Buffs in the NFL

The NFL season is now in week 11, and former Colorado Buffaloes are making a difference as their teams begin to push towards the playoffs. There are currently 17 former buffs within NFL organizations, nine of which are on active rosters. The former Buffs range from veterans who have spent over a decade in the league such as Mason Crosby, to young players trying to make a name for themselves like Davion Taylor. However, no matter their age, they have all found ways to contribute.

Jimmy Smith (2007-10, Drafted 2011) Ravens CB

The eleven-year Ravens veteran has faced multiple obstacles during the 2021 season. During training camp Smith suffered a low ankle sprain that would sideline him until the second game of the season and limit him in the third. Physical injuries haven’t been the only obstacle for Smith. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has kept him from playing to his fullest as well. In February, Smith and his significant other were robbed by two men at gunpoint in Los Angeles. Smith has been suffering from PTSD since the incident.

On the field Smith has found himself in more situational roles rather than playing every snap like he had in his younger years. The Ravens have put Smith against fast tight ends, and in situations where his defensive skills could shine such as third downs. The 32-year-old has filled a leadership position as his knowledge acquired from his time in the NFL disseminates to the younger players in the locker room. He will be a leader on defense as the Ravens begin for their playoff push.

Chidobe Awuzie (2013-16, Drafted 2017) Bengals CB

It has been quite the rebound season for Awuzie. After becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2020, he signed with the Bengals prior to the 2021 season. Since then, he has been among the Bengals best on defense. He has the fifth most solo tackles on the team with 29 and is tied for second in interceptions. His 33 total tackles this season nearly tie his 38 from the 2020 season. Awuzie is signed through 2023 and will continue to play a key role in a Bengals team that has surprised many with their success this season.

Josh Tupou (2012-16) Bengals DT

Tupou opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 and has returned to the active roster to fill his role as a massive presence on the interior defensive line. He has appeared in 39% of defensive snaps and has contributed six tackles and one quarterback hurry. The 6’3”, 345-pound defensive tackle is a part of one of the best rushing defenses in the league. The Bengals have held their opponents to 4.2 yards per carry. Tupou’s size presence on the line has contributed to their defense’s success and will continue to as the season moves into its second half.

Mason Crosby (2003-06, Drafted 2007) Packers K

Even at age 37, Mason Crosby is still getting it done for the Packers. Crosby has been clutch in a few games in the 2021 season, the most notable so far being his game winning overtime kick in week five against the Bengals, as well as a game winning kick in week three against the 49ers. Despite his clutch moments, his known reliable leg has not been its usual self this year. Crosby has led the Packers to thirtieth in the league in field goal percentage at 66.7%. The low percentage has been a pattern for many teams this season, as nearly half the NFL is kicking at or below 80%. Crosby is a 15-year veteran in the NFL, and although his field goal percentage is low, he has been perfect in all but four games he’s kicked in. The Packers will continue to rely on Crosby for clutch kicking as they hope to make a deep playoff run.

Phillip Lindsay (2014-17) Texans RB

Colorado natives were heartbroken to see Lindsay leave the Denver Broncos. After being cut by the team in 2020, he signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans for the 2021 season. On the Texans, Lindsay has shared playing time between two other running backs, Mark Ingram and David Johnson. This has led to a sharp decline in productivity, as he has only accumulated 133 rushing yards in the 2021 season.

However, a lot more playing time is likely to come Lindsay’s way. On Oct.27, Mark Ingram was traded by the Texans to the Saints. This thins out the depth chart and will provide Lindsay with more opportunities to prove himself to be  the Texans RB1.

Laviska Shenault Jr (2017-19, Drafted 2020) Jaguars WR

Shenault Jr’s play has been a bright spot on a dark Jaguars season. He is one of the Jaguars best receivers in his second year with the team. He currently ranks second on the team in receiving yards as well as receptions. He has been one of the most productive receivers as he leads the team in yards after catch with 194. This is nearly 30 yards more than any other receiver on the team according to NFL.com. His physicality as a receiver was on full display in week four against the Titans, where he shook off four defenders for a 58-yard reception. His physical style caused him to miss games in 2020 after receiving shoulder and hamstring injuries. Through week ten, has managed to stay healthy in 2021.

