Chambana Sun

Twenty former University of Illinois Fighting Illini football players have secured spots on the initial 53-man rosters across 15 National Football League teams as of Tuesday. The list includes rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant, who was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round (74th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The following former Illini are on active NFL rosters: Isaiah Adams (Arizona Cardinals), Tony Adams (New York Jets), Nick Allegretti (Washington Commanders), Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals), Sydney Brown (Philadelphia Eagles), Pat Bryant (Denver Broncos), Jake Hansen (Houston Texans), Nate Hobbs (Green Bay Packers), Kerby Joseph (Detroit Lions), Ted Karras (Cincinnati Bengals), Vederian Lowe (New England Patriots), Jartavius Martin (Washington Commanders), Chase McLaughlin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Jer'Zhan Newton (Washington Commanders), Alex Palczewski (Denver Broncos), Tip Reiman (Arizona Cardinals), Dawuane Smoot (Jacksonville Jaguars), Casey Washington (Atlanta Falcons), Jihad Ward (Tennessee Titans) and Devon Witherspoon (Seattle Seahawks).

Several other former Illinois players were waived during roster cuts, including Owen Carney, Seth Coleman, Denzel Daxon, Tommy DeVito, TeRah Edwards, Kendrick Green, Del'Shawn Phillips, Keith Randolph, Malik Turner and Isaiah Williams. Doug Kramer was listed as waived/injured by the Chicago Bears.

Pat Bryant’s selection in the third round highlights the continued presence of Illinois alumni in professional football. The announcement reflects ongoing connections between collegiate programs and professional opportunities for athletes.