Stanford University has a storied legacy in the NFL, and that legacy continues as the 2024 NFL season approaches. A total of 27 former Cardinal players are currently signed with NFL teams, featuring several standout athletes.
Christian McCaffrey leads the list of notable alumni. After being traded from the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, he has become one of the league’s most valuable players. In 2023, McCaffrey excelled by leading the NFL in rushing yards with 1,459 and scoring 21 touchdowns, earning the league’s Offensive Player of the Year award.
During the season, McCaffrey matched a long-standing NFL record by scoring in 17 consecutive games, tying a mark set by Lenny Moore in 1963-64. He played a key role in the 49ers’ journey to Super Bowl LVIII, posting 160 total yards and one touchdown, placing him in the spotlight for Super Bowl MVP consideration.
Bobby Okereke, a former Stanford linebacker, made his mark with the New York Giants last season, ranking ninth in the NFL with 149 total tackles. He achieved personal bests with 4.5 forced fumbles and 2.5 sacks, while also tying his career-high with two interceptions. In 2024, Okereke has been named a team captain alongside Harrison Phillips of the Minnesota Vikings.
Paulson Adebo emerged as a defensive leader for the New Orleans Saints, tying for seventh in the league with four interceptions. The third-year cornerback also set a career-high with 76 tackles and defended 18 passes, significantly improving his statistics in this area.
On the defensive front, Justin Reid became the 19th former Cardinal to appear in multiple Super Bowls when he played for the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII against McCaffrey and the 49ers. With the Chiefs’ victory, he joined the ranks of Stanford alumni who have won back-to-back Super Bowls, a list that includes John Elway, Darrien Gordon, and Ed McCaffrey from the 1997-98 Denver Broncos.
Several former Stanford tight ends have switched teams during the offseason. Zach Ertz will be joining the Washington Commanders for his 12th NFL season, while fellow Tight End U graduate Austin Hooper has signed with the New England Patriots. Colby Parkinson has also changed teams, joining fellow alumnus Joshua Karty with the Los Angeles Rams.
Additionally, Thomas Booker (Philadelphia Eagles), Andrus Peat (Las Vegas Raiders), and Casey Toohill (Buffalo Bills) have all joined new teams this offseason.