Week 9: Stanford in the NFL
Week 9, despite some teams still navigating bye weeks or limited roles, saw standout performances from Stanford alumni across the NFL. Headlined by a dominant showing from Christian McCaffrey and strong defensive outings from Justin Reid and Bobby Okereke, former Cardinal continued to leave their mark on both sides of the ball.
Standout performances
Christian McCaffrey ’18 (RB, San Francisco 49ers) – McCaffrey put together another vintage performance in the 49ers’ 34–24 win over the New York Giants, rushing 28 times for 106 yards and a touchdown — while adding 67 receiving yards and another score through the air. The dual-threat back accounted for over 170 total yards and two touchdowns, once again looking like a complete offensive weapon in football.
Justin Reid ’19 (S, New Orleans Saints) – The two-time Super Bowl champion was a bright spot in an otherwise rough outing for New Orleans, posting a season-high 13 total tackles (seven solo, six assist) and a pass defended in the Saints’ 10–34 loss to the Rams. Even with the Saints struggling, Reid’s experience and leadership continue to be a bright spot for the defense.
Bobby Okereke ’18 (LB, New York Giants) – Okereke continued to be a tackling machine, recording 14 total tackles (seven solo, seven assist) in the Giants’ 24–34 loss to San Francisco. His 14 stops marked one of the highest single-game totals of his career, underscoring his consistency as a centerpiece of New York’s defense.
Dalton Schultz ’18 (TE, Houston Texans) – Schultz led the Texans in receiving during their 15–18 loss to Denver, catching six passes for 77 yards, including a season-long 47-yard grab. The veteran tight end continues to be one of Houston’s most reliable offensive options.
Other notable contributions
Zach Ertz ’13 (TE, Washington Commanders) — Four receptions for 46 yards in a 38–14 loss to Seattle. With Washington turning to backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, Ertz will likely see increased usage moving forward.
Elic Ayomanor ’26 (WR, Tennessee Titans) — Three receptions for 46 yards in a 27–20 loss to the Chargers.
Kendall Williamson ’23 (DB, Los Angeles Chargers) — Four tackles (two solo) in the Chargers’ 27–20 win over Tennessee.
Tucker Fisk ’21 (TE, Los Angeles Chargers) — One reception for 12 yards in the same game against the Titans.
Colby Parkinson ’19 (TE, Los Angeles Rams) — Two receptions for 10 yards in the Rams’ 34–10 win over New Orleans.
Joshua Karty ’24 M.S. ’26 (K, Los Angeles Rams) — Four-of-five on extra points, missed his lone field goal attempt for Los Angeles.
Austin Hooper ’17 (TE, New England Patriots) — One reception for 20 yards in a narrow 24–23 win over Atlanta.
Curtis Robinson ’20 (LB, San Francisco 49ers) — One solo tackle in the 49ers’ win over New York.
Brycen Tremayne ’23 (WR, Carolina Panthers) — One reception for eight yards in a 16–13 win over Green Bay.
Ethan Bonner ’23 (DB, Miami Dolphins) — One solo tackle in Miami’s 6–28 loss to Baltimore.
Jake Bailey ’19 (P, Miami Dolphins) — Three punts averaging 42.7 yards, with a long of 47 and one inside the 20 in the same game against the Ravens.
Thomas Booker IV ’22 (DT, Las Vegas Raiders) — One assisted tackle in a 29–30 overtime loss to Jacksonville.
Elijah Higgins ’23 (WR, Arizona Cardinals) — Three receptions on three targets for 30 yards in the Cardinals’ 27–17 win over Dallas.
Michael Wilson ’23 (WR, Arizona Cardinals) — Three receptions on four targets for 61 yards in the same win.
Solomon Thomas ’18 (DT, Dallas Cowboys) — One assisted tackle in a 17–27 loss to Arizona.
Foster Sarell ’21 (OL, Los Angeles Chargers), Walker Little ’21 (OL, Jacksonville Jaguars), Andrus Peat ’16 (OL, Pittsburgh Steelers) and Drew Dalmen ’20 (OL, Chicago Bears) all contributed to offensive line play in winning efforts for their respective teams.
By the numbers
Stanford alumni accounted for over 480 total yards of offense, 46 total tackles and four touchdowns in Week 9. With marquee performances from McCaffrey, Reid and Okereke, plus solid contributions from Schultz and Ertz, the Cardinal continued to prove their consistency and depth across the league.
Come back next week to see how your former Cardinal are doing in the NFL.
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