Longhorns in the NFL through week 9
Through nine weeks of the NFL season, we're officially over the halfway mark, and several Texas alumni have made their marks on the 2024-25 season. With 30 names to choose from, let's narrow in on a few skill-position youngsters.
Adonai Mitchell – Wide Receiver – Indianapolis Colts
In nine games played, Mitchell has logged 12 receptions for 140 yards thus far. Fourth in receiving yards on the Indianapolis Colts, Mitchell sits behind Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr. Mitchell, who caught just two balls in his first four games of professional football and has flipped the script in his last five, increasing his productivity to ten. As the Colts figure out their quarterback room, it's unknown how successful Mitchell's rookie season will play out in the second half of the year.
Ja'Tavion Sanders – Tight End – Carolina Panthers
Like Mitchell, Sanders had a slow start to his NFL career, catching five balls in the first month of the NFL season. But since, Sanders has exploded as a reliable receiving target for the Panthers organization. With 21 catches in his last six games, Sanders now lies fourth in receptions in Carolina with 24 and second in receiving yards with 245. With all his recent success, Sanders is yet to catch a touchdown pass this season thus far.
Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver – Kansas City Chiefs
Worthy has hauled in 19 catches for 235 yards on 39 targets so far this season. The 19 balls caught are third on the team, behind Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce. Worthy, with his five touchdowns (three receiving, two rushing), is tied for first on the team with running back Kareem Hunt. In his first year in the NFL, the Texas alumnus has proven to be a worthy component of the last undefeated team in the league.
Jordan Whittington – Wide Receiver – Los Angeles Rams
In his first five games of his rookie season, Whittington seemed to be heading into a terrific year, but he went down after five games with a shoulder injury. In his first month and a half of football, Whittington caught 18 passes thrown his way for 201 yards, averaging roughly 11 yards per catch. The 24-year-old rookie is currently questionable to return to action in the Rams' week 10 game against the Miami Dolphins.
Bijan Robinson – Running Back – Atlanta Falcons
The Texas alumnus for the Atlanta Falcons is off to a fairly strong start to his sophomore campaign, rushing for 632 yards and four touchdowns in nine games played. Robinson also has a receiving touchdown to his name to go along with 303 receiving yards on 38 receptions. Robinson, along with the Atlanta Falcons, will take on the Saints in week nine in New Orleans.
