Three rookies and another trio of veterans entering at least their eighth year of service highlight the 16 former K-State football players on NFL rosters. Bryce Brown played in only three games for K-State last season, but kept the Cats’ NFL draft streak alive. The running back taken in the 7th round made the Philadelphia Eagles. Safety Tysyn Hartman is on the 53-man roster of the Kansas City Chiefs, and linebacker Emmanuel Lamur was cut, but named to the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad. Former walk-on William Powell only briefly was a member of the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad last season. This summer, Powell led the NFL in rushing during the preseason, and survived final cuts with the Cardinals.
Former all-American Terence Newman is the longest tenured Wildcat in the NFL at ten years, but will be in his first season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Ryan Lilja will start at guard for the Chiefs for the third straight year, and is in his ninth season overall. Plus, Darren Sproles will be with the New Orleans Saints for the second straight season, and eighth year overall in the league.
Wildcats in the NFL – As of Sept. 3
Name
Brandon Banks Washington
Bryce Brown
Jeromey Clary San Diego OL 6
Zac Diles
Josh Freeman
Tysyn Hartman Kansas City S R
Rob Jackson
Emmanuel Lamur Cincinnati
Ryan Lilja
Jeron Mastrud
Jordy Nelson
Terence Newman Cincinnati
William Powell Arizona
Darren Sproles New Orleans RB 8
Daniel Thomas Miami
Reggie Walker Arizona
* Denotes practice squad