WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The 2026 NFL season is officially underway with five former Boilermakers active on the league's opening week.
Derrick Barnes had a performance unlike any other linebacker in Detroit Lions history when he totaled an interception, one sack and two pass breakups in a season-opening overtime victory over the New Orleans Saints, 31-30. Barnes added five tackles and paced the Lions with an 84.9 coverage grade in his 43 coverage snaps, according to PFF.
Arriving as Sipder-Man with his son, Barnes' "Spidey-Sense" took over when he recorded an interception on the first play of the second half. He then earned his first sack of the season on the second play of the next defensive drive.
HIS SPIDEY-SENSE TOOK OVER 🕸️#ProBoilers x @derrickbarnes21pic.twitter.com/SvpMlkjO5g
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) September 13, 2026
The interception was Barnes' third of his career, second in the regular season, while his sack was the ninth of his career. His tackle total pushed him to only 13 away from 300 for his regular-season career.
That celly >>>
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) September 13, 2026
Not long after his first pick of the season, Derrick Barnes added his first sack.
📺 NFL Sunday Ticket On YouTube https://t.co/CEYp3PFsLg pic.twitter.com/lpDVAXu9ji
George Karlaftis was part of a disruptive Kansas City Chiefs' defense that held the Denver Broncos to just 10 points and 176 yards of offense in a 21-point victory on Monday Night Football.
Jalen Graham traveled with the San Francisco 49ers to the NFL's first game played in Melbourne, Australia when they defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 27-7.
BOILERMAKERS AROUND THE NFL
• Derrick Barnes (Detroit) – Recorded five tackles, an interception, one sack and a pair of passes defended in a 31-30 overtime win against the New Orleans Saints.
• George Karlaftis (Kansas City) – Earned the start and totaled three tackles with three quarterback hurries in a 31-10 win over Denver on Monday Night Football.
• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay) – Appeared in seven offensive snaps and 14 special teams snaps at Cincinnati.
• Tyrone Tracy Jr. (N.Y. Giants) – Carried the ball twice for 14 yards in a victory over Dallas 28-20 on Sunday Night Football.
• Marcus Mbow (N.Y. Giants) – Appeared in four snaps on special teams in a 28-20 Sunday Night Football victory over Dallas.
• Aidan O'Connell (Las Vegas) – Served as the emergency third quarterback vs. Miami.
• Reese Taylor (Miami) – Inactive at Las Vegas.
• Jalen Graham (San Francisco) – Practice Squad
• Charlie Jones (N.Y. Giants) – Practice Squad