Kickoff Weekend Update
A total of 25 former Badgers open the 2015 season with an NFL team, including 22 who currently are listed on active rosters.
Among Big Ten teams, only Ohio State (26) and Penn State (25) open the season with more active-roster NFL players than the Badgers.
Only Alabama (8), Iowa (7), Miami (7) and Tennessee (7) boast more NFL offensive linemen than Wisconsin’s six.
The 2014 NFL season came to a close with two more Wisconsin products, LB Jonathan Casillas and RB James White, earning rings as New England defeated Seattle and its pair of Badgers products, LB O’Brien Schofield and QB Russell Wilson, in Super Bowl XILX.
Casillas (New York Giants) and Schofield (Atlanta) are among the three Badgers who will line up for new teams in 2015, joining TE Owen Daniels, who heads to Denver for his 10th NFL season.
Fresh off one of the best individual seasons in college football history, RB Melvin Gordon was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by San Diego, where he has already proven himself to be ahead of the curve through early offseason workouts. Senior RT Rob Havenstein was drafted in the second round by St. Louis and has the inside track on a starting job on the Rams’ offensive line as a rookie.
Senior DL Warren Herring wasn’t picked but signed with Atlanta as an undrafted free agent and was eventually released when the Falcons cut down to their 53-man roster.
Other players that did not make 53-man rosters: RB Montee Ball (Denver), OL Gabe Carimi (Atlanta), OL Ryan Groy (New England), OL Peter Konz (Atlanta) and WR Nick Toon (New Orleans). Groy, Konz and Toon each reached injury settlements with their respective teams.
WR Jared Abbrederis was released by Green Bay but signed on as a member of the Packers’ practice squad, with CB Marcus Cromartie (San Francisco) and DL Ethan Hemer (Pittsburgh) also earning practice squad spots.
Three Badgers announced their retirement from the league in the offseason, with 49ers LB Chris Borland stepping away a successful rookie season, Jaguars FB Bradie Ewing ending his time in pro football after three seasons and Browns S Jim Leonhard closing a fantastic 10-year career.
(Updated Sept. 9, 2015)
Green Bay Packers • WR • 6-1 • 195
• NFL Experience: 2nd season
• Acquired: 2014 NFL Draft (5th Round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | ||||
| GP/GS | CAR | YDS | Y/C | TD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Second season in 2015 ... selected by Green Bay with 176th overall pick in fifth round of 2014 NFL Draft ... spent rookie season on injured reserve after suffering torn ACL in training camp
 Latest Abbrederis Headlines
 •ESPN.com: Packers still see a future for Jared Abbrederis
 •ESPN.com: Jared Abbrederis sought advice from Chris Borland during concussion recovery
 •JSOnline: Back from torn ACL, Packers’ Abbrederis raring to go
Philadelphia Eagles • DT • 6-2 • 333
• NFL Experience: 2nd season
• Acquired: 2014 NFL Draft (7th Round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | |||||
| GP/GS | TKL | SCK | FF | INT | PD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Second season in 2015 ... selected by Philadelphia with 224th overall pick in seventh round of 2014 NFL Draft … played in all 16 games for the Eagles along the defensive line, finishing with 10 tackles and 0.5 sacks
 Latest Allen Headlines
 •CSNPhilly.com: Eagles’ Beau Allen Enjoying Rookie Season Along The D-Line
 •CSNPhilly.com: Kelly long wanted Eagles' rookie Allen
 •SB Nation: Kelly targets college graduates for Eagles
New York Giants • OLB • 6-1 • 227
• NFL Experience: 7th season
• Acquired: Trade (Oct. 28, 2014)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | |||||
| GP/GS | TKL | SCK | FF | INT | PD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Seventh season in 2015 ... won Super Bowl XLIX with New England … traded from Tampa Bay to New England on Oct. 28, 2014 … played five games with three starts for Tampa Bay and nine games with three starts for New England … made one tackle in Patriots’ playoff win over Baltimore … recorded season-high nine tackles vs. Buffalo in Week 17
 Latest Casillas Headlines
 • Giants101.com: Casillas determined to take over as starting linebacker for Giants
 • NFL.com: Buccaneers trade Jonathan Casillas to Patriots
 • Sports Media 101: Casillas: Defense establishing aggressive culture
San Francisco 49ers • CB • 6-0 • 195
• NFL Experience: 3rd season
• Acquired: Free Agent (May 13, 2013)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | |||||
| GP/GS | TKL | SCK | INT | PD | FF |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Third season in 2015 ... signed to San Francisco’s practice squad on Dec. 13 after being released by San Diego and was immediately elevated to active roster … had a tackle and pass breakup vs. Arizona in Week 17 … recorded first three tackles of his career vs. San Diego in Week 16 … made his NFL debut in Week 15 vs. Seattle … promoted to San Diego's active roster from the practice squad on Dec. 16, 2013 … spent first 14 weeks of 2013 season on Chargers' practice squad ... signed by the Chargers in May 2013
 Latest Cromartie Headlines
 • NBCBayArea.com: Cromartie getting his chance with 49ers
 • Chargers.com: Chargers promote Cromartie
 • RantSports.com: San Diego Chargers Finalize ...
