SAN DIEGO – Five former Aztecs played in the NFL while three competed in the NBA.
In the NFL, New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (2018-21) started and played 39 snaps on offense and one on special teams as he dealt with a rib injury. He finished third on the team in receptions as he caught all three of his targets for 19 yards. On Sunday night, the Giants will play in Washington. Pittsburgh safety Damontae Kazee (2013-16) made his second consecutive start and recorded four tackles (two solo) while playing 36 snaps on defense and four on special teams against Baltimore. The Steelers are in Carolina on Sunday. San Francisco offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill (2013-16) played 27 snaps on offense and five on special teams in a dominant win over Tampa Bay. Next week, the 49ers take on Seattle on Thursday night. Arizona linebacker Cameron Thomas (2019-21) was on the field for 17 snaps on defense and five on special teams. Thomas broke up a pass in the game and got a hand on New England quarterback Mac Jones in the first quarter to force his only interception of the game, which gave the Cardinals the ball in field goal range. His teammate, long snapper Aaron Brewer (2008-11), played six special teams snaps. The Cardinals play in Denver on Sunday. Offensive lineman Zachary Thomas (2017-21) did not appear for the Los Angeles Rams in a Thursday night win over Las Vegas. Next week, the Rams play in Green Bay on Monday night. Atlanta cornerback Darren Hall (2018-20) was on bye in Week 14. Now, the Falcons head to New Orleans for a Week 15 matchup.
Seattle running back Rashaad Penny (2014-17) and New York Jets fullback Nick Bawden (2014, 16-17) are on injured reserve. Former Aztecs on practice squads are defensive back Trenton Thompson (2016, 18-21) on the New York Giants, linebacker Calvin Munson (2013-16) on New England, linebacker Segun Olubi (2020-21) on Indianapolis, offensive lineman William Dunkle (2019-21) on Pittsburgh and offensive lineman Keith Ismael (2017-19), defensive lineman Alex Barrett (2013-16) and safety Tayler Hawkins (2017-21) on San Francisco.
In the NBA, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2010-11) started in three games. On the week, he put up 17.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 0.7 steals per game. Leonard set season highs on Monday night with 25 points, nine rebounds and six assists in a win over Boston. This season, he is averaging 13.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.2 blocks. Forward Jalen McDaniels (2017-19) started all three games for the Charlotte Hornets. He averaged 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks. His season numbers are 10.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.0 steal and 0.5 blocks per game. Guard Malachi Flynn (2020) appeared in Toronto's Wednesday night win over the Los Angeles Lakers. In the contest, Flynn scored five points and grabbed an offensive rebound. On the season, he is averaging 5.8 points, 1.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.1 blocks.