Category: Longhorns in NFL

Bijan Robinson surpasses 1,000 all-purpose yard mark in Falcons win over Saints

Former Texas Longhorns star running back Bijan Robinson reaches 1,000 yards for 2nd straight season for the Atlanta Falcons.

In the Atlanta Falcons‘ loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, former Longhorns star Bijan Robinson continued to be a bright spot. The Tucson native finished with a season-high 116 rushing yards and 144 yards from scrimmage. As Robinson recorded 100 all-purpose yards for the fifth straight game, he also reached the 1,000-yard mark for the second straight year.

Through 10 games, the former first-round pick leads the Falcons in rushing yards with 748 and ranks fifth in receiving yards with 331. His ability to make an impact on the ground and in the passing game has made Robinson an irreplaceable piece. Entering Week 11, he ranks fourth in the NFL in all-purpose yards.

” That’s what I love to do, be an all-around player, Robinson told reporters ahead of the Falcons Week 10 game. ” When you get a guy that can be effective in the pass game and effective in the run game, you’re a dynamic player at that point.”

With over a month left in the regular season, Robinson is on pace to set new career highs in multiple categories. He finished his rookie campaign with 748 rushing yards and 487 receiving yards. The Falcons star could pass both of those marks within the next two weeks.

While Robinson is becoming one of the best running backs in the NFL, his play is no surprise. He was a human highlight reel during his time as a Longhorns and gave fans plenty of moments to celebrate, and that has carried over to the NFL. With him playing the best football of his career, the Falcons offense is harder to plan against.

Colts WR Adonai Mitchell breaks out of slump in win over the Bills

The former second-round pick was more involved than ever before, showing why the Colts prioritized him in the NFL Draft

After a slow start to the season, former Longhorns star Adonai Mitchell had his best game as pro on Sunday against the Bills. The former second-round pick was more involved than ever before, showing why the Colts prioritized him in the NFL Draft.

Against the Bills, Mitchell recorded a career-high six receptions for 71 yards. Mitchell made the most of his career-high 58 snaps and was one of the Colts’ best players. While Mitchell’s efforts were not enough to secure a win, his play stood out to many, including Colts quarterback Joe Flacco.

“He probably had a lot more snaps and was in position to come up big when he needed to, and he did a good job,” Flacco told the media postgame on Sunday. “He looked comfortable out there, caught the ball well, did a lot of good things. It’s unfortunate that it comes in a game like this where you can’t feel as good about it as you want to, but he did a good job.”

With ten games in the books, Mitchell currently ranks fifth on the Colts in receptions with 18 and receiving yards with 211 yards. He does not have a touchdown yet but is averaging 11.7 yards a catch. While the 22-year-old has not had the same success as his former teammate, Xavier Worthy, he has looked much better of late.

In his last four games, Mitchell has received at least three targets three times. As the season has progressed, he has become more of a factor and has seen his hard work pay off.

“It’s all a matter of just getting reps, learning through reps, learning through wins, learning through losses,” Mitchell said. “Kind of figuring out why you won, why you lost, and kind of just helping yourself get better. And I’ve grown a lot – just credit to the guys around me and obviously my receiver coach. We all push each other, and we all force each other to get better and grow.”

Although the Colts season has been full of ups and downs, this is the player they expected to get when they drafted Mitchell, and he is starting to read his coaches for his patience.

Texas Ex Bijan Robinson Credits Kirk Cousins for Growth, Eyes Texas SEC Championship Run

Bijan Robinson has a good feeling the Longhorns will take an SEC title in their first year. Plus, who he credits for his NFL success.

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is making waves in his rookie season, posting 632 rushing yards and 303 receiving yards across nine games. The former Texas Longhorn is on a Pro Bowl-caliber path, attributing much of his early NFL success to the leadership of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

In an interview with On3, Robinson highlighted Cousins’ impact on his growth and development. “He’s a veteran in the league, so he’s had a lot of experience,” Robinson said. “To have a guy that’s seen a lot of different looks, seeing a lot of different schemes and that knows what to anticipate and what’s to come. And that’s been the biggest difference for me.” Robinson noted that Cousins has not only guided him in gameplay but also instilled leadership qualities. “(Kirk) teaching me how to be a leader and showing me the steps and how to be the best player possible is definitely been something that I haven’t had before. But man, I mean he’s definitely been great for this offense and hopefully we continue to keep on putting up awesome numbers and great games like how we want to.”

Though dedicated to helping the Falcons succeed, Robinson hasn’t lost sight of his roots with the Texas Longhorns. Confident in his alma mater’s chances, he believes Texas can make a historic run and win the SEC title in December. “When you play at Texas, every single game is going to be a championship game,” Robinson remarked.

“Every single opponent is going to treat us like that, the fans, the atmosphere, it’s going to be sold out, it’s going to be just a bunch of hate coming our way. But I believe if we just continue to just lock in and if they just do what they’re supposed to do from week to weekend, know that every single opponent is going to bring their very best to try to beat us, I think we’ll be just fine. And I think we will win the SEC and then with this new playoff system, hopefully, we can win the championship as well.”

