Crimson Tide in the NFL Spotlight: Week 1
9/11/2024 10:15:00 AM | Football
Former Alabama players make an impact in Week 1 of the NFL season
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The National Football League concluded Week 1 of the regular season Monday evening. Below is a look at how former Alabama players performed on the gridiron last week.
The Crimson Tide was well-represented in the NFL once again to start the 2024-25 season with 74 total players on rosters (including reserve/practice squads) to lead all college programs. The Tide had 62 former players on an active 53-man roster in Week 1, also the most of any program in college football.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa shined in Miami's season opener with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Dolphins' signal-caller completed 23-of-37 passes for 338 yards and a touchdown in a thrilling 20-17 win. Teammate Jaylen Waddle continued his solid play at wideout, hauling in five passes for 109 yards to go with one rush for a gain of three on Sunday afternoon in Miami.
A pair of Detroit Lions led their squad to an overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football. Jameson Williams had a career-high 121 yards receiving and a touchdown on five receptions. Williams also carried the ball one time for 13 yards against the Rams. Jahmyr Gibbs picked up right where he left off after a solid rookie campaign, as the Lions' tailback carried the ball 11 times for 40 yards and a score. He added four receptions out of the backfield, totaling 34 yards.
Wrapping up the offensive group was Brain Robinson of the Washington Commanders. The third-year back carried the ball 12 times for 40 yards and a touchdown. He also contributed 49 yards on three receptions in a road matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Rookie Dallas Turner showed out in his NFL debut as the Minnesota Vikings knocked off the New York Giants, 28-6. In the win, Turner totaled three tackles, including one tackle for loss and a sack, as well as a quarterback hit in the road victory. Cleveland's Dalvin Tomlinson began his eighth year in the league on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, contributing three tackles, highlighted by a sack and one tackle for loss.
Opposite Tomlinson was Cowboys' defensive back Trevon Diggs. Returning from injury a season ago, Diggs made an immediate impact with five tackles, two pass breakups and an interception in Dallas' 33-17 win. Mikah Fitzpatrick helped the Pittsburgh Steelers to an 18-10 victory in Atlanta over the Falcons. The veteran safety notched seven total tackles, including six solo stops. Fellow safety Xavier McKinney showed out in his debut with the Packers. McKinney totaled four tackles, an interception and one pass breakup in Green Bay's international pairing with the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night.
