The University of Miami has built a reputation for producing high-level talent in the NFL over the past three decades.
Last weekend showed why that still rings true. The former ‘Canes played well on both sides of the ball in Week 4. Below is a list of former Miami football players who played for their pro squads.
David Njoku: tight end, Cleveland Browns
The former Hurricanes star got off to a slow start in the first two games of his 2022 campaign. He has found his groove in the past two weeks.
On Sunday against the Falcons, Njoku was the leading receiver for the Browns. He accounted for more than a quarter of the team’s receiving yards. The tight end had five receptions for 73 yards in Cleveland’s 23-20 loss to Atlanta.
Njoku and the Browns (2-2) will host the Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) in Week 5.
Michael Badgley: Kicker, Chicago Bears
The former Miami Hurricanes kicker was signed to the Bears’ active roster on Saturday after Cairo Santos was ruled out with an injury.
Badgley, nicknamed “The Money Badger” during his time with the Hurricanes, showed exactly why he earned that nickname.
The kicker went 4/4 on Sunday, hitting shots of 22, 29, 35 and 40 yards. The former Hurricane accounted for all of the Bears’ points against the Giants in their 20-12 loss.
Chicago (2-2) will travel to Minneapolis to face their National Football Conference North rivals, the Minnesota Vikings (3-1), in Week 5.
Gregory Rousseau: defensive end, Buffalo Bills
Rousseau, who was selected late in the first round in 2021, has put together an impressive career thus far.
Through four weeks, Rousseau has five sacks and 15 tackles.
On Sunday, Rousseau helped the Bills defense shut out quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens offense in the second half while totaling four tackles, 0.5 sacks and a QB hit.
Rousseau and the Bills (3-1) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3) in Week 5, and the former ‘Cane will look to torture rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is making his first career start.
Calais Campbell: Defensive End, Baltimore Ravens
Calais Campbell has spent the last 15 years tormenting NFL offensive lines and he shows no signs of slowing down.
On Sunday against Buffalo, Campbell recorded three tackles and one pass defensed. Although his game doesn’t stand out on the stat sheet, the veteran plays a key role in the Ravens’ defense. He has played a big role in creating pressure and filling holes in the running game.
Campbell and the Ravens (2-2) will host the Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) on Sunday Night Football in Week 5.
Featured image: Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons