Week 8 of the NFL featured plenty of close games and last-second wins, and Sunday’s slate also fell on National Tight Ends Day.
One former Penn State tight end showed out on the annual celebration of his position, while two other ex-Nittany Lions tallied interceptions.
Here’s how these former Penn Staters fared this weekend at the next level.
Ji’Ayir Brown, safety, San Francisco 49ers
Ji’Ayir Brown continued his hot start to the 2024 season with a solid game in the San Francisco 49ers’ win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.
Brown tallied five tackles, one pass breakup and an interception in prime time, earning the second-highest PFF grade by a 49er defender with a 86.4.
Ji’Ayir Brown with a pick in prime time 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Je5kToUicW
— The Daily Collegian (@DailyCollegian) October 28, 2024
In coverage, Brown allowed just two receptions for five yards on three targets, as he continues to cement himself as a top safety in the NFL.
Mike Gesicki, tight end, Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Gesicki had a great game for the Cincinnati Bengals despite their 20-point loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Gesicki recorded seven catches for 73 yards, including a 24-yard play on a 3rd-and-22 and a highlight one-handed grab.
.@mikegesicki showin’ off on #NationalTightEndsDay 😏📺: #PHIvsCIN on CBSpic.twitter.com/xtbcDQ9mkk
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 27, 2024
The former Nittany Lion earned an 81.9 grade from PFF, which ranked third among Bengals in the loss, and he passed his yardage total from last year through just eight games.
Gesicki’s performance Sunday was his first big one in a few weeks — the tight end had only caught four total passes across his past four games, but he tallied four catches in the Bengals’ first two drives against the Eagles.
Saquon Barkley, running back, Philadelphia Eagles
There was a familiar face for Gesicki on the opposing offense — running back Saquon Barkley — who put together a performance quite similar to the ones Gesicki saw at Penn State.
Barkley rushed 22 times for 108 yards in the Eagles’ win, marking the running back’s fourth 100 yard game on the ground this season.
The former Nittany Lion is second in the league with 766 rushing yards in 2024, behind only Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry. He’s on pace for 1,860 rushing yards, which would shatter his career high of 1,312 set in 2022.
Austin Johnson, defensive tackle, Buffalo Bills
Former Penn State defensive tackle Austin Johnson has played in the NFL for nine years, but his Sunday statline was a bit different than any before.
Johnson recorded his first career interception in the Buffalo Bills’ win over the Seattle Seahawks.
BIG MAN PICK!! @BuffaloBills📺: #BUFvsSEA on FOX📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/GQ7exvvXY0
— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024
Other than the interception, Johnson had one tackle in the win.
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