Former BYU Football Stars Shine During Week 17 Of NFL Season

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Multiple BYU players had standout performances during Week 17 of the 2021 NFL season.

Here is how all of the players with ties to the state of Utah fared during the 17th week of the season.

Former Utah Utes

Kylie Fitts – Defensive Tackle – Arizona Cardinals (11-5)

The former Utah defensive lineman was placed on Injured Reserve prior to Week 7 and will miss the rest of the 2021 season. Arizona beat the Dallas Cowboys, 25-22.

Next Game: vs. Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, January 9 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on FOX

Leki Fotu – Defensive Tackle – Arizona Cardinals (11-5)

The former Utah defensive lineman had one tackle in Arizona’s 25-22 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Next Game: vs. Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, January 9 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on FOX

Tyler Huntley – Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

The former Utah quarterback was 20/32 passing for 197 yards and an interception in Baltimore’s 20-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Huntley added six carries for 54 yards.

Next Game: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Star Lotulelei – Defensive Tackle – Buffalo Bills (10-6)

The former Utah defensive lineman and the Bills beat the Atlanta Falcons, 29-15.

Next Game: vs. New York Jets on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Zack Moss – Running Back – Buffalo Bills (10-6)

The former Utah running back had five carries for 39 yards in Buffalo’s 29-15 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Next Game: vs. New York Jets on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Jaylon Johnson – Cornerback – Chicago Bears (6-10)

The former Utes defensive back had four tackles in Chicago’s 29-3 win over the New York Giants.

Next Game: @ Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Francis Bernard – Linebacker – Dallas Cowboys (11-5)

The former Utah linebacker and the Cowboys suffered a 25-22 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, January 8 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN/ABC

Garett Bolles – Offensive Tackle – Denver Broncos (7-9)

The former Utah offensive lineman and the Broncos suffered a 34-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Next Game: vs. Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, January 8 at 2:30 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN/ABC

Tim Patrick – Wide Receiver – Denver Broncos (7-9)

The former Utah receiver is currently on Denver’s COVID-19/Reserve list and did not play in the Broncos’ 34-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Next Game: vs. Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, January 8 at 2:30 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN/ABC

John Penisini – Defensive Tackle – Detroit Lions (2-13-1)

The former Utah defensive lineman had three total tackles and two total tackles in Detroit’s 51-29 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Next Game: vs. Green Bay Packers on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Julian Blackmon – Safety – Indianapolis Colts (9-7)

The former Utah safety suffered a season-ending injury during the practice before Week 7 and will miss the entire year for the Colts. Indianapolis suffered a 23-20 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Next Game: @ Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Sam Tevi – Offensive Tackle – Indianapolis Colts (9-7)

The former Utah offensive lineman suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason and will miss the entire year for the Colts. Indianapolis suffered a 23-20 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Next Game: @ Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Jackson Barton – Offensive Tackle – Las Vegas Raiders (9-7)

The former Utah offensive lineman was inactive for Las Vegas’ 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Next Game: vs. Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, January 9 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL TV

Terrell Burgess – Safety – Los Angeles Rams (12-4)

The former Utah defensive back and the Rams beat the Baltimore Ravens, 20-19.

Next Game: vs. San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, January 9 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on FOX

Matt Gay – Kicker – Los Angeles Rams (12-4)

The former Utah kicker was 0/1 on field goals and 2/2 on PATs in Los Angeles’ 20-19 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Next Game: vs. San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, January 9 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on FOX

Eric Rowe – Safety – Miami Dolphins (8-8)

The former Utah defensive back had two total tackles and one solo tackle in Miami’s 34-3 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Next Game: vs. New England Patriots on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Chase Hansen – Safety – New Orleans Saints (8-8)

The former Utah defensive back and the Saints beat the Carolina Panthers, 18-10.

Next Game: @ Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Marcus Williams – Safety – New Orleans Saints (8-8)

The former Utah defensive back was inactive for New Orleans’ 18-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Next Game: @ Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Devontae Booker – Running Back – New York Giants (4-12)

The former Utes running back had 18 carries for 46 yards and two catches for zero yards in New York’s 29-3 loss to the Chicago Bears.

