WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – In a critical Week 12 of the 2023-24 NFL season, former Purdue football players took center stage, delivering standout performances that captured the attention of fans nationwide. Another Pro Boiler matchup between former teammates Aidan O'Connell and George Karlaftis provided a friendly yet intense rivalry on the field, while other offensive and defensive stars continued to shine.
The Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback, O'Connell faced off against his fellow Boilermaker Karlaftis, a defensive force for Kansas City Chiefs. The gridiron reunion provided fans with a trip down memory lane to their days wearing the Old Gold and Black, but this time, the stakes were higher on the grand stage of the NFL. O'Connell completed 23-of-33 passing attempts for 248 yards and one touchdown on Sunday. He finished the game with a 90.4 quarterback rating, which ranked first among all quarterbacks on Sunday, ahead of superstars such as Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
On the other side of the ball, Karlaftis racked up three solo tackles, one quarterback hit, one tackle-for-loss, and was the only person to sack O'Connell on Sunday. Karlaftis and the Chiefs topped the Raiders 31-17. The two former teammates caught up after the game for a jersey swap with O'Connell writing the words "Thanks for not hitting me too hard" on his gift to Karlaftis.
Even through defeat, O'Connell is continuing to improve each week as the Raiders No. 1 quarterback into their bye week. The O'Connell vs. Karlaftis showdown became a focal point for fans, media, and football enthusiasts alike. It was a testament to the enduring bonds forged on the college gridiron and the competitive spirit that continues to drive these former teammates turned divisional opponents.
In the first ever Black Friday NFL game, the Miami Dolphins continued to display their high-powered offense against the strong New York Jets defense. Dolphins superstar running back Raheem Mostert ran for 94 yards on 20 attempts and found the endzone twice for his fourth multi-touchdown game of the season. Mostert's performance led Miami to a 34-13 victory on the road and put him back atop the NFL rushing touchdown leaderboard as well as second in rushing yards. The former Boilermaker is now four rushing touchdowns away from breaking Ricky Williams' franchise record set in 2002.
Another Pro Boiler rookie, tight end Payne Durham made waves on social media with an impressive catch that nearly became a touchdown.
Other Boilermakers in the NFL
• Derrick Barnes (Detroit) – Six tackles, two solo, one quarterback hit vs. Green Bay
• Ja'Whaun Bentley (New England) – Two solo tackles, one sack, one quarterback hit vs. New York Giants
• Rondale Moore (Arizona) – Three targets, two receptions, 35 receiving yards vs. Los Angeles Rams
• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay) – One target, one 12-yard reception vs. San Francisco
• Charlie Jones (Cincinnati) – One fair catch, played four offensive and special teams snaps vs. Pittsburgh
• Markus Bailey (Cincinnati) – One special teams tackle, played 75% of special teams snaps vs. Pittsburgh
• David Bell (Cleveland) – Two targets, played 13 offensive snaps and six special teams snaps vs. Denver
• Brycen Hopkins (Los Angeles Rams) – Inactive
• Jalen Graham (San Francisco) – Inactive
• Corey Trice (Pittsburgh) – Injured Reserve
• David Blough (Detroit) – Practice Squad
• Reese Taylor (Denver) – Practice Squad
• Zander Horvath (Las Angeles Chargers) – Practice Squad
The Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback, O'Connell faced off against his fellow Boilermaker Karlaftis, a defensive force for Kansas City Chiefs. The gridiron reunion provided fans with a trip down memory lane to their days wearing the Old Gold and Black, but this time, the stakes were higher on the grand stage of the NFL. O'Connell completed 23-of-33 passing attempts for 248 yards and one touchdown on Sunday. He finished the game with a 90.4 quarterback rating, which ranked first among all quarterbacks on Sunday, ahead of superstars such as Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
On the other side of the ball, Karlaftis racked up three solo tackles, one quarterback hit, one tackle-for-loss, and was the only person to sack O'Connell on Sunday. Karlaftis and the Chiefs topped the Raiders 31-17. The two former teammates caught up after the game for a jersey swap with O'Connell writing the words "Thanks for not hitting me too hard" on his gift to Karlaftis.
We have mixed emotions about this @TheGK3 sack 😂#ProBoilers pic.twitter.com/YtOBy0g2I4
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) November 27, 2023
"Thanks for not hitting me too hard." 😂 pic.twitter.com/1qJwBov8EV
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) November 27, 2023
Even through defeat, O'Connell is continuing to improve each week as the Raiders No. 1 quarterback into their bye week. The O'Connell vs. Karlaftis showdown became a focal point for fans, media, and football enthusiasts alike. It was a testament to the enduring bonds forged on the college gridiron and the competitive spirit that continues to drive these former teammates turned divisional opponents.
In the first ever Black Friday NFL game, the Miami Dolphins continued to display their high-powered offense against the strong New York Jets defense. Dolphins superstar running back Raheem Mostert ran for 94 yards on 20 attempts and found the endzone twice for his fourth multi-touchdown game of the season. Mostert's performance led Miami to a 34-13 victory on the road and put him back atop the NFL rushing touchdown leaderboard as well as second in rushing yards. The former Boilermaker is now four rushing touchdowns away from breaking Ricky Williams' franchise record set in 2002.
Another week, another @RMos_8Ball touchdown! His NFL-leading 12th TD of the season.#ProBoilers pic.twitter.com/i9W93M8kGj
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) November 24, 2023
Second TD of the day for @RMos_8Ball!
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) November 24, 2023
📺: #MIAvsNYJ on @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/1o70ZfE5Yv
Another Pro Boiler rookie, tight end Payne Durham made waves on social media with an impressive catch that nearly became a touchdown.
PAYNE! Still known for making incredible catches.#ProBoilers pic.twitter.com/jlpcSVi9pF
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) November 26, 2023
Other Boilermakers in the NFL
• Derrick Barnes (Detroit) – Six tackles, two solo, one quarterback hit vs. Green Bay
• Ja'Whaun Bentley (New England) – Two solo tackles, one sack, one quarterback hit vs. New York Giants
• Rondale Moore (Arizona) – Three targets, two receptions, 35 receiving yards vs. Los Angeles Rams
• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay) – One target, one 12-yard reception vs. San Francisco
• Charlie Jones (Cincinnati) – One fair catch, played four offensive and special teams snaps vs. Pittsburgh
• Markus Bailey (Cincinnati) – One special teams tackle, played 75% of special teams snaps vs. Pittsburgh
• David Bell (Cleveland) – Two targets, played 13 offensive snaps and six special teams snaps vs. Denver
• Brycen Hopkins (Los Angeles Rams) – Inactive
• Jalen Graham (San Francisco) – Inactive
• Corey Trice (Pittsburgh) – Injured Reserve
• David Blough (Detroit) – Practice Squad
• Reese Taylor (Denver) – Practice Squad
• Zander Horvath (Las Angeles Chargers) – Practice Squad