NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III wasn’t the only Baylor Bear in the NFL this season; in fact, he was one of 12 to see NFL action in 2012.
Most notably, of RG3′s former teammates ranked among the NFL’s leading rookie receivers. Former first-round draft pick Kendall Wright (Tennessee Titans, pictured) led all rookies in receptions and finished fifth among first-year players in receiving yards, while Josh Gordon (Cleveland Browns) ranked third and fourth, respectively, among all rookies in receiving yards and receptions.
On the other side of the career timeline, veteran Matt Bryant (Atlanta Falcons) finished his 11th season in the NFL tied for second in the league in made field goals. He hit three game-winning field goals in the final 10 seconds of games, including a 49-yard boot to give the Falcons their first playoff win since 2004.
Injuries limited Danny Watkins (Philadelphia Eagles) to just 11 games (six starts), Phil Taylor (Cleveland Browns) to only eight games (seven starts), and J.D. Walton (Denver Broncos) to a mere four games (all starts). But Jason Smith (New York Jets) finally enjoyed a healthy season, appearing in all 16 games for the first time in his four NFL seasons. Jonathan Weeks (Houston Texans) also appeared in all 16 games as the Texans’ long snapper.
Other Bears who saw action included Justin Snow (eight games with the Washington Redskins), Terrance Ganaway (three games for the St. Louis Rams) and David Gettis (two games with the Carolina Panthers). Philip Blake (Denver Broncos) missed the entire season following a preseason hand injury.
Sic ’em, Bears in the NFL!