Next Game: vs. Washington Football Team on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Javelin Guidry – Safety – New York Jets (4-12)

The former Utah defensive back and the Jets suffered a 28-24 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Next Game: @ Buffalo Bills on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Mitch Wishnowsky – Punter – San Francisco 49ers (9-7)

The former Utah punter punted the ball four times with an average of 39.8 yards per kick in San Francisco’s 23-7 win over the Houston Texans.

Next Game: @ Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, January 9 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on FOX

Cody Barton – Linebacker – Seattle Seahawks (6-10)

The former Utah linebacker had seven total tackles, five solo tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup, and one quarterback hit in Seattle’s 51-29 win over the Detroit Lions.

Next Game: @ Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, January 9 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on FOX

Marquise Blair – Safety – Seattle Seahawks (6-10)

The former Utah defensive back is currently on Seattle’s Reserve/Injured list. The Seahawks beat the Detroit Lions, 51-29.

Next Game: @ Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, January 9 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on FOX

Jared Norris – Linebacker – Washington Football Team (6-10)

The former Utah linebacker is currently on Washington’s Reserve/Injured list. The Washington Football Team suffered a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Next Game: @ New York Giants on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Nate Orchard – Defensive End – Washington Football Team (6-10)

The former Utah linebacker and the Washington Football Team suffered a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Next Game: @ New York Giants on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Practice Squad Players

• Bradlee Anae – Dallas Cowboys
• Darrin Paulo – Detroit Lions

Former BYU Cougars

Andy Reid – Head Coach – Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)

The former BYU player and graduate assistant and the Chiefs suffered a 34-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Next Game: @ Denver Broncos on Saturday, January 8 at 2:30 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN/ABC

Ty’Son Williams – Running Back – Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

The former BYU running back and the Ravens suffered a 20-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Next Game: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Brady Christensen – Offensive Tackle – Carolina Panthers (5-11)

The former BYU offensive lineman and the Panthers suffered an 18-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Next Game: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Khyiris Tonga – Defensive Tackle – Chicago Bears (6-10)

The former BYU defensive lineman had two total tackles, one solo tackle, and a fumble recovery in Chicago’s 29-3 win over the New York Giants.

Next Game: @ Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Former @BYUfootball standout @khyiristonga made some BIG plays on offense and defense in the @ChicagoBears’ win over the @Giants. 💪🐻🏈#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #NYGvsCHI #DaBears #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/07fkepHz4f

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 2, 2022

Sione Takitaki – Linebacker – Cleveland Browns (7-9)

The former BYU linebacker had three total tackles, two solo tackles, and a pass breakup in Cleveland’s 26-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, January 3.

Next Game: vs. Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Jamaal Williams – Running Back – Detroit Lions (2-13-1)

The former BYU running back had 11 carries for 22 yards and three carries for 22 yards in Detroit’s 51-29 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Next Game: vs. Green Bay Packers on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Former @BYUfootball RB @jswaggdaddy found pay dirt during Week 17. 😤🦁🔵#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #DETvsSEA #OnePride #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/eAKPBinsc1

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 3, 2022

Daniel Sorensen – Safety – Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)

The former BYU defensive back had three tackles in Kansas City’s 34-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Next Game: @ Denver Broncos on Saturday, January 8 at 2:30 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN/ABC

Zayne Anderson – Safety – Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)

The former BYU defensive back and the Chiefs suffered a 34-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Next Game: @ Denver Broncos on Saturday, January 8 at 2:30 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN/ABC

Michael Davis – Cornerback – Los Angeles Chargers (9-7)

The former BYU defensive back had six total tackles and four solo tackles in Los Angeles’ 34-13 win over the Denver Broncos.

