With approximately 250 players on active NFL rosters or practice squads each Sunday, there are numerous NFLPA Collegiate Bowl standouts every week around the league. The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is known for being the most diverse all-star game on the NFL Draft circuit. While invitations are in the process of being sent for the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, scheduled for January 28th at the historic Rose Bowl, here’s a look at some of the standout alumni from NFL week 13!
Peyton Hendershot, Sam Williams, & DaRon Bland
It was a magical evening for the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, as they scored 33 unanswered points in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts. Watching the game, one couldn’t help but notice the significant impact of numerous NFLPA Collegiate Bowl alumni. A fifth-round pick in 2022, cornerback DaRon Bland continues to make splash plays, nabbing two interceptions in prime time and racking up eight tackles versus the Colts. Second-round pick Sam Williams has proven to have a tremendous nose for the football during his first season with the Cowboys; he collected another tackle for loss (eight on the season) and made a huge fumble recovery (third of the year) this past week. Yet another rookie came up clutch for Big D, as tight end Peyton Hendershot made his presence felt on special teams with three tackles. Congratulations to this rookie trio on their impressive performance!
Julius Chestnut
We are officially approaching the back half of the NFL season, which means injuries are beginning to pile up and teams across the league are seeking reinforcements. In Tennessee, running back Julius Chestnut received the call-up from the practice squad to help with some of the depth concerns and made his NFL debut in Week 13. The undrafted rookie out of Sacred Heart rushed the ball five times for 13 yards against a stingy Eagles defense but showed flashes of his potential. A bruising runner, Chestnut could emerge as a candidate to become a permanent backup to Derrick Henry if he is able to take advantage of his playing time. For the Titans, Chestnut became the 76th player to suit up for the team this season, which sends a clear message to any backup, practice squad player, or street free agent: “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.”
Brandon Powell & Lance McCutcheon
The Los Angeles Rams have been ravaged by injuries this season, especially at the wideout position. Starting receivers Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson, along with NFLPA Collegiate Bowl alumni Lance McCutcheon were all out this past week. As a result, fellow NFLPA Bowl alumni Brandon Powell was a focal point on offense for the Rams. The 2018 undrafted free agent out of Florida had four catches for 39 receiving yards and added an additional 45 rushing yards on three carries—his speed and elusiveness in the open field were on full display. Unfortunately, Powell is dealing with an illness this week and is questionable but look for more from the playmaker down the stretch of the season. As for McCutcheon, who emerged as a training camp darling, he is close to returning back from a shoulder injury and is expected to re-join the team soon. Buckle up, we’ll see you soon.
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Alumni Spotlight
- Week One
- Week Two
- Week Three
- Week Four
- Week Five
- Week Six
- Week Seven
- Week Eight
- Week Nine
- Week Ten
- Week Eleven
*Be sure to follow us @NFLPABowl for the latest player acceptances and updates for the 11th Annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, January 28th, 2023 on NFL Network.