Former Gators make Week 9 impact in NFL
Van Jefferson scored his first touchdown of the season, while several former Florida defenders and specialists produced notable performances.
Former Florida receiver Van Jefferson delivered his best catch total since 2021 in Week 9, finishing with five receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown for Washington. Jefferson, signed to the Commanders' 53-man roster on Oct. 28, caught a 7-yard scoring pass in the second quarter. It was his first touchdown this season and his first since Week 11 of 2025 with Tennessee.
Jonathan Greenard recorded his first sack with Philadelphia, adding three quarterback hurries and three tackles against the Giants. His 88.0 PFF defensive grade ranked fifth among NFL edge rushers for the week. Jacksonville linebacker Ventrell Miller tied for the team lead with seven tackles against Baltimore and posted a 91.7 PFF defensive grade, third among linebackers in Week 9.
Dallas linebacker Shemar James Sr. recovered the first fumble of his NFL career and made five tackles across 61 defensive snaps. In only 12 snaps for Seattle, Dante Fowler Jr. recorded his first sack of the season. His PFF defensive grade was 87.9. Tampa Bay linebacker Alex Anzalone intercepted a pass for the third time in two games, raising his career-high season total to four.
Cincinnati kicker Evan McPherson converted both field-goal attempts and all four extra points, including a 57-yard field goal. He is 6-for-6 from 50-plus yards this season. His 24 consecutive field goals extended the Bengals' franchise record and maintained the NFL's longest active streak.
Green Bay rookie Trey Smack went 3-for-3 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points, with a long of 51 yards. Philadelphia rookie long snapper Rocco Underwood recovered a muffed punt for his first career fumble recovery. Buffalo rookie punter Tommy Doman Jr. forced a fumble with a hit on returner Myles Price, his first forced fumble in college or the NFL. He also recorded his first NFL tackle.
Why it matters
Former Florida players contributed on offense, defense and special teams across Week 9. McPherson extended the NFL's longest active field-goal streak, while Jefferson, Greenard, Fowler and James reached personal season or career milestones.
What to watch next
Smack and Green Bay host Minnesota this upcoming Sunday, when Doman and Buffalo also take on the Jets.
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