Next Game: @ Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, January 9 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL TV

Kyle Van Noy – Linebacker – New England Patriots (10-6)

The former BYU linebacker had four total tackles and three solo tackles in New England’s 50-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Next Game: @ Miami Dolphins on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Harvey Langi – Linebacker – New England Patriots (10-6)

The former BYU linebacker is currently on the Patriots’ Injured/Reserve List. New England beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 50-10.

Next Game: @ Miami Dolphins on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Taysom Hill – Quarterback – New Orleans Saints (8-8)

The former BYU quarterback was 17/28 passing for 222 yards and a touchdown in New Orleans’ 18-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. Hill added 12 carries for 45 yards.

Next Game: @ Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Former @BYUfootball QB Taysom Hill (@T_Hill4) helped the @Saints keep their postseason hopes alive with a Week 17 win. 🤙#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #CARvsNO #Saints #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/6pIVSumzf5

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 3, 2022

Kai Nacua – Safety – New York Jets (4-12)

The former BYU defensive back and the Jets suffered a 28-24 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Next Game: @ Buffalo Bills on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Zach Wilson – Quarterback – New York Jets (4-12)

The former BYU quarterback was 19/33 passing for 234 yards and one touchdown in New York’s 28-24 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wilson also had two carries for zero yards.

Next Game: @ Buffalo Bills on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

.@ZachWilson threw his 8️⃣th touchdown pass of the season. 🤙✈️#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #TBvsNYJ #TakeFlight #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/yL1E9o6MQW

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 2, 2022

Fred Warner – Linebacker – San Francisco 49ers (9-7)

The former BYU linebacker had 15 total tackles, seven solo tackles, and a tackle for loss in San Francisco’s 23-7 win over the Houston Texans.

Next Game: @ Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, January 9 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on FOX

Dax Milne – Wide Receiver – Washington Football Team (6-10)

The former BYU wide receiver had one carry for one yard in Washington’s 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Next Game: @ New York Giants on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Practice Squad Players

• Tristen Hoge – Cleveland Browns
• Bronson Kaufusi – Green Bay Packers
• Chris Wilcox – Indianapolis Colts
• Troy Warner – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Former Utah State Aggies

Patrick Scales – Long Snapper – Chicago Bears (6-10)

The former Aggie long snapper had one tackle in Chicago’s 29-3 win over the New York Giants.

Next Game: @ Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Jalen Davis – Cornerback – Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)

The former Utah State defensive back and the Bengals beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 34-31.

Next Game: @ Cleveland Browns on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Jordan Love – Quarterback – Green Bay Packers (13-3)

The former Utah State quarterback was 2/4 passing for 19 yards in Green Bay’s 37-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Love added two carries for nine yards on the ground.

Next Game: @ Detroit Lions on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Tipa Galeai – Linebacker – Green Bay Packers (13-3)

The former Utah State linebacker had one tackle in Green Bay’s 37-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Next Game: @ Detroit Lions on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Dallin Leavitt – Cornerback – Las Vegas Raiders (9-7)

The former Utah State defensive back had two total tackles and one solo tackle in Las Vegas’ 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Next Game: vs. Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, January 9 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL TV

Nevin Lawson – Cornerback – Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14)

The former Utah State defensive back was inactive for Jacksonville’s 50-10 loss to the New England Patriots.

Next Game: vs. Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Kyler Fackrell – Linebacker – Los Angeles Chargers (9-7)

The former USU linebacker is currently on Los Angeles’ Reserve/Injured list and did not play in the Chargers’ 34-13 win over the Denver Broncos.

Next Game: @ Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, January 9 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL TV

Nick Vigil – Linebacker – Minnesota Vikings (7-9)

The former Utah State linebacker is currently on Minnesota’s COVID-19/Reserve list and did not play in the Vikings’ 37-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Next Game: vs. Chicago Bears on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Bobby Wagner – Linebacker – Seattle Seahawks (6-10)

The former Utah State linebacker suffered a knee injury during Seattle’s 51-29 win over the Detroit Lions.

