2023 Cyclones in the NFL

In the Matt Campbell era, Cyclones are entering the NFL like never before in Cyclone History. Here are the Cyclones on rosters to begin the 2023 NFL regular season.

Breece Hall-New York Jets RB

Breece Hall appeared in seven games for the Jets as a rookie before an ACL tear abruptly ended his season. In those seven games, Hall rushed for 463 yards on 80 carries and scored four times on the ground. He also caught 19 balls for 218 yards and another score. He looks to be ready for week one of the season and rebound from his ACL injury. The signing of Dalvin Cook may take away from some of his carries this season as he is getting back into the swing of things, but he looks to be the Jet's future plans at running back.

Brock Purdy-San Francisco 49ers QB

Brock Purdy took the NFL by storm after being drafted as Mr. Irrelevant, the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft. After injuries at the quarterback position for the 49ers, Purdy took over and was extremely efficient, leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship before hurting his elbow in that championship game. During the last six games of the regular season, Purdy threw for 1374 yards and 13 touchdowns. According to reports from camp, Purdy looks to be the 49ers guy going forward and plans to be ready for the first week of the NFL season. Here are some highlights from last season:

David Montgomery-Detroit Lions RB

After rushing for over 3600 and 26 touchdowns with the Bears, David Montgomery has found a new home with the Detroit Lions. Montgomery will work with Alabama rookie Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions backfield this year, but will look to rack up touchdowns at the goal line as the main goal line back. Montgomery will step into Jamaal William's role with the Lions from last season.

Allen Lazard- New York Jets WR

Cyclone great wide receiver Allen Lazard is reuniting with QB Aaron Rodgers, this time in New York with the Jets. Lazard will join Cyclones Will McDonald and Breece Hall in New York as well as Rodgers. Previously, in Green Bay, Lazard racked up 2,236 yards and 20 touchdowns. He will look to continue to be a go-to guy for Rodgers and help the Jets reach new heights this season.

Will McDonald- New York Jets Edge

Iowa State and the Big 12 all-time sack leader Will McDonald, who was the Jet's first-round draft pick this season, rounds out New York's 3-headed monster from Ames. McDonald broke Iowa State's first-round NFL draft curse, and has impressed greatly through his first camp and first preseason games in New York. Here is McDonald's first career NFL Preseason Sack:

Xavier Hutchinson- Houston Texans WR

After totaling 2929 yards and 15 touchdowns at Iowa State, Xaiver Hutchinson moved on to the NFL Draft, where he was drafted in the 6th round to the Houston Texans. Xavier should be some help for #2 overall pick CJ Stroud and will be a complete receiver for the Texans.

Kene Nwangwu- Minnesota Vikings RB/KR

Nwangwu, a return specialist for the Cyclones was drafted in the 4th round by the Vikings a couple seasons ago and made an immediate impact for the Vikings, as you can see here:

Kene has multiple return touchdowns for Minnesota and will look to continue to be an electric returner this upcoming season.

AJ Klein- Buffalo Bills LB

Klein has been a veteran linebacker and has stuck around the NFL for quite a few years. After his three-year/18 million dollar contract, Klein was brought back to the Bills on a minimum deal. He looks to add to hear nearly 500 career tackles, 15.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions this year.

Charlie Kolar-Baltimore Ravens TE

Iowa State's greatest statistical tight end, Charlie Kolar, was drafted by the Ravens in 2022 but has yet to see too much action on the field. He will continue to look to grow and develop behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.

Jake Hummel- Los Angeles Rams LB

After making the Rams team last season and recording seven tackles in 2023, Hummel has once again made the Ram's 53-man roster. He looks to take another step forward this season in his NFL career. Here is him getting a pick-six in the preseason:

Anthony Johnson Jr- Green Bay Packers Safety

Former Cyclone and now rookie safety Anthony Johnson Jr. has made the team for the Packers. Johnson Jr. had 245 total tackles and 2 interceptions for the Cyclones during his career in Ames.