Denver Broncos • TE • 6-3 • 249
• NFL Experience: 10th season
• Acquired: Free Agent (March 10, 2015)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | ||||
| GP/GS | REC | YDS | Y/C | TD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
10th season in 2015 ... signed with Denver as free agent on March 10 … played in 15 games with 13 starts for Baltimore in 2014, logging 48 catches for 527 yards and four TDs … signed by Baltimore on April 3, 2014 ... played first eight seasons for Houston after being selected in fourth round of 2006 NFL Draft
 Latest Daniels HeadlinesÂ
 • ESPN.com: Owen Daniels and Gary Kubiak together again
 • ESPN.com: Owen Daniels helped his Broncos’ teammates on the learning curve
 • Fort Morgan Times: Forecast for Daniels: Bright future as Bronco
Dallas Cowboys • C • 6-3 • 311
• NFL Experience: 3rd season
• Acquired: 2013 NFL Draft (1st Round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics |
| GP/GS |
| --/-- |
Third season in 2015 … started all 16 games at center in 2014 … selected for 2015 Pro Bowl … second-team All-Pro choice … named to SI.com’s midseason All-Pro Team … has made all 32 regular-season starts at center in two years with Dallas
 Latest Frederick Headlines
 • ESPN.com: Frederick last of Cowboys’ OL still standing
 • Star-Telegram: Frederick not buying the hype about his line
San Diego Chargers • RB • 6-1 • 215
• NFL Experience: Rookie
• Acquired: 2015 NFL Draft (1st Round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | ||||
| GP/GS | CAR | YDS | Y/C | TD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Rookie in 2015 ... selected by San Deigo Chargers in first round of 2015 NFL Draft
 Latest Gordon Headlines
 •San Diego Union-Tribune: Gordon, Abdullah meet again
 •San Diego Union-Tribune: Melvin Gordon and The Hill he climbed
 •Sporting News: A day with Melvin Gordon at Pro Football HOF
Houston Texans • TE • 6-3 • 240
• NFL Experience: 6th season
• Acquired: 2010 NFL Draft (4th round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | ||||
| GP/GS | REC | YDS | Y/C | TD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Sixth season in 2015 … missed last four games of 2014 season with an ankle injury … finished with 18 catches for 197 yards and a touchdown
 Latest Graham Headlines
 • FoxSports.com: Texans’ Graham working to get more involved in offense
 • FanSided: How will Graham fit in '14 Texas offense?