With the Jaguars underperforming, as well as Head Coach Urban Meyer’s own controversies, Shenault Jr’s development is one of the few points of optimism for Jacksonville.

Nate Solder (2007-10, Drafted 2011) Giants OT

Solder was among the worst offensive tackles in 2019, and after opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, many were wondering what kind of play the Giants were going to get out of Solder. The 2021 season hasn’t been great for Solder, who outside of experience and leadership, has not provided much for the already struggling Giants offensive line. While he will occasionally pull off a crafty veteran move, he is often seen failing to hold the younger, more physical pass rushers of today. Solder at 33 years old is in his 11th season in the NFL and plays one of the toughest positions on the field. Questions of potential retirement loomed prior to the season, and surely will be discussed after. Nevertheless, Solder has started every game for the Giants this season. In 565 snaps taken he has only given up three sacks. He will hope to continue this trend as the season progresses.

Davion Taylor (2018-19, Drafted 2020) Eagles LB

Taylor’s role on the Eagles defense was limited to start the season. Due to a breakout season from teammate Alex Singleton, Taylor appeared in less than half of the defensive snaps until week six. However, in recent weeks he has seen a sharp increase in playing time. In week nine, he appeared in 71% of defensive snaps according to Pro Football Reference. The increase in playing time is due to Head Coach Nick Sirianni shaking up the Eagles defense in hopes of more production.

Taylor is still a developing talent. It is still only his second year in the league after being drafted in the 3rd round in 2020. He has 17 solo tackles this year, which will increase as his role on defense expands.

Ahkello Witherspoon (2014-16, Drafted 2017) Steelers CB

Witherspoon has seen very little of the field so far in 2021. He has only played four snaps this season, one of which he let up a 61-yard completion in week two. Since then, he has been labeled as out every week due to a mix of injuries as well as time spent getting to know the team’s defense. Witherspoon was once the San Francisco 49ers’s top cornerback, at one point even being rated as the sixth best in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. With his history of success, hopefully soon he can find the field again.

David Bakhtiari (2009-12, Drafted 2013) Packers OT

Bakhtiari is hopeful to make his season debut against the Vikings in week eleven after not playing due to a torn ACL he suffered back in December. The eight year vet came off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list on Nov. 11, but has been practicing with the team since Oct. 21. Bakhtiari has been among the Packers best offensive lineman since joining the team in 2013, and will be happily welcomed back upon his return to gameday.

Ken Crawley (2012-15) Saints CB

Crawley has seen limited play with the Saints in 2021 after re-signing with them prior to the start of the season. He began the season with an undisclosed injury that kept him off the field in week one. This turned out to be a hamstring issue that sidelined him until October. One week after coming off the Injury Reserve (IR), Crawley tested positive for COVID-19, which left him on the reserve/COVID-19 list until Nov. 10. Crawley has only appeared in two games on the season, logging one tackle and one interception. 

Reserve Players: Isaiah Oliver(Falcons CB)

Practice Squad: Steven Montez (Lions QB), Kabion Ento (Packers CB/WR), Juwann Winfree (Packers WR), William Sherman (Patriots OG), Daniel Munyer (Titans OC/OG)

A few other former Buffs have been fighting for spots on the active roster such as Montez, who has found himself competing on the Lions practice squad. Winfree appeared in week six and eight for the Packers. He came off the practice squad in week eight after a COVID-19 outbreak sidelined multiple Packers, and had four receptions for 30 yards. William Sherman appeared in week five for the Patriots as well.

The second half of the season is here. At this point, the playoff picture is beginning to form, and the games left on the schedule increase in importance. The former Buffaloes put out varying performances in the first half, but the opportunity to be great lies ahead of them in the second. It is time to see who will step up and show out as the season heads towards its close.