UNIVERSITY PARK – On Sunday, November 17, 2024, the NFL showcased a thrilling Week 11, featuring several standout performances from former Penn State Football players. Among them, Saquon Barkley continued his impressive season with the Philadelphia Eagles, racking up a remarkable 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns in their 26-18 victory over the Washington Commanders. Barkley’s efforts pushed him past the 1,000 rushing yard mark for the season, bringing his total to 1,137 yards and placing him second in the league in this category.
Meanwhile, Odafe Oweh of the Baltimore Ravens had a standout game in their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Oweh showcased his defensive prowess with 2.5 sacks and four quarterback hits, tying his career high for sacks in a single game. With six games left in the season, he currently sits tied for 12th in the NFL with a personal best of 7.0 sacks.
Another former Nittany Lion, Yetur Gross-Matos, made headlines by returning from the injured list to add a sack against the Seattle Seahawks. His performance highlights the resilience and talent that many Penn State alumni bring to the league.
The impact of Penn State graduates on NFL rosters can hardly be overstated, with 46 alumni contributing to 24 teams this season. Notes from various games highlight the contributions of other players such as Ryan Bates and Jaquan Brisker, although Brisker remains on injured reserve. Players like Mike Gesicki and Pat Freiermuth continue to work hard, contributing when they can.
As Week 11 comes to a close, it is clear that Penn State alumni are making significant impacts in the NFL, with many players showing promise and potential as the season progresses.
