Category: Spartans in the NFL

Detroit Lions sign former Michigan State football CB Shakur Brown

Shakur Brown has been signed by the Detroit Lions

It is no secret that the Detroit Lions have been hammered by injuries during the 2021 football season, especially to the defensive backfield. That has opened the door for some spots within the organization to become available.

With one of those spots, the Detroit Lions are bringing back Shakur Brown to the Mitten State. Brown was a standout cornerback for the Michigan State Spartans over the past few seasons, before going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Brown will start on the practice squad, but with the multitude of injuries in Detroit, I would not be surprised if he were to get the promotion to the active roster at some point.

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Mel Kiper Jr. has Kenneth Walker III as a top-10 running back in 2022 NFL draft

Mel Kiper Jr. has Kenneth Walker III as a top-10 running back in 2022 NFL draft

Kenneth Walker III has turned heads this season thus far for Michigan State football, entering his name into early Heisman conversations while dominating the rushing stats columns. That performance might earn him an early entry in the NFL. Mel Kiper Jr. released his latest 2022 NFL draft big board on Thursday and Walker was listed as the 10B running back in the class.

While some Spartan fans might be sad to think about Walker potentially leaving so soon, any NFL draft hype around Walker should be seen as a massive success for the program. Tucker and his team identified Walker, plucked him out of relative obscurity in Wake Forest, and have already put him in a position to potentially be drafted.

This would be a beacon for recruits and transfers around the country that Tucker and his staff can put you in the right position to be noticed by NFL scouts.

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Former Spartan WR Cody White records first career catch in the NFL

Former Spartan WR Cody White records first career catch in the NFL

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This weekend, the Pittsburgh Steelers promoted former Spartan wide receiver Cody White from their practice squad to their active roster. On Sunday, that move led to White recording his first career catch in the NFL, and his second.

White had two catches for 17 yards in a loss for the Steelers, but that should hopefully be the start of more good things from White at the next level as he did look good in the playing time he was given.

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WATCH: Former Michigan State football LB Andrew Dowell blocks a punt

Andrew Dowell blocked another punt in the Saints-Patriots game

Andrew Dowell was known for his playmaking ability during his time in East Lansing as a member of the Spartans football team, and he is carrying that ability over to the NFL.

Now, as a member of the New Orleans Saints, Andrew Dowell has stood out with his ability to make big plays, and he did it again on Sunday in the Saints game against the New England Patriots.

Dowell blocked a punt in a 7-3 game during the first half of the Saints-Patriots game. You can watch it here:

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Former MSU DT Naquan Jones promoted to Titans 53-man roster

Former MSU Spartans DT Naquan Jones has been promoted to the Tennessee Titans’ 53-man roster

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Former Michigan State Spartans defensive tackle Naquan Jones will be on the Tennessee Titans roster for this week’s matchup.

Jones was reportedly promoted from the Titans’ practice squad to their 53-man roster on Tuesday. Jones has yet to play in an NFL game in his career but could make his first appearance this weekend.

The Titans host the Colts on Sunday. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 1 p.m. EDT.

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WATCH: Former Michigan State football S Khari Willis with a big INT

Khari Willis picked off Matt Stafford on Sunday

Michigan State fans know the impact Khari Willis can have on a defense, as he was such an impactful player during his time in East Lansing. Now, a member of the Indianapolis Colts, Willis is still making plays and an impact on defense.

During the Colts clash with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Willis made his impact felt with a huge interception of Rams’ QB Matt Stafford in the second quarter of Sunday’s game.

You can watch the interception via Twitter, here:

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WATCH: Former Michigan State safety Khari Willis picks off Matthew Stafford

Former Michigan State safety Khari Willis picks off Matthew Stafford in Colts vs. Rams game

Khari Willis has turned into quite the NFL player. The former Spartan captain is the starting safety for the Indianapolis Colts, and on Sunday, he made a big play against another guy who spent a lot of time in Michigan.

Willis picked off Matthew Stafford, now of the Los Angeles Rams, in the second quarter after it appeared that Stafford had his throw tipped.

You can watch it below:

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Former Michigan State football QB Brian Hoyer gets one year deal

Former Michigan State football quarterback Brian Hoyer is signing a one year deal with the New England Patriots.

Brian Hoyer is best known to Michigan State fans as being the first quarterback legendary coach Mark Dantonio had to start his tenure as the Spartans head man. Not only is Hoyer one of the great MSU quarterbacks, but he has carved a nice little career for himself in the NFL.

Hoyer went undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft, but that did not stop him from pursuing the NFL. Hoyer has spent 11 seasons in the NFL, throwing for over 10,000 yards, and being a Super Bowl champion.

Hoyer will be spending a 12th season in the NFL after agreeing to a one year deal with the Patriots.

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Former MSU Football QB Brian Lewerke joining New York Giants practice squad

Former MSU Football QB Brian Lewerke joining New York Giants practice squad

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Brian Lewerke stayed patient this summer, and that patience will now payoff with a gig in the NFL. On Thursday, the New York Giants announced that Lewerke will be joining their practice league squad.

Lewerke played with the Giants during preseason but was waived this week and reportedly planning to be an emergency quarterback for the team, so this is a welcome development for Lewerke as he looks to hang around the league until he has the chance to contribute on a 53-man roster.

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Former MSU CB Shakur Brown signing with Kansas City Chiefs practice squad

Former MSU CB Shakur Brown signing with Kansas City Chiefs practice squad

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Former Michigan State football cornerback Shakur Brown might have not been drafted, but he will have a home at the next level for the upcoming season. On Wednesday, it came out that Brown will be joining the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad for the upcoming season.

Brown had originally been given a look by the Pittsburgh Steelers before heading to Kansas City.

The former Spartan defensive back was tied for the lead in the country with 5 interceptions in his redshirt junior season.

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