Stanford University continues to showcase its impressive legacy in the NFL as the 2024 season approaches, with 27 former Cardinal players currently on NFL rosters, including several standout athletes.
Leading the pack is Christian McCaffrey, who has established himself as one of the league’s top players since being traded from the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. His remarkable 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. McCaffrey set a remarkable record during the season, tying a 60-year-old mark with 17 consecutive games scoring a touchdown, previously held by Lenny Moore. He also made it to Super Bowl LVIII, where he was a strong candidate for MVP after accumulating 160 yards from scrimmage and scoring one touchdown.
Another former Cardinal making waves is Bobby Okereke, who plays as a top-tier linebacker for the New York Giants. Okereke finished the last season with 149 total tackles, ranking ninth in the NFL. He achieved personal bests in forced fumbles (4.5) and sacks (2.5), while also tying his career high with two interceptions. Okereke, alongside Harrison Phillips of the Minnesota Vikings, was named a team captain for the upcoming season, highlighting his leadership on the field.
Paulson Adebo stood out as a key player in the New Orleans Saints’ defense last year, tying for seventh in the NFL with four interceptions. The third-year cornerback set career highs with 76 tackles and 18 passes defended, significantly improving his performance in those categories.
In other defensive news, Justin Reid became the 19th former Cardinal to play in multiple Super Bowls, participating in Super Bowl LVIII with the Kansas City Chiefs against McCaffrey’s 49ers. Following the Chiefs’ victory, Reid joined the ranks of notable Stanford alums, including John Elway and Ed McCaffrey, as one of four players to win back-to-back Super Bowls.
Several former Stanford tight ends experienced team changes in the offseason. Zach Ertz will be making his way to the Washington Commanders for his 12th NFL season, while Austin Hooper heads to the New England Patriots. Colby Parkinson also transferred teams, 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 switched teams in the offseason, further contributing to the impressive representation of Stanford alumni in the NFL.