tallied five total tackles and two sacks in the three-point win. The performance brought his season-long totals to 69 tackles, 10 sacks, two interceptions and five pass deflections.

With those numbers, the former Badger star became the second player since 1982 to record at least 10 sacks and two pick-sixes in a single season. The other — Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor with the Miami Dolphins in 2006.

Van Ginkel’s first sack arrived on 3rd-and-11 with Seattle attempting to morph a 20-17 deficit into a late edge. After Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith dropped back to pass, the former Badger took little time to get to the pass-thrower to force a six-yard loss.

The second sack quickly followed. On a first-down play at Minnesota’s 43-yard line, Smith scrambled to the right hash before being brought down by Van Ginkel for another six-yard loss. Seattle missed a field goal attempt on that possession before later coughing up an interception in the final sequence.

The former Badger received a substantial payday from the Vikings this offseason. He’s lived up to the contract and then some, and is now joining rare company.

Wisconsin legend makes history in Colts’ Week 16 win over Titans

A big afternoon for Jonathan Taylor

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor made history in the Colts’ 38-30 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Taylor notched 218 rushing yards and three touchdowns off 29 carries in the win. With the performance, he became the first running back in six seasons to tally 200 yards and three scores.

With the effort, he also became the second-leading rusher in Colts franchise history (5,493 yards). He now trails only Hall of Fame RB Edgerrin James (9,226 yards).

Taylor did the bulk of his damage on two breakout runs. He darted through Tennessee’s defense for a 65-yard touchdown at the 7:25-minute mark of the second quarter for his first score. He then returned to the end zone in the Colts’ first offensive possession of the second half. After fielding a handoff from quarterback Anthony Richardson, the Wisconsin product knifed through the left side of the Titans defense for a 70-yard touchdown to extend the margin to 30-7.

“It’s not easy,” Taylor said after the win. “When you have a group like we have up front, anything is possible. That’s why any time I have a chance, I try to encourage them because they fight their tails off and do the heavy lifting all game every single week.”

The Wisconsin star has now rushed for 1,129 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games for the Colts this season. It’s the first time he’s totaled over 1,000 yards on the ground since his league-leading 1,811-yard season in 2021.

The 7-8 Colts return to the gridiron for a must-win game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Dec. 29.

New England Patriots sign former Wisconsin wide receiver to practice squad

New England Patriots sign former Wisconsin wide receiver to practice squad

The New England Patriots signed former Wisconsin wide receiver Alex Erickson to its practice squad on Wednesday, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

The Patriots make to move to address their depth at the position. Rookie pass-catcher Javon Baker reportedly suffered a concussion and second-year wide receiver JaQuae Jackson suffered a leg injury in August. That leaves just Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas and Ja’Lynn Polk on the Patriots’ wide receiver depth chart. It presents a clear opportunity for Erickson to return to an active roster.

Erickson, who played college football at Wisconsin from 2012-15, last suited up for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. He registered 16 receptions for 232 yards and one receiving touchdown in eight games that season.

Erickson previously played five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2016-20 and one year with the Carolina Panthers in 2021. He appeared in 97 consecutive games during that stretch, reeled in 96 catches and notched 1,141 total receiving yards.

At Wisconsin, Erickson enjoyed a successful collegiate career under Gary Andersen and Paul Chryst. The Darlington, Wisconsin native appeared in 40 games over three seasons and finished his career ranked 10th in school history in receiving yards (1,877)  and sixth in receptions (141).

He will now look to see the turf alongside budding quarterback Drake Maye for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season.

Former Wisconsin safety, Super Bowl champion named head coach at St. John Neumann High School

Former Wisconsin safety, Super Bowl champion named head coach at St. John Neumann

Former Wisconsin star defensive back Chris Maragos was named the coach at St. John Neumann Catholic High School on Wednesday.

Maragos, a Racine, Wisconsin, native, heads to Naples, Florida, for his opportunity with St. John Neumann. He takes over from former coach Rich Crosby. He enters the high school coaching world after one of the more successful NFL undrafted free agent stories in Wisconsin football history.

After transferring from Western Michigan following the 2006 season, Maragos switched from wide receiver to free safety for his two years with the Badgers (2008-09). He recorded 94 tackles and five interceptions during his 26-game UW tenure.

Despite going unselected in the 2010 NFL draft, Maragos played eight NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles.

Maragos spent the bulk of his pro career as an ace on special teams. He played in all 16 games for the Seahawks during their Super Bowl season in 2013. He earned a multiyear contract with the Eagles (2014-17) and was the special teams captain for Philadelphia during its Super Bowl run in 2017.

The Racine native finished his NFL career with 93 total tackles, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 99 career contests.

Now, he’ll lead a Celtics program looking to become one of the premier private schools in a crowded Florida football landscape.

Maragos becomes the second former Badger in as many days to assume high school coaching responsibilities. Former star running back Brian Calhoun became the coach at his alma mater, Oak Creek High School, outside of Milwaukee on Tuesday.