Stanford University boasts a strong legacy in the NFL, which continues as the 2024 season approaches. A total of 27 former Cardinal players are currently signed with various NFL teams, showcasing a number of standout athletes.
Leading the pack is Christian McCaffrey, who has solidified his status as one of the league’s premier players after being traded from the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. His exceptional performance in 2023 saw him lead the NFL in rushing yards with 1,459 and score 21 touchdowns, earning him the Offensive Player of the Year award.
During the season, McCaffrey matched a long-standing NFL record by scoring in 17 consecutive games, tying the record set by Lenny Moore between 1963 and 1964. He played a key role in the San Francisco 49ers’ journey to Super Bowl LVIII, where he was a candidate for Super Bowl MVP, accumulating 160 yards from scrimmage alongside one touchdown.
Bobby Okereke, another prominent former Cardinal player, had a standout season with the New York Giants, ranking ninth in the NFL with 149 total tackles. He also achieved personal bests in forced fumbles with 4.5, sacks with 2.5, and tied his career high with two interceptions. In 2024, he and Harrison Phillips of the Minnesota Vikings will serve as team captains.
Cornerback Paulson Adebo played a critical role in the New Orleans Saints’ defense last season, tying for seventh in the league with four interceptions. In his third year, he set a career mark with 76 tackles and defended 18 passes, significantly improving his previous statistics.
On the defensive front, Justin Reid marked a significant achievement by becoming the 19th former Cardinal to play in multiple Super Bowls, contributing to the Kansas City Chiefs’ success in Super Bowl LVIII against McCaffrey and the 49ers. With this victory, he joined the ranks of Stanford alumni who have won back-to-back Super Bowls, alongside John Elway, Darrien Gordon, and Ed McCaffrey, all of whom accomplished this with the 1997-98 Denver Broncos.
In the offseason, several former Stanford tight ends have switched teams. Zach Ertz is set to join the Washington Commanders for his 12th NFL season, while Austin Hooper has signed with the New England Patriots. Colby Parkinson is also on the move, joining Joshua Karty with the Los Angeles Rams.
Additionally, Thomas Booker (Philadelphia Eagles), Andrus Peat (Las Vegas Raiders), and Casey Toohill (Buffalo Bills) have also changed teams during the offseason.