SAN DIEGO – Seven former Aztec players and a head coach have advanced to the NFL Playoffs.
In the NFL, New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (2018-21) rested with the other starters as the team earned the NFC's sixth seed. His rookie season finishes with 11 starts in 12 games. Despite the missed games, Bellinger ranked fifth on the squad with 30 receptions and 268 receiving yards, and tied for third with two receiving touchdowns. He also rushed once for a 2-yard touchdown and caught a 2-point conversion this season. Next Sunday, the Giants play in Minnesota against the Vikings, who are coached by former Aztec quarterback Kevin O'Connell (2004-07), in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Atlanta cornerback Darren Hall (2018-20) played for four snaps on defense and seven on special teams in a win over Tampa Bay. Hall appeared in all 17 games for the Falcons, starting nine of them and playing every defensive snap five times. He broke up three passes, forced and recovered a fumble, and recorded 45 tackles (29 solo) with one for a loss in his second season.
Pittsburgh safety Damontae Kazee (2013-16) intercepted Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson and returned it into field goal range in the third quarter. His interception led to a Najee Harris touchdown that would prove to be the difference in the game. Kazee also recorded two tackles while playing 30 snaps on defense and nine on special teams in Sunday's win over Cleveland. He started four of his nine games in his first season in Pittsburgh after a stint on the injured list. He finished the season tied for fourth on the Steelers with two interceptions, while adding two pass breakups. Kazee totaled 20 tackles (11 solo) as well.
For the second time this season, San Francisco offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill (2013-16) started and played every offensive snap in a 38-13 win over Arizona. He was on the field for 62 snaps on offense and six on special teams. This season, Brunskill played in 14 games. In the Wild Card Round, the second seed 49ers host division rival Seattle on Saturday afternoon.
Arizona linebacker Cameron Thomas (2019-21) sacked San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy on Sunday and was on the field for 18 snaps on defense and nine on special teams. Thomas played in all 17 games in his rookie season, breaking up a pass, recording three sacks and three additional hits on the quarterback to go with 18 total tackles (seven solo).
Linebacker Calvin Munson (2013-16) made his season debut in New England's game against Buffalo on Sunday and played 14 special teams snaps. Munson started the season on injured reserve in Miami before he was released in October and signed to the Patriots' practice squad, where he stayed until he was activated for the season's final contest.
Indianapolis linebacker Segun Olubi (2020-21) did not play in Week 18 but played nine snaps on special teams in each of the prior two weeks with a tackle in Week 17. After spending most of the season on the practice squad, Olubi was able to make his NFL debut in his first season.
Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Zachary Thomas (2017-21) also did not play in Week 18. The rookie saw his only action of the season with a snap on offense in Week 16's 51-14 win over Denver. After being drafted by Chicago, the Rams signed him from the Bears practice squad late in the season.
Seattle running back Rashaad Penny (2014-17) started the first five games of the season before going on injured reserve for the remainder of it. Penny rushed 57 times for 346 yards (6.1 avg.) and two touchdowns, while catching four passes for an additional 16 yards. A playoff return has not been ruled out as Seattle opens up their postseason in San Francisco on Saturday afternoon.
Arizona long snapper Aaron Brewer (2008-11) played 15 games and logged two solo tackles before missing the last two games of the season due to injury.
New York Jets fullback Nick Bawden (2014, 16-17) spent the season on injured reserve.
Rookie defensive back Trenton Thompson (2016, 18-21) made his NFL debut by playing 12 snaps on special teams in Week 12 for the New York Giants. Thompson spent the other games on New York's practice squad.
Rookie offensive lineman William Dunkle (2019-21) spent the season on Pittsburgh's practice squad.
Offensive lineman Keith Ismael (2017-19), defensive lineman Alex Barrett (2013-16) and rookie safety Tayler Hawkins (2017-21) all finished the season on the practice squad for San Francisco. Barrett and Hawkins spent the season there while Ismael started out on injured reserve in Washington before getting waived in September and subsequently signing with San Francisco.
In the NBA, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2010-11) started two games. On the week, he averaged 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. In Sunday's game against Atlanta, Leonard scored 29 points, his second-highest output of the campaign. This season, he is averaging 17.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks. Forward Jalen McDaniels (2017-19) started each of the three games for the Charlotte Hornets. He averaged 14.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks. His season numbers are 10.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. Guard Malachi Flynn (2020) appeared in all three games for Toronto. Last week, Flynn tallied two points, four rebounds and four assists. On the season, he is averaging 5.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.1 blocks.
On the PGA Tour, J.J. Spaun (2009-12) tied for fifth in the Sentry Tournament of Champions at 22-under-par while Xander Schauffele (2013-15) withdrew from the event with a back injury. Schauffele is ranked sixth in the world while Spaun ranks 65th in the world. This weekend, Spaun and Scott Piercy (1999-2001) will compete in the Sony Open in Hawai'i in Honolulu.
Aztecs in the Pros
