The National Football League’s fourth week of games concluded Monday night with Memphis alumni Tony Pollard and his Tennessee Titans picking up their first win of the campaign in Miami. 13 Tigers were active this week.
JJ Russell, Tampa Bay, linebacker
JJ Russell, who played for the Tigers from 2017 to 2021, made a key play for the Tampa Bay defense. In the first quarter of the Buc’s win over Philadelphia, Russell recovered a muffed punt, giving Tampa Bay the ball deep on the Eagles’ side of the field.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee, running back
With the help of a stellar defensive performance, the Titans defeated Miami 31-12 Monday night. Pollard ran for 88 yards on 22 attempts. He capped off his performance with a touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Tony played for the Tigers from 2015 to 2018.
Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh, wide receiver
Austin, who played for the Tigers from 2017 to 2021, continues to carve out a role for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He caught one pass for 17 yards. Calvin also returned a punt for 30 yards in Pittsburgh’s win in Indianapolis.
Antonio Gibson, New England, wide receiver
Gibson famously came to Memphis in 2019 and became a star for the Tigers. In the game against SMU, Gibson scored a touchdown as a running back, a receiver, and on a kickoff return. In his first year with New England, Gibson has established himself as one of the Patriots’ two top running backs. Gibson rushed for 12 yards on 6 carries, while catching 3 passes for 67 yards.
Jake Elliott, Philadelphia, kicker
Elliott, who holds several of Memphis’ all-time records, has established himself as one of the premier kickers in the league. This week, Elliott went 2-2 on extra-point attempts in the Eagles’ loss to Tampa Bay.
Other Tigers who saw the field Sunday included Dylan Parham, Patrick Taylor, Kenneth Gainwell, Bryce Huff, Genard Avery, and Anthony Miller.
