Category: Spartans in the NFL

Former MSU football DE Kenny Willekes trying out for Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions hosted a familiar face for a tryout on Tuesday:

Kenny Willekes was a standout defensive end for Michigan State from 2015 to 2019. The former walk-on went on to get drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings, where he played for three seasons. Willekes recorded 16 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a pass deflection in his time with Minnesota.

Now, as a free agent, it appears Willekes is looking to make his way back into the NFL. The defensive end was listed on the Detroit Lions’ most recent try out report:

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WATCH: Former Spartan, Packers rookie WR Jayden Reed scores first career TD

Former MSU star wide receiver Jayden Reed has scored his first career NFL touchdown

Former Michigan State star wide receiver Jayden Reed has scored his first career NFL touchdown.

Reed scored a nine-yard receiving touchdown in the second quarter of a week two matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons. Reed took the short pass and was able to use his speed to beat the defense for the score.

Check ou the highlight play below:

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Jack Conklin reportedly suffers season ending knee injury

Jack Conklin’s 2023 season may be over:

Jack Conklin was an integral part of the Cleveland Browns offensive line heading into the 2023 season. The former first-round pick out of Michigan State has been a quality offensive tackle for both the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns in his NFL career.

In the Brown’s Week 1 game against the Bengals, it appears Conklin may have suffered a knee injury that could jeopardize his 2023 season.

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Every Michigan State football alum in the NFL for the 2023 season

There are 21 Spartans in the NFL this season. You can see what teams they are on here:

While the legendary Michigan State NFL draft streak may have ended recently, MSU football has, slightly under-the-radar, been sending a nice influx of talent into the NFL lately, with some top end NFL talent along with some solid role players around the league.

There are currently 21 Spartans on NFL rosters as the 2023 season begins, and you can see who they are and where they are playing below.

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Ben VanSumeren gets signed by Philadelphia Eagles practice squad

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed Ben VanSumeren to their practice squad

Ben VanSumeren had a rollercoaster of a college career, and a very unique career at that. VanSumeren started his career at the University of Michigan before transferring to in-state rival Michigan State after two years. He spent the remaining years of his career playing in East Lansing.

Now, VanSumeren is going to get a shot in the NFL, after having a good showing in training camp, the Philadelphia Eagles are signing VanSumeren to their practice squad.

Former Michigan State football DT Naquan Jones makes Tennessee Titans roster

Naquan Jones has made the Titans active roster:

Naquan Jones was a solid defensive lineman throughout his career with Michigan State. Unfortunately, Jones was not able to get drafted into the NFL, but that didn’t stop the former Spartan from carving out a career for himself in the league.

Jones latched on with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and has eclipsed 40 tackles and 3.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Now, Jones has once again made the active roster for the Titans after a great training camp.

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Former MSU punter Bryce Baringer earns starting job with New England Patriots

Former MSU punter Bryce Baringer has won the starting punter job for the Patriots

On Monday, it was reported that the New England Patriots have released veteran punter Corliss Waitman, which will clear the way for former Michigan State punter Bryce Baringer to take the starting punter role as a rookie.

Baringer, who at one point was ready to hang up his pads and quit playing football after being cut in 2019, was drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft by the Patriots.

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Kirk Cousins named as underrated NFL player

Is Cousins one of the most underrated players in the NFL? One NFL writer thinks so:

Former MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins has carved out a nice career for himself in the NFL. The Holland native has been one of the most consistent QBs in the league through his tenure with Washington and the Minnesota Vikings.

While being a steady, solid quarterback in the league, Cousins has always been talked about in a sense that he is not very good. Ross Tucker of The 33rd Team feels different, calling Cousins one of the 10 most underrated players in the National Football League.

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Ratings for every former Michigan State football player in Madden 24

Ratings for every former Michigan State football player in Madden 24

Madden 24’s release is on the horizon and this past week the internet had a lot of fun reacting to the release of the game’s ratings for the season.

Michigan State will have 11 former players in the game upon its launch, and all have had their ratings released.

Check out what the former Spartans are rated in this year’s edition of EA Sports’ NFL football game:

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Former Michigan State football TE Matt Sokol impressing in New England Patriots training camp

Former MSU TE Matt Sokol has impressed at Patriots camp this summer:

Matt Sokol was a consistent mainstay at the tight end position for Michigan State from 2015-2018, securing 31 catches for 348 yards and two touchdowns. Now, Sokol is trying to make a career in the NFL, and seems to be doing a good job of it.

Sokol has bounced around several practice squads over the last four seasons but may have found a home in New England for the Patriots. Sokol found himself on the Pats active roster several times last season and it seems like the Patriots are taking a liking to Sokol’s talents.

Patriots beat reporter Taylor Kyles said that Sokol looked like the Patriots top blocking tight end this summer, a skill set that could work Sokol into the playing rotation.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on Twitter @Cory_Linsner.