With Cousins guiding Robinson in Atlanta and his continued support for Texas, both Falcons and Longhorns fans have plenty to cheer for this season. The only fans who might have mixed feelings? Dallas Cowboys fans.

Texas Ex Xavier Worthy shines in Chiefs thrilling win over Ravens

While the Chiefs got contributions from familiar faces, one rookie, Xavier Worthy, made headlines

On Thursday night, the NFL returned with fireworks as the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens put together a thrilling season opener. The Chiefs emerged with a 27-20 victory after Isaiah Likely’s touchdown, which would have tied the game, was overturned because his toe was out of bounds in the final seconds. While the Chiefs got contributions from familiar faces, one rookie, Xavier Worthy, made headlines.

The former Longhorns star caught two passes for 47 yards and one touchdown. His first career receiving touchdown proved to be the difference, giving Kansas City a 27-17 lead in the fourth quarter. What stood out the most about Worthy was his elite speed, which sent Arrowhead Stadium into a frenzy.

After the Ravens took an early 7-0 lead, the Chiefs turned to their rookie to tie things in the first quarter. On a 21-yard run, Worthy sprinted by defenders to find the end zone. Worthy showed why he is an electric talent the first time he touched the football in an NFL regular season game. 

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1831861336348983419

His impact did not go unnoticed as Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes spoke highly of his new weapon.

“Just having him out there, it just opens up stuff,” Mahomes told the media postgame. “You saw when he’s out there, they’re playing shell coverages. It’s getting guys like [Travis Kelce] and it’s getting guys like [Rashee Rice] open underneath, and that’s what’s so great about this offense is we’re able to do all of that, and that’s when we’re at our best.”

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy celebrates after scoring a TD in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

As the Chiefs look to win their third straight championship, Worthy will be an important piece. He was drafted in the first round because of his ability to frustrate defenses with his speed. On Thursday night, with all eyes in the football world on Kansas City and Baltimore, Worthy did not disappoint.

It was only the start of what should be a special rookie season for the former Texas star.

Former Longhorns WR Whittington makes Los Angeles Rams final roster

The former Longhorns WR has made the Los Angeles Rams’ final roster.

Over the last few days, NFL teams around the league have been busy finalizing their final rosters. While some players will be moving onto different teams, players such as Jordan Whittington had a reason to celebrate. The former Longhorns WR has made the Los Angeles Rams’ final roster.

During his college career, Whittington appeared in 37 games, recording 123 catches for 1,586 yards. He averaged 42.9 yards a game and was a reliable option for Quinn Ewers the last few seasons. His play caught the eyes of the Rams, who used their sixth-round pick on Whittington in the 2024 NFL Draft.

As Whittington begins his NFL career, he joins an offense loaded with talent. The Texas native will compete with Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, and Puka Nacua for snaps, which could limit his playing time early on. Regardless of his role, Whittington will be ready to make an impact when his name is called.

In the preseason, the former Longhorns star showed he could be a productive piece, leading all receivers with 11 receptions on 17 targets. He stood out due to his impressive route running and ability to add yards after the catch, which would be a welcomed skill set in any NFL offense.

Last year, the Rams found a hidden gem in Nacua, one of the best rookie receivers in the league, recording 105 receptions for 1,486 receiving yards. They hope to have struck gold in Whittington, who is already forming chemistry with his new teammates.

When the 2024 NFL season begins next week, Whittington will be a player to watch as he tries to reward the Rams’ faith in him.

Former Longhorns star Adonai Mitchell makes NFL Preseason debut in Colts loss

On Sunday afternoon, former Longhorns star Adonai Mitchell made his highely anticipated preseason debut

On Sunday afternoon, former Longhorns star Adonai Mitchell made his highely anticipated preseason debut. The Texas native was selected by the Colts in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and is expected to be a key piece of the offense for years to come. While the Colts lost to the Broncos  34-30 on Sunday, Mitchell saw plenty of action.

Against the Broncos, Mitchell recorded one catch for 11 yards. He finished tied for second on the team in targets with two. While those statistics may not jump off the page, the Colts emptied their quarterback room with five players getting snaps under center. Most of Mitchell’s snaps came with the starters.

With his first game in the books, Mitchell will look to build on his success on Saturday against the Cardinals. He looked comfortable in the offense during Week 1 of the Preseason, and that should continue to grow with more playing time.

Mitchell is primed for a big year as the Colts prepare for the season opener. He is projected to be the No. 2 wide receiver but could see his snaps increase due to the injury of Josh Downs. On August 7, the Colts’ top option in the passing game suffered a high ankle sprain that is expected to keep him out of action for 4-6 weeks.

As Mitchell looks to make a good first impression in the NFL, he will be one of the most-watched rookies this season. During his time with the Longhorns, he showed he could be an elite player. After getting his first taste of NFL action, more milestones are on the horizon.

