Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
Murphy agreed to a fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract with a fifth-year option.
Texas’ top draft prospect has inked his rookie deal. Continue reading “Former Texas DT Byron Murphy agrees to rookie contract with Seattle Seahawks”
Bijan Robinson is currently taking part in his first NFL training camp.
Former Texas running back Bijan Robinson is currently taking part in his first NFL training camp. Continue reading “LOOK: Photos of Bijan Robinson during Falcons training camp”
Former Texas LB DeMarvion Overshown sang on stage at Bank of America’s Rookie Premier event on Thursday.
Former Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown has a hidden talent. Continue reading “WATCH: Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown sings on stage at rookie event”
Atlanta will use Bijan Robinson as both a running back and wide receiver.
Former Texas running back Bijan Robinson is one of the most exciting new rookies in the NFL. Continue reading “Bijan Robinson to be used at both RB and WR by the Atlanta Falcons”
Rookie linebacker Leo Chenal showed off his insane athletic ability by launching himself up the side of the Chiefs’ championship parade bus.
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday and they had their championship parade Wednesday. Although there were many noteworthy moments, one former Badger caught the eyes of the internet.
Rookie linebacker Leo Chenal showed off his insane athletic ability by launching himself from the street up the side of the Chiefs’ championship parade bus. The bus is approximately 11 feet tall, a distance that Chenal made look miniscule.
The rookie finished his first campaign in the NFL with 41 tackles, including two sacks, while playing all 20 of the Chiefs’ regular season and postseason contests. He figures to be a large part of the team’s defensive recipe moving forward.
In case you needed proof that @chenal_leo is an insane athlete… #ChiefsKingdom @KCTV5 pic.twitter.com/L3peDtNi33
— Jared Koller (@JaredKCTV5) February 15, 2023
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Brett Hundley was released on Monday, leaving Carson Wentz and Sam Ehlinger as the only two quarterbacks on the Colts active roster.
Former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger is only one play away from receiving meaningful snaps in the NFL as a rookie. Continue reading “Sam Ehlinger is now officially the No. 2 quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts”
Joseph Ossai’s promising rookie season has come to an abrupt end.
Just days after Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Joseph Ossai’s impressive NFL debut, his rookie season has likely come to an abrupt end. Continue reading “Bengals rookie Joseph Ossai fears to have suffered season-ending knee injury”
He trailed only Mac Jones of the New England Patriots.
Somehow, someway, Sam Ehlinger proves the doubters wrong.
That’s the beauty behind his story. Whether it be his relentless work ethic, the extra hours spent analyzing film, his competitive nature, the leadership and spark that he can instantly bring to a team, or any of his other impressive attributes. The point is simple: Ehlinger finds a way to get it done.
No stage ever appears too big for the former Texas quarterback.
He’s aware that he doesn’t have the strongest or most accurate arm, which caused him to slide to the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft. When the Indianapolis Colts selected Ehlinger, many NFL draft analysts projected his ceiling to be a backup quarterback at the professional level…at best.
When Ehlinger entered his first NFL training camp with the Colts, he was hoping to compete with Jacob Eason to become the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Carson Wentz.
Wentz suffered a foot injury early on in camp, after an already injury-plagued career, and suddenly the backup role became much more important. Now, Ehlinger is battling Eason to potentially receive meaningful snaps as a rookie. It’s unclear when Wentz will return to 100%.
After an impressive last week of practices, Ehlinger earned first-team reps in Indianapolis. Eason still seemingly has the edge, but the fact that the two young signal-callers are now splitting first-team reps is a positive sign for Ehlinger’s progress.
On Sunday, Ehlinger made his NFL debut in the Colts’ first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. After Eason started and played the first half, Ehlinger played the entirety of the second half. After a shaky start, the former Texas star was able to rebound and put together an impressive fourth quarter.
Granted, it was against third or fourth string backups and other rookie quarterbacks may not have received as much playing time as Ehlinger, but his performance is certainly worth noting. Of the rookie quarterbacks to throw at least 10 passes in their NFL debut, Ehlinger was one of the most accurate signal-callers in Week 1.
Most accurate rookie QBs in Preseason WK1 (10+ attempts)
1. Mac Jones, Patriots – 65%
2. Sam Ehlinger, Colts – 62%
3. Kellen Mond, Vikings – 57% pic.twitter.com/QvSdaBuczc
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 16, 2021
Due to Eason’s inconsistency throughout training camp, it presented a rare opportunity for Ehlinger to step up. His throws aren’t as flashy as Eason’s, but he manages to consistently get the job done one way or another.
As expected, Colts head coach Frank Reich stated that Ehlinger would receive the start in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings. The rookie will need to have a very strong showing in order to claim the backup (or starting) role in Indianapolis.
In his NFL debut, Ehlinger was the team’s leading rusher with 30 yards and completed 10 of 15 passes for 155 yards.
How the Texas rookies performed in their first NFL action.
Over the last few days, the NFL’s first week of preseason football took place. There were familiar Longhorn faces in new places hoping to prove their worth at the next level.
Whether they were one of the five players that heard their name called during the 2021 NFL draft, or if they are getting their opportunity to play in the league as an undrafted free agent, a handful of now former Texas stars were able to partake in their first NFL game action.
It seemed as if almost every Longhorn made a significant impact on the game in one way or another, whether it was Caden Sterns’ touchdown-saving hit, Joseph Ossai taking down Tom Brady, or former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger leading the Indianapolis Colts to a comeback win against the Carolina Panthers.
Let’s take a look at how each of the former Longhorns and now NFL rookies fared in their debuts.
After a rough start, Ehlinger had an incredible fourth quarter to lead the Colts over the Panthers.
Former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger made his NFL debut on Sunday with the Indianapolis Colts after being selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Ehlinger is currently battling second-year quarterback Jacob Eason to secure the backup role behind starter Carson Wentz. With the ongoing injury concerns surrounding Wentz, one of the two young signal-callers could be called upon to play meaningful snaps this season.
The Colts’ three preseason games will be a crucial opportunity for Eason or Ehlinger to step up and claim the No. 2 spot.
On Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, Eason started and played the first half, while Ehlinger took over for the entirety of the second half. Each had an up and down performance. Eason fumbled which resulted in a turnover, while Ehlinger threw an interception on his first drive.
Eason completed 15 of his 21 passes for 183 yards. Ehlinger made some plays with his legs by rushing for 34 yards, and completed 10 of 15 passes for 155 yards. The former Texas star looked solid in the fourth quarter and made a few huge plays to lead the Colts over the Panthers 21-18 as time expired.
At this point, the battle is far from over. Take a look at a few of Ehlinger’s highlights from his NFL debut:
