WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – With the final week of the NFL regular season approaching, Week 17 unfolded with a distinct Purdue flair as 11 former Boilermakers took center stage. Amidst the gridiron battles and playoff implications, two rising stars etched their names into the headlines with standout performances.
Kansas City Chiefs young defensive prodigy George Karlaftis emerged as a force to be reckoned with in Week 17. Facing off against the Cincinnati Bengals, the second-year defensive end left an indelible mark on the game that showcased his tenacity, skill, and undeniable impact for the Chiefs. Karlaftis racked up five total tackles (four solo), three quarterback hits, one tackle-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks for a loss of 9.5 yards. Now with 10.5 sacks on the season, Karlaftis ranks 10th in all-time sacks before the age of 23 and leads the Chiefs in sacks this season. With Kansas City already locking in the No. 3 seed in the playoffs, Karlaftis will look to continue his dominance into the postseason.
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Aiden O'Connell continued to show improvement in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts. It was O'Connell's first return to the state of Indiana and Lucas Oil Stadium since he led Purdue in the 2022 Big Ten Championship game. The former Boilermaker QB displayed a level of composure and precision, completing 30-of-47 passes with two touchdowns. Despite falling short on the scoreboard, O'Connell reached a significant milestone with 299 passing yards for the most in his NFL career. His ability to move the ball effectively down the field and accumulate yardage demonstrated not only his individual prowess but also his impact on driving the team's offensive momentum.
Other Boilermakers in the NFL
• Ja'Whaun Bentley (New England) – Seven tackles, five solo vs. Buffalo
• Derrick Barnes (Detroit) – Five tackles, three solo, one tackle-for-loss vs. Dallas
• Rondale Moore (Arizona) – Three receptions for 26 receiving yards, two carries for eight rushing yards vs. Philadelphia
• David Bell (Cleveland) – Two receptions for seven receiving yards vs. New York Jets
• Charlie Jones (Cincinnati) – One punt return for one yard vs. Kansas City
• Markus Bailey (Cincinnati) – One special teams tackle, played 63% of special teams snaps vs. Kansas City
• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay) – Played six offensive snaps and 11 special teams snaps vs. New Orleans
• Brycen Hopkins (Los Angeles Rams) – Played one offensive snap and four special teams snaps vs. New York Giants
• Jalen Graham (San Francisco) – Inactive
• 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
Kansas City Chiefs young defensive prodigy George Karlaftis emerged as a force to be reckoned with in Week 17. Facing off against the Cincinnati Bengals, the second-year defensive end left an indelible mark on the game that showcased his tenacity, skill, and undeniable impact for the Chiefs. Karlaftis racked up five total tackles (four solo), three quarterback hits, one tackle-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks for a loss of 9.5 yards. Now with 10.5 sacks on the season, Karlaftis ranks 10th in all-time sacks before the age of 23 and leads the Chiefs in sacks this season. With Kansas City already locking in the No. 3 seed in the playoffs, Karlaftis will look to continue his dominance into the postseason.
Furious George was too turnt after securing his first double-digit sack season 😤 pic.twitter.com/j28ZSGksyk
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 3, 2024
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Aiden O'Connell continued to show improvement in Week 17 against the Indianapolis Colts. It was O'Connell's first return to the state of Indiana and Lucas Oil Stadium since he led Purdue in the 2022 Big Ten Championship game. The former Boilermaker QB displayed a level of composure and precision, completing 30-of-47 passes with two touchdowns. Despite falling short on the scoreboard, O'Connell reached a significant milestone with 299 passing yards for the most in his NFL career. His ability to move the ball effectively down the field and accumulate yardage demonstrated not only his individual prowess but also his impact on driving the team's offensive momentum.
AOC, back in Lucas Oil, fires the Raiders back into this one! 🔥#ProBoilers | #BoilerUp
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) December 31, 2023
pic.twitter.com/JiBR3ptPDo
Aidan ➡️ Adams#ProBoilers | #BoilerUp
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) December 31, 2023
pic.twitter.com/Px31xSVjKJ
Aidan O'Connell wearing a Purdue sweatshirt to the press conference. pic.twitter.com/221ETju5nt
— Kelly Hallinan (@kellyhals) December 31, 2023
Other Boilermakers in the NFL
• Ja'Whaun Bentley (New England) – Seven tackles, five solo vs. Buffalo
• Derrick Barnes (Detroit) – Five tackles, three solo, one tackle-for-loss vs. Dallas
• Rondale Moore (Arizona) – Three receptions for 26 receiving yards, two carries for eight rushing yards vs. Philadelphia
• David Bell (Cleveland) – Two receptions for seven receiving yards vs. New York Jets
• Charlie Jones (Cincinnati) – One punt return for one yard vs. Kansas City
• Markus Bailey (Cincinnati) – One special teams tackle, played 63% of special teams snaps vs. Kansas City
• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay) – Played six offensive snaps and 11 special teams snaps vs. New Orleans
• Brycen Hopkins (Los Angeles Rams) – Played one offensive snap and four special teams snaps vs. New York Giants
• Jalen Graham (San Francisco) – Inactive
• 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