Keeping It Heel
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UNC Football well-represented as the NFL season kicks off

By Nick Delahanty

Dec 5, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the 2022 NFL season is underway, check out which former UNC football standouts are representing the program in the pros.

It’s that time of the year again: the NFL is back!

College football has been going on for a couple of weeks now, so sports fans now can enjoy football action on both Saturdays and Sundays once again.

As the NFL season gets underway, the UNC football program is well-represented among the league’s current rosters. At this point, there are a total of 21 former Tar Heels that are with an NFL team.

Here’s a list of former Tar Heels to keep an eye on throughout the 2022 NFL season:

Active Players:

Ty Chandler – Vikings*
James Hurst – Saints
Josh Ezeudu – Giants*
Tomon Fox – Giants*
Antonio Williams – Giants
Gio Bernard – Buccaneers
Dyami Brown – Commanders
Cole Holcomb – Commanders
Sam Howell – Commanders*
Javonte Williams – Broncos
Charlie Heck – Texans
MJ Stewart – Texans
Mack Hollins – Raiders
Michael Carter – Jets
Mitch Trubisky – Steelers
Robert Quinn – Bears

Practice Squad Players:

Myles Dorn – Vikings
Kyler McMichael – Bills*
Chazz Surratt – Jets

Reserve/Injured List:

Marcus McKethan – Giants (Injured Reserve)*

Reserve/Suspended:

Andre Smith – Bills

*- Denotes rookies

Six of the 21 Tar Heels listed are rookies, as they are fresh off their stints with the UNC football program.

The NFC East division is loaded with former UNC football standouts. Including McKethan, the New York Giants have four Tar Heels within their organization, while the Commanders are not far behind with three of their own.

Of the notable names, Mitch Trubisky is one that certainly stands out. Trubisky will begin the season as the Steelers starting quarterback and will look to secure the job as rookie Kenny Pickett is expected to get an opportunity at some point in the near future.

The former two-headed monster in the backfield (Williams and Carter) are also expected to play big roles for their teams. Williams is slotted as the Broncos’ starter at running back, as the addition of Russell Wilson could definitely help improve his production. The Jets are hopeful that Carter, along with rookie Breece Hall, can create a formidable duo in their backfield to help lead the team’s offensive attack.

We’ll all certainly be waiting to see if Sam Howell gets a chance to play during the regular season. During the preseason, Howell put together some impressive performances but may have to wait a while before his number is called.

Regardless of what NFL team you root for, it’s great to see so many former Tar Heels playing on Sundays. Hopefully, the season will be a successful one for those who played their college football careers in Chapel Hill.

Next. UNC Football Quick Hitters: Georgia State. dark

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