 • NFL.com: Graham's TD catch vs. Oakland (11/17) 
New England Patriots • G • 6-5 • 320
• NFL Experience: 2nd season
• Acquired: Trade (Aug. 10, 2015)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics |
| GP/GS |
| --/-- |
Second season in 2015 … made his NFL debut in Week 14 vs. Dallas … started last three games of the season at left guard … signed by Chicago as an undrafted free agent … spent the first 10 weeks of the season on the Bears’ practice squad … was elevated to the active roster on Nov. 10
 Latest Groy Headlines
 • Patriots.com: Patriots acquire Groy in trade with Chicago
 • 247Sports.com: Positional competition led to Patriots acquiring Groy
 • ChicagoBears.com: Ryan Groy inspired by dad’s memory
St. Louis Rams • T • 6-7 • 321
• NFL Experience: Rookie
• Acquired: 2015 NFL Draft (2nd Round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics |
| GP/GS |
| --/-- |
Rookie in 2015 ... selected by St. Louis Rams in second round of 2015 NFL Draft
 Latest Havenstein Headlines
 •FoxSportsMidwest.com: Rams putting rookie O-lineman Havenstein, Brown right to work
 •FoxSportsMidwest.com: Havenstein odds-on favorite to start
 •AP: Rams going with young offensive line
Dallas Cowboys • DT • 6-4 • 292
• NFL Experience: 8th season
• Acquired: Free agent (Feb. 11, 2013)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | |||||
| GP/GS | TKL | SCK | FF | INT | PD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Eighth season in 2015 ... started all 16 games in 2014, logging 38 total tackles … has started the last 32 regular-season games and two playoff games at defensive tackle for the Cowboys
 Latest Hayden Headlines
 •Dallas Morning News: Cowboys Hayden returns to do dirty work in defensive line
 •Blogging the Boys: Who are ‘Secret Superstars’ for Cowboys?
Pittsburgh Steelers • DT • 6-6 • 282
• NFL Experience: 2nd season
• Acquired: Free agent (Oct. 15, 2014)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | |||||
| GP/GS | TKL | SCK | FF | INT | PD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Second season in 2015 … did not play as rookie in 2014 … signed to Steelers practice squad on Oct. 15, 2014, after being cut by team prior to start of season
 Latest Hemer Headlines
 • WSAW.com: Hemer signed to Steelers practice squad
 • Steelers Depot: Hemer, Kruger not to be forgotten at DE
St. Louis Rams • TE • 6-3 • 247
• NFL Experience: 5th season
• Acquired: 2011 NFL Draft (2nd Round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | ||||
| GP/GS | REC | YDS | Y/C | TD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Fifth season in 2015 … played in all 16 games with 14 starts in 2014 … led Rams with five touchdown receptions … finished with 27 catches for 259 yards
 Latest Kendricks Headlines
 • SB Nation: Kendricks looks to justify investment
 • FoxSportsMidwest.com: Kendricks gladly takes hometown discount to stay with Rams
 • NBC Sports: Rams hold onto Lance Kendricks
Detroit Lions • OLB • 6-1 • 238
• NFL Experience: 7th season
• Acquired: 2009 NFL Draft (3rd round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | |||||
| GP/GS | TKL | SCK | INT | PD | FF |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Seventh season in 2015 … finished second in the NFL with 151 total tackles … ranked eighth in the NFL with 16 tackles for loss … second-team All-Pro selection … named to SI.com’s midseason All-Pro Team … started all 16 games for the Lions, registering double-digit tackles in 11 games … helped Lions to Monday Night Football win over Giants in Week 1, making 10 tackles and snagging an interception en route to being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week
 Latest Levy Headlines
 • SI.com: Give Levy his due respect. And that beard, too.
 • ESPN.com: Levy selling sneaker collection to benefit charity
 • Mlive.com: Levy thinks about long-term impact of football, admires Borland’s decision to retire
Philadelphia Eagles • DB • 5-10 • 200
• NFL Experience: 6th season
• Acquired: Free Agent (Mar 12, 2014)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | |||||
| GP/GS | TKL | SCK | INT | PD | FF |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Sixth season in 2015 … played in all 16 games on special teams in 2014, making a career-high 13 tackles … signed with Philadelphia on March 12, 2014 after three seasons with Seattle
 Latest Maragos Headlines
 • Eagles.com: Against all odds: Maragos’ storybook career
 • CBS Philly: Maragos has made a name for himself in NFL
 • Fox6 News: Has Racine's Chris Maragos changed?
