Penn State Football in NFL This Week: Parker Washington Shines

The NFL preseason kicked off this week for most NFL teams, which means old familiar Nittany Lions continue to make their NFL dreams come true.

Here is a rundown of how former Penn State stars fared in the NFL this week:

Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars

Parker Washington made one of the most impressive plays of the entire preseason under the NFL’s new kickoff rule against the Chiefs this weekend.

Washington took a kickoff back 73 yards under the new rules. After the game, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence noted on Washington “He’s a spark … he’s been working super hard, so it’s cool to see the work paying off more than anything. He’s earned it.”

Washington added one catch for 10 yards on offense and one punt return for 13 yards in the game.

“I’m Parker Washington.” – Parker Washington@CPW11_ | #KCvsJAX on CBS pic.twitter.com/tzjVrqujvG

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 10, 2024

Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars

Brenton Strange, Penn State Football, Jacksonville Jaguars — Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Brenton Strange made his preseason debut for the Jaguars this weekend. The former Nittany Lion tight end caught one pass for seven yards in the Jaguars’ 26-13 win over the Chiefs.

Adrian Amos, Jacksonville Jaguars

Now in his 11th season in the NFL, Adrian Amos is on his fourth team in four years. Amos made one solo tackle for the Jaguars in this weekend’s win over the Chiefs.

Allen Robinson, New York Giants

After a disappointing year in Pittsburgh in 2023, former Nittany Lion wide receiver Allen Robinson is looking to get back on track with the New York Giants this season. Heading into his 11th year in the NFL, Robinson made one catch for nine yards in his debut for the Giants this weekend.

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers

Former Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth is heading into his fourth season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Freiermuth had a down year in 2023 as the Steelers’ offense struggled mightily under former Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett and offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Now with a new offensive coordinator and Russell Wilson (or Justin Fields) under center, Freiermuth will hope for a more consistent 2024. Freiermuth had one catch for six yards this weekend.

Arnold Ebiketie, Atlanta Falcons

The former standout transfer pass rusher, Arnold Ebiketie, is headed into his second season in Atlanta. Ebiketie had one tackle in Atlanta’s first game this weekend.

PJ Mustipher, Philadelphia Eagles

Former Nittany Lions defensive tackle PJ Mustipher made his debut for the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend after spending the 2023 season with the New Orleans Saints. Mustipher recorded three tackles in the Eagles win over the Ravens.

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Jordan Stout, Baltimore Ravens

Former Penn State specialist Jordan Stout has excelled over his first two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Stout punted six times for 309 yards with a long punt of 64 yards in Baltimore’s loss to the Eagles this weekend.

KJ Hamler, Buffalo Bills

After a few injury-plagued years in Denver, KJ Hamler is now in Buffalo in his fourth season in the league. Hamler had one catch for nine yards this weekend for Buffalo. Hamler also returned two kicks for 21 yards and one punt for 15 yards this weekend.

Sean Clifford, Green Bay Packers

Penn State Football, Sean Clifford — Green Bay Packers quarterback Sean Clifford (Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire)

Former Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford is battling with rookie Michael Pratt for the backup job in Green Bay this season. Clifford played a majority of Green Bay’s game this weekend against the Browns completing 10 of his 19 passes for 111 yards and rushing for two yards on one carry. Clifford also lost a fumble in Green Bay’s 23-10 win.

Kalen King, Green Bay Packers

Former Nittany Lions cornerback Kalen King made his debut for the Green Bay Packers this weekend, recording two tackles in Green Bay’s 23-10 win over the Browns.

Curtis Jacobs, Kansas City Chiefs

Linebacker Curtis Jacobs made his preseason debut for the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs this weekend. Jacobs recorded one tackle in a 26-13 loss to the Jaguars.

Ji’Ayir Brown, San Fransisco 49ers

Now in his second year with the 49ers, Ji’Ayir Brown recorded two tackles in San Fransisco’s 17-13 loss to the Titans.

Kevin Givens, San Fransisco 49ers

Former Penn State defensive tackle Kevin Givens is headed into his sixth season in San Fransisco. Givens recorded one tackle in San Fransisco’s 17-13 loss this weekend. \

Keaton Ellis, Tennessee Titans

Penn State undrafted free agent rookie safety Keaton Ellis made his debut for the Tennessee Titans this weekend, recording three tackles in Tennessee’s 17-13 win.

Dan Chisena, Arizona Cardinals

Former Penn State walk-on turned special teams standout Dan Chisena led all Cardinals wide receivers this weekend with five catches for 63 yards in Arizona’s 16-14 loss to the Saints.

Jesse Luketa, Arizona Cardinals

Former Penn State linebacker/ defensive end Jesse Luketa made one tackle in Arizona’s 16-14 loss to the Saints this weekend.

Blake Gillikin, Arizona Cardinals

Penn State standout punter Blake Gillikin heads into his fourth season in the league, his second in Arizona. Gillikin punted five times for 221 yards with a long punt of 57 yards in Arizona’s loss to the Saints.

Shaka Toney, Dallas Cowboys

Returning from a suspension for violating the NFL gambling policy, Shaka Toney made his debut for the Dallas Cowboys this weekend. Toney recorded two tackles in Dallas’ 13-12 loss to the Rams.

With Penn State standouts Micah Parsons, Saquon Barkley, Miles Sanders, and Chris Godwin (among others) still yet to play this preseason, there will be plenty more to highlight in the upcoming weeks for Penn Staters in the NFL.