SAN DIEGO – Six 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 62 snaps on offense, all but one. He caught one of his four targets for four yards in a win over Washington. On Saturday, the Giants will play in Minnesota, which just completed the largest comeback in NFL history. Atlanta cornerback Darren Hall (2018-20) started and recorded a solo tackle against New Orleans. He played 48 snaps on defense. Next, the Falcons head to Baltimore for a Week 16 matchup on Saturday. Pittsburgh safety Damontae Kazee (2013-16) recorded a tackle while playing 15 snaps on defense and nine on special teams in a win over Carolina. The Steelers host Las Vegas for a primetime game on Saturday night. San Francisco offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill (2013-16) played 36 snaps on offense and four on special teams in a Thursday night win over Seattle. Next week, the 49ers host Washington on Saturday. Arizona linebacker Cameron Thomas (2019-21) was on the field for 10 snaps on defense and five on special teams against Denver. His teammate - long snapper Aaron Brewer (2008-11) - played for nine special teams snaps. The Cardinals host Tampa Bay in a Christmas primetime matchup on Sunday. Offensive lineman Zachary Thomas (2017-21) did not appear for the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night against Green Bay. Next week, the Rams host Denver on Sunday afternoon.
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 two games. On the week, he averaged 25.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 2.5 steals and 1.0 block per game. Leonard set or tied season highs on Saturday with 31 points, nine rebounds, three steals and a block in a win over Washington. This season, he is averaging 15.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks. Forward Jalen McDaniels (2017-19) started one of his four games for the Charlotte Hornets. He averaged 12.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.0 block. His season numbers are 10.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steal and 0.6 blocks per game. Guard Malachi Flynn (2020) appeared in three games for Toronto. This week, Flynn put together 11.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.7 steals per game. On the season, he is averaging 6.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.1 blocks.
On the PGA Tour, Xander Schauffele (2013-15) is ranked sixth in the world while J.J. Spaun (2009-12) ranks 87th in the world and 46th in the FedEx Cup and Scott Piercy (1999-2001) ranks 80th in the FedEx Cup.