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  • This year’s NFL playoffs to feature at least 5 former Baylor Football standouts

    // Posted In Alumni, Athletics

    Pictured left-to-right: Andrew Billings, Terrel Bernard and Jalen Pitre during their time at Baylor

    The NFL regular season is over, and the playoffs are here. As games begin this weekend, Baylor fans will have multiple opportunities to cheer on their fellow Bears as they pursue a Super Bowl victory.

    This season began with 16 Bears on NFL rosters, and with the field whittled down to just 14 teams, there are now five Bears on active playoff rosters. All of them played meaningful roles in helping their teams get there:

    * Terrel Bernard (BSED ’20, MSED ’21), linebacker, Buffalo Bills: Bernard was known as a defensive stalwart and team leader at Baylor, and he’s carried those traits to the NFL. One of two team captains for the Bills (alongside QB Josh Allen), Bernard finished the regular season with 60 tackles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

    * Andrew Billings (BA ’18), defensive tackle, Chicago Bears: The nine-year veteran will have the opportunity to play in the postseason for the first time in his long career. Billings played in all 17 games (starting 14) for a resurgent Chicago Bears team, finishing second on the team in tackles for loss.

    * Ross Matiscik (BBA ’18, MSIS ’19), long snapper, Jacksonville Jaguars: Befitting Baylor’s reputation for preparing outstanding long snappers for the NFL, Baylor has two of the best in the league (more below). Matiscik didn’t just make the playoffs; he also earned his third-straight Pro Bowl selection.

    * Jalen Pitre (BBA ’20, MSED ’21), safety, Houston Texans: The Baylor fan favorite has become a mainstay on the Texans’ defense, which led the NFL in fewest yards per game allowed this year and were second in fewest points allowed. Pitre tied for the team lead with four interceptions.

    * Jon Weeks (BSED ’07), long snapper, San Francisco 49ers: The longest-tenured current NFL Bear (and second longest-turned all-time, behind retired kicker Matt Bryant), the 16-year veteran has had a memorable first season with the 49ers, making the playoffs and earning his second Pro Bowl nod at age 39.

    Two more Bears — Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Gabe Hall (BA ’23) and Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Garmon Randolph (BSED ’23) — could potentially see playoff action, as they are currently on practice squads for playoff-bound teams.

    The playoffs begin Saturday; hopefully we’ll be cheering for Baylor alums each weekend on up through the Super Bowl!

    Sic ’em, playoff-bound Bears!