Carolina Panthers • P • 6-2 • 209
• NFL Experience: 4th season
• Acquired: 2012 NFL Draft (6th Round)
• NFL Bio  | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | ||||
| GP/GS | P | AVG | LNG | IN20 |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Fourth season in 2015 … played in all 16 games in 2014 … averaged 44.9 yards per punt, placing 26 kicks inside the 20 yard line
 Latest Nortman Headlines
 •Charlotte Observer: Getting to know Panthers’ Brad Nortman
 •Panthers.com: Gano, Nortman feeding off each other's success
Atlanta Falcons • LB • 6-3 • 242
• NFL Experience: 6th season
• Acquired: Free Agent (March 12, 2015)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | |||||
| GP/GS | TKL | SCK | FF | INT | PD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Sixth season in 2015 ... signed with Atlanta as free agent on March 12 … played in all 16 games in 2014, finishing with 20 total tackles and 2.0 sacks … won Super Bowl XLVIII with Seahawks
 Latest Schofield Headlines
 • NBC Sports: Falcons add Schofield to revamped front
Arizona Cardinals • OLB • 6-5 • 285
• NFL Experience: 7th season
• Acquired: March 15, 2013
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | |||||
| GP/GS | TKL | SCK | FF | INT | PD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Seventh season in 2015 … played in eight games with seven starts in 2014, totaling 17 tackles … missed eight games with a knee injury … started four of final five games of regular season after returning from injury, making 11 tackles over that stretch
 Latest Shaughnessy Headlines
 • AZCardinals.com: Efficient Start to OTAs for Cardinals
 • ESPN.com: Matt Shaughnessy's return secures edge against run for Cardinals
 • NFL.com: Shaughnessy scoops and scores (11/10)Â
 • AZCentral.com: Outside the huddle with Shaughnessy
Atlanta Falcons • CB • 6-0 • 211
• NFL Experience: 2nd season
• Acquired: 2014 NFL Draft (3rd Round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | |||||
| GP/GS | TKL | SCK | INT | PD | FF |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Second season in 2015 … played in all 16 games in 2014, totaling 20 tackles, 1.0 sack, one interception and two passes defended … selected by Atlanta with the 68th overall pick in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft
 Latest Southward Headlines
 •ESPN.com: Falcons CB Southward undergoes knee surgery
Cleveland Browns • T • 6-6 • 312
• NFL Experience: 9th season
• Acquired: 2007 NFL Draft (1st round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics |
| GP/GS |
| --/-- |
Ninth season in 2015… eight-time Pro Bowl selection … first offensive lineman in NFL history to be named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight seasons … first-team All-Pro selection in 2014, the fifth time in his career … named to SI.com’s midseason All-Pro Team … started all 16 games at tackle for the Browns … has started all 128 games in his eight seasons
 Latest Thomas Headlines
 •ESPN.com: Joe Thomas lives to be a Brown
 •Cleveland.com: Thomas and brotherhood of Browns left tackles
 • SB Nation: The extraordinary progress of LT Joe Thomas
 • ESPN NFL: Joe Thomas talks Browns' run game, Hoyer
 • ESPN NFL: When Thomas talks, folks should listenÂ
 • JSOnline: Local boy Thomas has grown into NFL star
Green Bay Packers • QB • 6-3 • 205
• NFL Experience: 5th season
• Acquired: Free Agent (Sept. 1, 2013)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | |||||
| GP/GS | C-A | YDS | TD | INT | RTG |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Fifth season in 2015 … slated to serve as Packers’ backup quarterback … did not play in 2014 … played in three games with two starts at QB in first season with Packers in 2013
 Latest Tolzien Headlines
 • ESPN.com Packers have seen enough to know Tolzien is a capable backup QB
 • Wisconsin State Journal: Chryst has a knack for developing quarterbacks
 • ESPN: QB Scott Tolzien shines in Packers' OTA
Buffalo Bills • G • 6-5 • 324
• NFL Experience: 7th season