Pittsburgh Steelers sign former Longhorn wide receiver Tarik Black

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Black to a one-year deal worth $795,000

The Steelers offense has a new weapon in former Longhorns wide Receiver Tarik Black. On Monday, Pittsburgh signed Black to a one-year deal worth $795,000. Former Michigan star Roman Wilson suffered an ankle injury in practice on Tuesday, which could lead to more playing time for Black. 

As Black starts his Steelers career, he will be looking to appear in his first NFL game since the 2021 season. He made his NFL debut with the New Jets in Week 18, recording one catch for ten yards on two targets. While he has yet to find a permanent role on an NFL team, Black was a solid receiver in college.

In 29 games with the Longhorns and Wolverines, Black hauled in 50 receptions for 747 receiving yards and scored three touchdowns. He averaged  14.9 yards per catch and a career-high 24 with the Longhorns. 

While Black only spent one year in Texas, he made the most of his opportunities. In 10 games, he recorded 240 receiving yards, the second-most of his career. As he battles for a roster spot in Pittsburgh, he will be looking to show that he can be a reliable depth option when called upon.

With the preseason just beginning, Black has plenty of time to show the Steelers why he should be on the roster when they open their season against the Falcons on September 8. Many in Austin will be closely watching as rosters continue to get trimmed down and Black looks to take advantage of his latest chance in the NFL.

He originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts after the 2021 NFL Draft but spent the whole season on the practice squad. Over the last few years, Black has been signed and released by various teams, with Pittsburgh being his latest stop.

Six former Longhorns get their Madden running back ratings

What is Bijan’s rating for the upcoming Madden NFL 25 video game?

The NFL season will officially begin on Sept. 5 when former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy will make his debut against the Baltimore Ravens and former kicker Justin Tucker.

Each offseason leading up to the start of the NFL preseason, EA Sports releases its launch ratings for players. With Madden NFL 25 set to release on Aug. 16, we continue to look at former players and their ratings. We have already seen the numbers for wide receivers and safeties, next up are the running backs. A position that the Texas Longhorns football program knows how to develop.

The current crop of running backs is led by the 2022 Doak Walker Award winner, Bijan Robinson.

Former Texas Longhorn running back’s Madden rating:

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
  • Bijan Robinson: Overall 82
  • Jonathon Brooks: Overall 77
  • D’Onta Foreman: Overall 76
  • Roschon Johnson: Overall 72
  • Keilan Robinson: Overall 67
  • Keaontay Ingram: Overall 67

Bijan also has a speed rating of 91 and agility of 89 that will help you make defenders miss in the open field. Much as he was able to do when wearing the Burnt Orange.

Stay tuned as the rest of the player ratings are released throughout the week.

Madden ratings released for wide receivers, safeties on Monday

Which Longhorns had the highest ratings among WRs, Safeties?

The NFL season is fast approaching which means another edition of the Madden NFL video game will be available in the coming weeks. Madden NFL 25 is set to be released on Aug. 16.

This week EA Sports is releasing player ratings. Each day new positions will be released. On Monday it was the safeties and wide receivers that were released. In total, 11 former Texas Longhorns were listed among the player ratings released.

The highest ratings among former Longhorns were both on the defensive side. Brandon Jones and DeShon Elliott are both rated at 78 overall. Xavier Worthy and Devin Duvernay came in at 75 overall for the wide receivers.

Former Texas Longhorns Madden ratings for Wide Receivers and Safeties

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers:

  • Xavier Worthy: Overall 75
  • Adonai Mitchell: Overall 72
  • Jordan Whittington: Overall 68
  • Collin Johnson: Overall 69
  • Lil’Jordan Humphrey: Overall 66
  • Devin Duvernay: Overall 75

Safeties:

  • Brandon Jones: Overall 78
  • P.J. Locke: Overall 71
  • Caden Sterns: Overall 73
  • Brenden Schooler: Overall 62
  • DeShon Elliott: Overall 78

Stay tuned as the rest of the player ratings are released throughout the week.

Watch: Former Longhorn Adonai Mitchell leaves fans speechless at Colts practice

At the Colts practice on Sunday, Mitchell made a remarkable catch that left his teammates speechless.

During his college career, Adonai Mitchell was a human highlight reel while spending time with the Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs. Less than six months after being selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Mitchell has already shown why fans have high expectations. At the Colts practice on Sunday, Mitchell made a remarkable catch that left his teammates speechless.

With Anthony Richardson under center, Mitchell used his quickness to create separation and hauled in a difficult throw that was the highlight of the day. After losing his helmet when making contact with the ground, Mitchell got right back up and tried to energize Colts fans in the stands.

It was a welcome sign for the Colts, as the former second-round pick is expected to be a big part of the offense. Mitchell is coming off a highly productive season with the Longhorns, where he recorded 845 receiving yards in 14 games. He was also a scoring machine, adding 11 touchdowns to his resume.

While Mitchell has yet to play an NFL game, he has already received comparisons to a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver who has made a name for himself. NFL analyst Lance Ziegler compared the former Texas star to George Pickens. That is due to Mitchell’s physical abilities and tendency to make extremely tough catches.

As practices continue to ramp up and the start of the NFL season draws closer, Mitchell will be an exciting player to watch.