There were 19 former Pitt Panthers who saw the field in an NFL game in 2017. While some contributed primarily on special teams, others like Aaron Donald, Dion Lewis, Larry Fitzgerald and LeSean McCoy were huge parts of their team’s success.
Donald in particular looks to be in line for some postseason awards and is a no-doubt All-Pro. Fitzgerald added to his already substantial legend by becoming the oldest player in NFL history with 100 receptions in a single season. Dion Lewis had by far his best season as a pro, becoming an integral part of the Patriots’ balanced attack and LeSean McCoy was one of the biggest reasons the Buffalo Bills are in the playoffs for the first time in 17-years.
Here’s a rundown of all of the former Pitt Panther players to appear in an NFL game and their season statistics.
Tyler Boyd, WR:
Boyd was injured throughout the season, but came on strong at the end. His touchdown catch to beat the Ravens and send the Bills to the playoffs made him somewhat of a cult hero in Buffalo. Season stats: 22 receptions for 225 yards and two touchdowns
Bam Bradley, LB:
Appeared in two games for the Ravens
T.J. Clemmings, OT:
The big offensive tackle appeared in six games, starting two for the Washington Redskins.
James Conner, RB:
After being drafted by the Steelers, Conner settled into a backup role behind Le’veon Bell. Conner injured his knee against the Patriots in week 14 and underwent season ending surgery. Season Stats: 32 carries, 144 yards, 4.5 Y/A
Aaron Donald, DT:
Started 14 games for the Rams after holding out and missing the first game of the season–and being held out in a meaningless week 17 contest. One of the most dominant players in the NFL, his play has earned MVP talk. Season stats: 32 tackles, 11 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 2 pass deflections
Larry Fitzgerald, WR:
The 34-year old legend started all 16 games for the Cardinals and became the oldest player in NFL history with over 100 receptions in a season. Fitzgerald moved into 3rd place all-time in receiving yards during the season, passing Randy Moss. Fitzgerald is uncertain about his future, telling azcardinals.com that he just wants to golf for a while before making a decision. Season stats: 109 receptions, 1156 yards, 6 TDs. He also had a 21-yard touchdown pass, the first of his career.
Joe Flacco, QB:
Flacco never saw the field for the Panthers, but was on the team so we’re going to count him. Season stats: 352 for 549, 3141 yards, 18 TDs, 13 INTs, 1 rushing TD
Nicholas Grigsby, LB:
Appeared in five games for the Patriots.
Andy Lee, P:
The 14-year veteran punter averaged 47.3 yard per punt for the Cardinals.
Dion Lewis, RB:
The former Panther star had his best season as a pro with the AFC leading Patriots scoring 9 touchdowns and racking up 896 yards on 180 carries (5.0 average) and 32 receptions for 214 yards.
LeSean McCoy, RB:
Starting all 16 games for the Bills, McCoy rushed for 1000 yards for the 6th time in his career and surpassed 10,000 on his career. Season stats: 287 carries, 1138 yards, 59 receptions for 448 yards and 8 total touchdowns
Darrelle Revis, CB:
A late addition to the playoff bound Kansas City Chiefs, Revis started two games and accrued 10 tackles and 2 pass deflections.
Nathan Peterman, QB:
His 5 interception performance in week 11 versus the Rams may have torpedoed his brief starting career with the Bills, at least in 2017. Peterman finished the season 24 for 49 for 252 yards, 2 touchdowns and 5 interceptions over 4 games in mostly mop up duty.
Lafayette Pitts, CB:
Pitts played all 17 games in 2017, splitting his time between Jacksonville and Buffalo.
Ejuan Price, LB:
Price played one game for the rams.
Tom Savage, QB:
Savage’s 2017 will mostly be remembered for the devastating hit he took and subsequent concussion more than his on field play. Savage started the season as the Texans’ number one quarterback but was replaced by DeShaun Watson after getting sacked 6 times in an ineffective performance versus Jacksonville. After Watson was injured, Savage went 1-5, totaling 1412 yards through the air, 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.
Jabaal Sheard, LB:
Started all 16 games for the Colts, racking up 5.5 sacks, 37 tackles, 3 pass deflections and 2 forced fumbles.
K’Waun Williams, CB:
Started 5 games for the 49’ers, starting 5 and finished the season with 1 interception, 5 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, 1 sack and 42 tackles.
Adam Bisnowaty, OT:
Started the final game of the regular season for the New York Giants.