• Acquired: Waivers (Sept. 5, 2010)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics |
| GP/GS |
| --/-- |
Seventh season in 2015 … saw action in all 16 of Buffalo’s games in 2014, starting the last nine at left guard
 Latest Urbik Headlines
 • NBCSports.com: Urbik agrees to pay cut with Bills
 • BuffaloBills.com: Urbik impressed with QB Manuel
 • ESPN.com: Bills, Urbik reach deal
Baltimore Ravens • OT • 6-6 • 310
• NFL Experience: 3rd season
• Acquired: 2013 NFL Draft (5th Round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics |
| GP/GS |
| --/-- |
Third season in 2015 … started 15 game at right tackle in 2014 after making two starts as a rookie in 2013 … placed on injured reserve (foot) after Week 16 game vs. Houston
 Latest Wagner Headlines
 • BaltimoreRavens.com: Wagner Expected to Return for Training Camp
 • Baltimore Beatdown: Rick Wagner Quietly Becoming Dominant Tackle
Houston Texans • DE • 6-5 • 288
• NFL Experience: 5th season
• Acquired: 2011 NFL Draft (1st Round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | ||||||
| GP/GS | TKL | SCK | FF | PD | INT | TD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Fifth season in 2015 … named 2014 NFL Defensive Player of the Year … runner-up for 2014 NFL MVP … unanimous first-team All-Pro selection … Pro Bowl pick … started all 16 games, logging 78 tackles, 20.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, 10 passes defended and an interception … ranked second in NFL with his 20.5 sacks … first player in league history with multiple season of at least 20 sacks … scored four touchdowns (3 receiving, 1 interception return) … three-time Pro Bowl selection … two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014) … three-time first-team All-Pro selection (2012, 2013, 2014)
 Latest Watt Headlines
 • SI.com: Bone crushing hits and a beautiful mind
 • NFL.com: Watt vs. the best QBs: Who is more valuable?
 • FoxSports.com: Watt named top player by Pro Football Focus
New England Patriots • RB • 5-10 • 195
• NFL Experience: 2nd season
• Acquired: 2014 NFL Draft (4th Round)
• NFL Bio | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | ||||
| GP/GS | CAR | YDS | Y/C | TD |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Second season in 2015 … won Super Bowl XLIX with New England … played in three games as a rookie in 2014, logging nine carries for 38 yards
 Latest White Headlines
 • Sun Chronicle: White ready to play on any down
 • Musket Fire: White more than third down specialist
 • CBSSports.com: White brings selflessness, security
Seattle Seahawks • QB • 5-11 • 206
• NFL Experience: 4th season
• Acquired: 2012 NFL Draft (3rd Round)
• NFL Bio  | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics | |||||
| GP/GS | C-A | YDS | TD | INT | RTG |
| --/-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Fourth season in 2015 … has started all 48 games in three seasons with Seattle … owns the most regular-season wins by a quarterback in his first three seasons (36) in NFL history … two-time Pro Bowl selection … guided the Seahawks to their second-consecutive Super Bowl berth in 2014 … led all QBs with 849 rushing yards in 2014 … also led the NFL at 7.2 yards per carry … completed 63.1 percent of his passes for 3,475 yards and 20 touchdowns against seven interceptions … became first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 300-plus and rush for 100-plus yards in a game, passing for 313 yards and running for 106 vs. St. Louis on Oct. 19
 Latest Wilson Headlines
 • ESPN.com: By any measure, Wilson tops Newton
Cincinnati Bengals • OG • 6-4 • 315
• NFL Experience: 4th season
• Acquired: 2012 NFL Draft (1st Round)
• NFL Bio  | Photo Gallery | College Bio
| 2015 Statistics |
| GP/GS |
| --/-- |
Fourth season in 2015 … started 12 games, including each of the last eight of the regular season … also started in Bengals’ Wild Card loss to Indianapolis … missed four games with a calf injury
 Latest Zeitler Headlines
 • WPTZ.com: Zeitler's hard work continues on offensive line
 • CincyJungle.com: Zeitler: This year may be his biggest jump
