A solid opening week of action for our Wolverines in the NFL kicked off with an impressive showcase of talent, toughness, and the undeniable impact that Michigan alumni continue to have on the professional stage. As Week 1 wrapped up, it became clear that former Wolverines are not only present across the league—they’re making meaningful contributions, earning praise from coaches and analysts alike, and proving that their development in Ann Arbor translates seamlessly into the NFL’s high-pressure environment.
First and foremost, it’s impossible to talk about former Michigan players in the NFL without highlighting Aidan Hutchinson. The Detroit Lions’ star edge rusher picked up right where he left off last season, coming into Week 1 with a motor that never stopped running. Facing a tough Kansas City Chiefs offensive line, Hutchinson consistently disrupted the pocket, creating pressure and forcing hurried throws from Patrick Mahomes. While he didn’t tally a sack, his presence was undeniable—he recorded several quarterback hits, showed elite hand usage, and demanded double-teams on nearly every snap. It’s no exaggeration to say he was a key reason why the Lions pulled off the upset in the NFL season opener. Hutchinson’s energy was infectious, his leadership clear, and it’s obvious that the former No. 2 overall pick is rapidly becoming the heart and soul of Detroit’s defense.
Another standout performance came from Mike Danna, also in that same opening game. Suiting up for the Chiefs, Danna quietly put together a very solid outing on the defensive line. Often overshadowed by bigger names, Danna showed off his technique and work ethic, notching a sack and adding consistent pressure off the edge. His versatility to play inside and outside continues to be an asset for Kansas City, and his reliability is part of what makes the Chiefs’ defensive front so effective.
Over in Baltimore, David Ojabo saw meaningful snaps for the Ravens. After a rookie season marred by injury, Week 1 offered Ojabo the opportunity to demonstrate the speed and explosiveness that made him a first-round talent before his Achilles tear in 2022. Though still working his way back to full form, Ojabo showed flashes of the bend and burst that had scouts buzzing during his Michigan days. He tallied a key sack early in the game and consistently set the edge against the run. The Ravens’ coaching staff has been vocal about his potential, and if Week 1 is any indication, Ojabo may be primed for a breakout year.
On the offensive side of the ball, Cesar Ruiz anchored the New Orleans Saints’ offensive line with a steady, physical performance. Ruiz, who signed a lucrative extension just before the season began, looked every bit the part of a former first-rounder. His pass protection was solid throughout the game, and he helped pave the way for a balanced Saints rushing attack. Ruiz’s improvement year over year has been impressive, and he’s become one of the more dependable interior linemen in the NFC South.
Fellow offensive lineman Jon Runyan Jr. also had a strong showing for the Green Bay Packers. Slotted in at right guard, Runyan provided both protection for Jordan Love and push in the run game. His football IQ was on display throughout the contest, picking up blitzes and stunts with ease, and he was a key part of an offensive line that helped Green Bay rack up over 30 points on the road. In a league where interior linemen often go unnoticed unless they’re making mistakes, Runyan continues to be quietly effective—and deeply respected by his coaches.
Turning to the skill positions, Donovan Peoples-Jones suited up for the Cleveland Browns and reminded fans why he remains such a valuable piece of their offense. Though the stat line wasn’t overwhelming, his impact extended beyond catches. Peoples-Jones made several key blocks in the run game and helped stretch the defense with his deep-threat ability. He’s developed into a reliable option in Cleveland’s passing game, especially on third downs and in the red zone, and continues to show the kind of all-around game that Michigan fans saw flashes of during his time in Ann Arbor.
At the tight end position, Jake Butt is no longer in the league, but Michigan still had representation thanks to Sean McKeon, who took the field for the Dallas Cowboys. Though used primarily in a blocking role, McKeon contributed to a dominant run game and was part of a tight end group that helped protect Dak Prescott throughout the night. While his opportunities in the passing game may be limited, McKeon’s role in the trenches is vital, and he’s carved out a niche as a tough, smart, and reliable contributor.
Defensively, Josh Uche made a statement for the New England Patriots. Coming off a 2022 campaign where he led the team in sacks, Uche continued his momentum with another strong outing. His first step off the edge remains elite, and his ability to generate pressure without needing a blitz package allows New England more flexibility on defense. Uche played with aggression and purpose, recording multiple pressures and affecting the quarterback on several key third downs. The Patriots value his pass-rushing specialist role, and he’s become a nightmare for opposing tackles.
Rashan Gary, returning from an ACL injury that ended his 2022 season, made his presence felt in limited snaps for the Packers. Though still being eased back into action, Gary exploded off the line when given the opportunity and recorded pressures that helped swing momentum in Green Bay’s favor. His recovery has been closely watched, and if his Week 1 performance is any indication, he’s well on his way to reclaiming his status as one of the top young defensive ends in the league.
In the secondary, Dax Hill was flying around for the Cincinnati Bengals. Now in a starting role after the departure of several veterans, Hill was tested early and often—and he responded with confidence. He recorded his first career interception, showcased strong tackling in space, and was vocal in the back end. The Bengals are expecting big things from Hill this year, and his Week 1 performance validated their trust. His instincts, speed, and range were all on full display, and he looked every bit like the player Michigan fans watched blossom into a do-it-all defender.
Brad Hawkins, though not a starter, saw some special teams action and contributed to solid coverage units, while Khaleke Hudson logged a few rotational snaps for the Washington Commanders. Hudson’s versatility was his calling card in college, and it continues to help him stick around in the NFL. He played on special teams and even rotated in on defense in some sub-packages, showcasing his athleticism and ability to cover ground quickly.
Even Tom Brady, though retired, was part of the NFL narrative in Week 1, with the Patriots honoring him in a halftime ceremony that drew massive cheers from the crowd. While not an active player anymore, Brady’s presence continues to cast a long and respected shadow over the league—a reminder of Michigan’s ultimate success story.
Back to current players, we saw solid contributions from players like Ben Bredeson, who held his own on the New York Giants’ interior offensive line. Despite the Giants struggling overall, Bredeson was one of the more consistent performers up front, showing the kind of grit and leverage that made him a reliable starter in college. Michael Schofield, though inactive for Week 1, remains on a roster as a veteran presence and could be called upon at any moment to bring his experience to bear.
It’s also worth noting the impact of Michigan men on practice squads and injured reserve. Players like Nico Collins and Chase Winovich, who have had previous NFL success, are working to get back to full health and reestablish themselves. Others are grinding on practice squads, waiting for their moment to prove they belong on Sundays. The Michigan network in the NFL runs deep—not just in terms of numbers, but in terms of influence, leadership, and quality.
Across positions and throughout the league, former Wolverines continue to embody the values they developed in Ann Arbor: toughness, accountability, and a team-first mentality. Week 1 gave fans a glimpse of what’s to come this season—a reminder that whether they’re chasing quarterbacks, protecting them, catching passes, or shutting down opposing offenses, Michigan alumni are thriving at the next level.
From emerging stars to reliable veterans, their performances were not just about stats—they were about moments. Clutch stops. Big third-down conversions. Timely blocks. Leadership in huddles and on sidelines. The small things that win games—and often go unnoticed—were consistently executed by these players, showing that the Michigan football program isn’t just about preparing athletes for Saturdays, but for Sundays as well.
As the NFL season unfolds, expect to hear these names again and again. Whether it’s Hutchinson wreaking havoc in the backfield, Uche sprinting off the edge, Hill patrolling the secondary, or Ruiz anchoring the interior line, Michigan players are everywhere—and they’re making a difference. Week 1 was only the beginning, and if it’s any indication of what’s to come, Wolverines fans have plenty to be proud of on football’s biggest stage.
