Buffs In The NFL: 13 Buffs Open 2018 Season On NFL Rosters

With teams across the NFL announcing their 53-man rosters for the upcoming season over the weekend, 13 former University of Colorado football players open the 2018 season on active rosters.

Hometown running back Phillip Lindsay finally secured his spot on the hometown team, as the Denver Broncos announced Lindsay had made the 53-man roster on Saturday. Lindsay proved his worth both offensively and on special teams, where he made several tackles as a 'gunner' and handled some kick and punt return duties in the preseason. Offensively, he gained 70 yards on 13 carries and hauled in four passes for 58 yards over the Broncos first three preseason contests. Typically a showcase for players on the fringes of the top-53, Lindsay did not play in Denver's fourth preseason game, becoming the first undrafted free agent in over 40 years to make the Broncos roster without playing the final preseason contest.

Unproven entering training camp, Lindsay donned the No. 2 throughout the preseason. After learning that he had made the team, however, Lindsay was required to switch numbers by the NFL jersey numbering system. With the permission of Hall of Fame running back Terrell Davis, Lindsay will wear No. 30 for the Broncos.

I just got off the phone with Broncos rookie RB Phillip Lindsay who ask for my permission to rock the #30. Permission granted. Outstanding young man! It was time to dust off the ole three O. Good luck. #MakeItYours
— Terrell Davis (@Terrell_Davis) September 4, 2018

Also representing the 2017 Buffs, cornerback Isaiah Oliver enters his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons. Oliver was selected in the second round, 58^th overall, and has quickly climbed to second on the Falcons' depth chart.

Oliver joins the trio of second-year CU defensive backs he starred alongside during the Buffs' magical 2016 season. Tedric Thompson enters the season second on the depth chart at free safety in Seattle. With longtime starter Earl Thomas' uncertain future with the Seahawks, Thompson could be in for an increased role with the team this season.

Cornerbacks Ahkello Witherspoon and Chidobe Awuzie enter the season as projected starters for two of the leagues most storied franchised, the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. Witherspoon will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best, as he will line up opposite four-time Pro Bowler, Richard Sherman. Awuzie has continued to elevate his game since regaining health midway through last season, snagging his first interception in the Cowboys' season finale against the eventual-Super Bowl Champion Eagles. Entering his second year at full-health, Awuzie has followed up a promising end to his rookie season in even more impressive fashion:

Are you serious, @ChidobeAwuzie?!?! ?????? #CINvsDAL

??: @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/DN7zZchKzW
— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2018

Two established veteran starters will both compete for spots on the NFC Pro Bowl roster: left tackles Nate Solder and David Bahktiari. Solder and Bakhtiari have been tasked with protecting two of the game's biggest stars in quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. Now, Solder will add Eli Manning to that list; after spending the first seven season of his career in New England, he signed a 4-year/ $62 million contract with the New York Giants over the offseason, making him the second highest-paid offensive lineman in football. Bakhtiari will enter his sixth season with the Packers and is coming off his second consecutive season as a second team All-pro.

Like Solder, wide receiver Paul Richardson will take the field in new colors this season, after signing a new 5-year/ $40 million contract with the Washington Redskins. After struggling through three injury-plagued seasons, Richardson showed what he's capable of last season, grabbing 44 receptions and six touchdowns for the Seahawks.

Other Buffs on NFL rosters: Ken Crawley (Saints), Mason Crosby (Packers), Daniel Munyer (Cardinals), Jimmy Smith (Ravens) and Josh Tupou (Bengals); two others, Afolabi Laguda (Rams) and Devin Ross (Titans), open the season on injured reserve.

Notes: Five defensive backs that played for Coach Mike MacIntyre at Colorado are now on NFL rosters. With the addition of Isaiah Oliver's $4.6 million contract, their rookie deals are worth a combined $17.5 million.

Buffs In The NFL: 13 Buffs Open 2018 Season On NFL Rosters

Players Mentioned

Chidobe Awuzie

Afolabi Laguda

Phillip Lindsay

Isaiah Oliver

Devin Ross

Tedric Thompson

Josh Tupou

Ahkello Witherspoon

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