Chambana Sun

Several former University of Illinois Fighting Illini football players participated in the first week of the 2025 NFL season, with many seeing significant playing time and contributing to their teams.

Isaiah Adams started at right guard for the Arizona Cardinals, playing all 66 offensive snaps and five special teams snaps during the team's 20-13 win over the New Orleans Saints.

Tony Adams started as defensive back for the New York Jets, taking part in all 56 defensive snaps and 12 special teams snaps. The Jets lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 32-34.

Nick Allegretti started on the offensive line for the Washington Commanders, participating in all 70 offensive snaps and three special teams snaps in a 21-6 victory against the New York Giants.

Chase Brown started as running back for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played 39 offensive snaps, rushed for 43 yards on 21 carries, and caught two passes for eight yards. The Bengals won against the Cleveland Browns, 17-16.

Sydney Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles took part in 14 defensive and 16 special teams snaps. He recorded two tackles in a win over the Dallas Cowboys, with a final score of 20-24.

Pat Bryant made his NFL debut with four offensive snaps for the Denver Broncos during their 20-12 win over the Tennessee Titans.

Tommy DeVito was not active for the New England Patriots' game against the Las Vegas Raiders, which ended in a Patriots loss, 13-20.

Jake Hansen participated in 17 special teams snaps for the Houston Texans during their loss to the Los Angeles Rams (9-14).

Nate Hobbs was not active as Green Bay Packers defeated Detroit Lions (27-13).

Kerby Joseph started at defensive back for Detroit Lions. He played all 48 defensive snaps and seven special team snaps while recording a solo tackle during their loss to Green Bay Packers (13-27).

Ted Karras started on offense for Cincinnati Bengals and participated in all 52 offensive snaps plus three on special teams during their win over Cleveland Browns (17-16).

Vederian Lowe saw action on four special team plays with New England Patriots during their loss to Las Vegas Raiders (13-20).

Jartavius Martin started at defensive back for Washington Commanders. He played all 68 defensive snaps and six on special teams while recording five tackles as Commanders beat New York Giants (21-6).

Chase McLaughlin handled kicking duties for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making two field goals and two extra points across one special teams snap as they beat Atlanta Falcons (23–20).

Jer'Zhan Newton started at defensive line for Washington Commanders; he played in 26 defensive snaps with one solo tackle against New York Giants (21-6).

Alex Palczewski appeared on ten offensive plays plus four special team plays with Denver Broncos as they won against Tennessee Titans (20-12).

Del'Shawn Phillips took part in fifteen special team plays while making three tackles as Los Angeles Chargers defeated Kansas City Chiefs (27-21).

Tip Reiman played sixteen defensive snaps with two tackles as Arizona Cardinals lost to Tennessee Titans (12–24).

Dawuane Smoot had thirty-five defensive plays and made two tackles helping Jacksonville Jaguars win over Carolina Panthers (26–10).

Jihad Ward contributed sixteen defensive plays with two tackles as Tennessee Titans lost to Denver Broncos (12–20).

Casey Washington started at wide receiver for Atlanta Falcons. He participated in seventy-two offensive plays catching three passes out of six targets totaling thirty-three yards during their loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers (23–20).

Devon Witherspoon started at cornerback for Seattle Seahawks playing every one of seventy-six defensive downs plus five on special teams; he made eight tackles during a defeat by San Francisco 49ers (13–17).

Additionally, several former Illini were listed on practice squads: TeRah Edwards is with Los Angeles Chargers; Kendrick Green is with Buffalo Bills; Malik Turner is with San Francisco 49ers; Isaiah Williams is with Cincinnati Bengals.