WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – As the curtain falls on the 2023-24 NFL regular season, the gridiron has echoed with the impact performances of former Purdue football players. Week 18 was filled with standout play from rising stars while many of their teams push for postseason glory.
In a Week 18 Pro Boiler matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Cleveland Browns 31-14. Rookie wide receiver Charlie Jones had his best day as a rookie, making three receptions for 49 receiving yards, rushing twice for 13 yards, and returning three punts for 27 yards. This spectacular season finale for Jones had a great impact on the game and the future of the young wide receiver in the NFL. Teammate and fellow Pro Boiler Markus Bailey saw action on the other side of the ball, adding one solo tackle to the Bengals' defensive performance.
Moving over to the Cleveland sideline, Browns wide receiver David Bell took command in Week 18 as he found the end zone not once, but twice, notching both Browns touchdowns in the game. Bell brought in four total receptions for 68 yards which is a new career high for the second-year receiver.
Not only did the Ohio weapons shine in Week 18, Las Angeles Rams tight end Brycen Hopkins also had a season-high 47 receiving yards on two receptions in a win over the San Francisco 49ers.
What made the week even more remarkable was that all three alumni not only dazzled but also led their respective teams in receiving yards, solidifying Purdue's impact on the NFL.
Closing out his rookie season, Aidan O'Connell went 20-for-31 for 244 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Las Vegas Raiders to a 27-14 victory over the Denver Broncos. The former Purdue quarterback took care of the football and showcased his accuracy by not throwing an interception in any of his final four games.
Other Boilermakers in the NFL
• Ja'Whaun Bentley (New England) – 10 tackles, three solo, 0.5 sacks, two quarterback hits vs. New York Jets
• Derrick Barnes (Detroit) – Three tackles, two solo vs. Minnesota
• Rondale Moore (Arizona) – Five targets, four receptions, 31 receiving yards, one carry for five rushing yards vs. Seattle
• George Karlaftis (Kansas City) – Did not record statistics
• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay) – Did not record statistics
• Jalen Graham (San Francisco) – Did not record statistics
• Raheem Mostert (Miami) – Inactive
• David Blough (Detroit) – Practice Squad
• Reese Taylor (Denver) – Practice Squad
• Anthony Brown (New York Jets) – Practice Squad
• Jordan Roos (Tennessee) – Practice Squad
• Tyler Coyle (Green Bay) – Practice Squad
• Cory Trice (Pittsburgh) – Injured Reserve
In a Week 18 Pro Boiler matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Cleveland Browns 31-14. Rookie wide receiver Charlie Jones had his best day as a rookie, making three receptions for 49 receiving yards, rushing twice for 13 yards, and returning three punts for 27 yards. This spectacular season finale for Jones had a great impact on the game and the future of the young wide receiver in the NFL. Teammate and fellow Pro Boiler Markus Bailey saw action on the other side of the ball, adding one solo tackle to the Bengals' defensive performance.
Sizzzle down the seam 🔥#ProBoilers | #BoilerUp pic.twitter.com/30TlVtDkId
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) January 7, 2024
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Moving over to the Cleveland sideline, Browns wide receiver David Bell took command in Week 18 as he found the end zone not once, but twice, notching both Browns touchdowns in the game. Bell brought in four total receptions for 68 yards which is a new career high for the second-year receiver.
The @Browns #RingTheB3LL one last time in the regular season!
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) January 7, 2024
Playoff @DB3LL coming 🔜
pic.twitter.com/eCAKEWkbFt
Spoke too soon 🤣🤣pic.twitter.com/H3XYuYTFXH https://t.co/qIEJQuLIgw
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) January 7, 2024
Not only did the Ohio weapons shine in Week 18, Las Angeles Rams tight end Brycen Hopkins also had a season-high 47 receiving yards on two receptions in a win over the San Francisco 49ers.
What made the week even more remarkable was that all three alumni not only dazzled but also led their respective teams in receiving yards, solidifying Purdue's impact on the NFL.
All-American Boilers ➡️ Receiving leaders in the Battle of Ohio
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) January 7, 2024
Career high in yards for Chuck Sizzle, first multi-TD game for @DB3LL 👏 pic.twitter.com/EqhIOLymRc
Closing out his rookie season, Aidan O'Connell went 20-for-31 for 244 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Las Vegas Raiders to a 27-14 victory over the Denver Broncos. The former Purdue quarterback took care of the football and showcased his accuracy by not throwing an interception in any of his final four games.
AOC drops it in a bucket 🫳
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) January 7, 2024
pic.twitter.com/iRXZm068jW
Tooooo easy 😮💨
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) January 7, 2024
pic.twitter.com/s5lkaugzDl
Other Boilermakers in the NFL
• Ja'Whaun Bentley (New England) – 10 tackles, three solo, 0.5 sacks, two quarterback hits vs. New York Jets
• Derrick Barnes (Detroit) – Three tackles, two solo vs. Minnesota
• Rondale Moore (Arizona) – Five targets, four receptions, 31 receiving yards, one carry for five rushing yards vs. Seattle
• George Karlaftis (Kansas City) – Did not record statistics
• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay) – Did not record statistics
• Jalen Graham (San Francisco) – Did not record statistics
• Raheem Mostert (Miami) – Inactive
• David Blough (Detroit) – Practice Squad
• Reese Taylor (Denver) – Practice Squad
• Anthony Brown (New York Jets) – Practice Squad
• Jordan Roos (Tennessee) – Practice Squad
• Tyler Coyle (Green Bay) – Practice Squad
• Cory Trice (Pittsburgh) – Injured Reserve