Alumni from Washington State, Iowa State and Duke universities delivered standout performances across NFL Week 13 matchups, contributing tackles, touchdowns and crucial special teams plays in wins and losses alike. Highlights included touchdown receptions, quarterback pressures and game-winning field goal snaps amid a busy slate of games.
Week 13 of the NFL season featured notable contributions from former Cougars, Cyclones and Blue Devils. For Washington State alumni, Daiyan Henley recorded three tackles, one for loss and a quarterback hit in the Los Angeles Chargers' 31-14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Jaylen Watson tallied six tackles and an interception for the Kansas City Chiefs in their 31-28 Thanksgiving loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Kyle Williams caught a 33-yard touchdown pass in the New England Patriots' 33-15 win over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
Iowa State products also made impacts. Brock Purdy accounted for a passing touchdown to Jauan Jennings and a two-yard rushing score in the San Francisco 49ers' 26-8 road win at Cleveland, completing 16 of 29 passes for 168 yards. Breece Hall rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries to help the New York Jets defeat the Atlanta Falcons 27-24. Jayden Higgins caught five passes for 65 yards in the Houston Texans' 20-16 win at Indianapolis.
Duke former players included Thomas Hennessy, who executed snaps for a 56-yard game-winning field goal and a 32-yard tie at 17 in the Jets' 27-24 victory over Atlanta. Daniel Jones completed 14 of 27 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns for the Indianapolis Colts, who fell 16-20 to Houston. Chris Rumph II registered one tackle on the opening kickoff for the New Orleans Saints.
Injuries affected some, with Washington State's Daniel Ekuale and Brennan Jackson placed on injured reserve for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Raiders, respectively. Duke's DeWayne Carter remained on reserve/injured for the Buffalo Bills.
