SAN DIEGO -- A number of former Aztecs are making critical contributions in the NFL as the playoffs approach.
In the NFL, safety Damontae Kazee (2013-16) started and was on the field for 69 defensive and three special teams snaps in Dallas' Thursday night victory. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans had driven into field goal range, looking to make it a one score game. Kazee intercepted a pass by quarterback Taysom Hill to halt New Orleans' momentum and preserve Dallas' two-score lead. Kazee also made two tackles (one solo) and broke up a pass in the game. The Cowboys will travel to Washington on Sunday.
Running back Rashaad Penny (2014-17) rushed 10 times for 35 yards (3.5 avg.) in his return. He also made a 27-yard catch and run to get Seattle into the red zone in the fourth quarter. Penny played 29 snaps on offense in the victory over San Francisco. Next week, the Seahawks will travel to Houston to take on the Texans. On the other sideline, offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill (2013-16) started for San Francisco and played all 58 snaps on offense and four snaps on special teams. Brunskill also made his first two tackles of the season (both solo) on both of Jimmy Garoppolo's interceptions. The 49ers head to Cincinnati for a matchup with the Bengals in Week 14.
Offensive lineman Keith Ismael (2017-19) also started and was on the field for all 67 snaps on offense for Washington's last-second win over Las Vegas. They will take on Dallas in a divisional matchup in Week 14.
Cornerback Darren Hall (2018-20) played for 44 defensive snaps and seven special teams snaps for Atlanta. Hall recorded five tackles (three solo). Hall and the Falcons will go to Carolina.
Linebacker Calvin Munson (2013-16) was on the field for 15 snaps on special teams in New England's snowy Monday night victory over Buffalo. The Patriots will go on a bye before returning for a Saturday matchup in Indianapolis in Week 15. Fullback Nick Bawden (2014-17) saw action for six snaps on offense and 15 snaps on special teams for the New York Jets. They will play New Orleans next Sunday. T
ight end David Wells (2014-17) and long snapper Aaron Brewer (2008-11) are on injured reserve for Arizona. Offensive lineman Jacob Capra (2019-20) and tight end Kahale Warring (2016-18) are on the practice squad for Buffalo. Defensive lineman Alex Barrett (2013-16) and cornerback Luq Barcoo (2018-19) are on San Francisco's practice squad.
In the NBA, guard Malachi Flynn (2020) played in two games in the last week for Toronto. Flynn averaged 2.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 0.5 steals. On the season, he is averaging 2.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.1 blocks. Forward Jalen McDaniels (2018-19) appeared in a game for Charlotte before entering the health and safety protocols with many of his teammates. On Wednesday, McDaniels put up five points, four rebounds, one assist, and two blocks. So far this season, he is averaging 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.4 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game. Forward Kawhi Leonard (2010-11) is on the Los Angeles Clippers, but is sitting out while recovering from a Torn ACL suffered during last season's playoffs.
On the PGA Tour, Xander Schauffele (2013-15) tied for 12th in the Hero World Challenge at 10-under-par. He is ranked fifth in the world.