Badgers in the NFL: A Look at 4 Athletes that Went to the Pros
Wisconsin Badgers football's Leo Chenal (5) tackles Northwestern s Malik Washington (6) during their game Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won the game 35-7. Doug Raflik/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Fon Badgers Vs Northwestern Football 111321 Dcr171 LEDE 1
© Doug Raflik/USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK
From Camp Randall Stadium to NFL arenas, several Badgers have made the jump to the big leagues. Here are four Badgers currently in the NFL to keep an eye on.
Leo Chenal
Hailing from Grantsburg, Wisconsin, Leo Chenal spent 2019-2021 with the Wisconsin Badgers. During that time, the linebacker accumulated 181 total tackles with 12 sacks and an interception. During the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Chenal was picked by the Kansas City Chiefs. Now in his second season with the Chiefs, he's managed 34 total tackles and 2 sacks.
Andrew Van Ginkel
Andrew Van Ginkel played with the Badgers in 2017 and 2018. Coming from Rock Valley, Iowa, the offensive linebacker made 99 total tackles, 12 sacks for 96 yards, an interception, and a touchdown. Van Ginkel was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 5th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. So far in his career, he has played in 64 games, pulling off 213 total tackles (133 solo), 15 sacks, an interception, and 2 touchdowns.
Dec 27, 2018; Bronx, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (17) reacts to a defensive play with teammate linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) against the Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter in the 2018 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
© Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
T.J. Edwards
Lake Villa, Illinois native T.J. Edwards played for Wisconsin from 2014-2018. The linebacker played in 53 games and had 367 total tackles (215 solo), 8 sacks, and a touchdown. Edwards spent 4 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2022 he pulled off 159 total tackles which tied him for the sixth-most in the entire NFL that season. In 2023 Edwards moved to the Chicago Bears. He's played in 8 games so far this season and has already racked up 85 total tackles and 2 sacks.
Oct 1, 2011; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson (16) scores a touchdown as Nebraska Cornhuskers safety P.J. Smith (13) attempts a tackle during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
© Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Russell Wilson
Quarterback Russell Wilson is from Richmond, Virginia, and spent the 2011 season with the Wisconsin Badgers. During those 14 games, he made 338 rushing yards, 3175 passing yards, and 40 touchdowns. Wilson spent 2012-2021 with the Seattle Seahawks. In 2022 he was drafted by the Denver Broncos. Wilson has had an incredible career so far. In rushing he's gone 5,167 yards with 26 touchdowns. His passing stats are remarkable, he's managed a massive 42,196 yards with 324 touchdowns and 508 sacks.
Final Thoughts
These four former Badgers have not only made it to the NFL but have also proven to be vital assets for their respective teams. As they continue to build on their careers, we can only anticipate even greater things from these Badgers in the NFL.
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