Next Game: @ Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, January 9 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on FOX

Tyler Larsen – Center – Washington Football Team (6-10)

The former USU offensive lineman suffered a season-ending injury during Week 14 and was placed on the Washington Football Team’s Injured/Reserve list. The Washington Football Team suffered a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Next Game: @ New York Giants on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Practice Squad Players

• JoJo Natson – Cleveland Browns
• Dominik Eberle – Houston Texans
• Darwin Thompson – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Former Weber State Wildcats

Taron Johnson – Cornerback – Buffalo Bills (10-6)

The former Weber State defensive back had four total tackles, three solo tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit in Buffalo’s 29-15 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Next Game: vs. New York Jets on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Sua Opeta – Offensive Guard – Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)

The former Weber State offensive lineman and the Eagles beat the Washington Football Team, 20-16.

Next Game: vs. Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, January 8 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN/ABC

Practice Squad Players

• Jonah Williams – Los Angeles Rams

Former Southern Utah Thunderbirds

Miles Killebrew – Safety – Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7-1)

The former Thunderbirds safety and the Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns, 26-14, on Monday, January 3.

Next Game: @ Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Former High School Players

Xavier Su’a-Filo (Timpview/UCLA) – Offensive Guard – Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)

The former Timpview star is currently on Cincinnati’s Reserve/Injured list and did not play in the Bengals’ 34-31 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Next Game: @ Cleveland Browns on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Porter Gustin (Salem Hills/USC) – Linebacker – Cleveland Browns (7-9)

The former Salem Hills star had two tackles in Cleveland’s 26-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, January 3.

Next Game: vs. Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Dalton Schultz (Bingham/Stanford) – Tight End – Dallas Cowboys (11-5)

The former Bingham star had six catches for 54 yards in Dallas’ 25-22 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, January 8 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN/ABC

Simi Fehoko (Brighton/Stanford) – Wide Receiver – Dallas Cowboys (11-5)

The former Brighton star was inactive for Dallas’ 25-22 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, January 8 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN/ABC

Penei Sewell (Desert Hills/Oregon) – Offensive Tackle – Detroit Lions (2-13-1)

The former Desert Hills star and the Lions suffered a 51-29 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Next Game: vs. Green Bay Packers on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Jay Tufele (Bingham/USC) – Defensive Tackle – Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14)

The former Bingham star is currently on Jacksonville’s COVID-19/Reserve list and did not play in the Jaguars’ 50-10 loss to the New England Patriots.

Next Game: vs. Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS

Marcus Kemp (Layton/Hawaii) – Wide Receiver – Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)

The former Layton star was targeted once in Kansas City’s 34-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Next Game: @ Denver Broncos on Saturday, January 8 at 2:30 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN/ABC

Alohi Gilman (Orem/Notre Dame) – Safety – Los Angeles Chargers (9-7)

The former Orem star had one tackle in Los Angeles’ 34-13 win over the Denver Broncos.

Next Game: @ Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, January 9 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL TV

Andre James (Herriman/UCLA) – Offensive Tackle – Las Vegas Raiders (9-7)

The former Herriman star and the Raiders beat the Indianapolis Colts, 23-20.

Next Game: vs. Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, January 9 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL TV

Kaden Elliss (Judge Memorial/Idaho) – Linebacker – New Orleans Saints (8-8)

The former Judge Memorial star and the Saints beat the Carolina Panthers, 18-10.

Next Game: @ Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, January 9 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX

Bryan Mone (Highland/Michigan) – Defensive Tackle – Seattle Seahawks (6-10)

The former Highland star had three total tackles, one solo tackle, and a pass breakup in Seattle’s 51-29 win over the Detroit Lions.

Next Game: @ Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, January 9 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on FOX

John Ursua (Westlake/Cedar City/Hawaii) – Wide Receiver – Seattle Seahawks (6-10)

The former Westlake and Cedar City star suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason and will miss the entire year for the Seahawks. The Seahawks beat the Detroit Lions, 51-29.

Next Game: @ Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, January 9 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on FOX

Practice Squad Players

• Porter Gustin (Salem Hills) – Cleveland Browns
• Noah Togiai (Hunter) – Philadelphia Eagles

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).

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