#ProTops: Offseason Update
Higbee relishes a Super Bowl win, Doyle rides off into the sunset, and others find new homes for 2022
The 2021 NFL Season was one for the ages. Our Hilltopper Football alumni were represented well and are expecting a more enormous output from the upcoming 2022 collegiate draft. Most of the representatives were among the several other athletes whose futures remained up for question after the previous season. Here is where everyone ended up:
Tyler Higbee
Higs finished 2021 with another productive season in Los Angeles. He made his strides with 61 receptions, 560 yards, and five touchdowns, averaging 9.2 yards a catch. He was also able to make some appearances in the Rams playoff run, obtaining 14 receptions for 115 yards in all three games as a Super Wild Card team. Unfortunately, he fell to a knee injury during the NFC Championship game against the 49ers.
He was placed on the injured reserve ahead of the Rams’ Super Bowl appearance on February 6th. The Rams were able to cruise to a nail-biting victory over the AFC champion Bengals. In just two years, Higbee is the second WKU Football alum to acquire a championship ring.
Jack Doyle
On March 7th, the pride of Indianapolis announced his retirement with the Colts.
He finished his ninth season in “The Horseshoe” starting 14 out of 17 games. Throughout his tenure, he caught 295 passes for 2,729 yards and 24 total touchdowns.
We wish Capt. Jack the best of luck in his post-NFL adventures and a huge congratulations on a successful career.
George Fant
Big George remains in his three-year deal that was signed in 20202 with the New York Jets. He is approaching the final year of his contract, leading some to speculate about his future with the team after 2022. Due to the signing of free agent Laken Tomlinson and the plans of the Jets to draft offensive tackles, Fant is pretty safe for the time being. Here’s to seeing more of Fant come fall. Speaking of more news from the Meadowlands…
Mike White is staying with the “gang of green.” After resigning fellow quarterback Joe Flacco to a one-year deal, the same was given to White in the agreeance of a restricted free agent tended contact. Both White and Flacco will remain under Zach Wilson, who is looking to have a better sophomore campaign as the starter.
https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-qb-mike-white-signs-rfa-tender
Joel Iyiegbuniwe
After being released by the Bears, Iggy was able to find the second home of his NFL career. The special teams’ gem signed a one-year deal with the Seahawks. Due to roster changes in Seattle, Iggy has a nice opportunity for more action on defense.
Forrest Lamp
Lamp stays in New Orleans, resigning with the Saints on an exclusive futures contract.
https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/forrest-lamp-guard-new-orleans-saints-nfl-free-agency-2022
Deon Yelder
Yelder is continuing to get a shot at making an NFL roster. After his stints with the Chiefs, Commanders, Giants, and Buccaneers, he was signed to the Cardinals on a futures deal. This involves him in the tight end group which includes Zach Ertz and Maxx Williams.
Elsewhere in the football world…
Taywan Taylor is back for another chance at professional football. After spending four years with stints for the Titans, Browns, and Texans, Taylor has resurfaced as a draft pick in the revamped United States Football League. He was selected by the New Orleans Breakers.
Here is a tidbit on getting to know Taywan and the rest of his teammates. The Breakers will open their USFL season on Easter Sunday.
https://www.nola.com/sports/article_ffb45880-b5c9-11ec-8cf6-0f0c0d298361.html
Tacorian Darden was able to find opportunities after participating in the 2021 NFL Draft. His last appearance was with the Lousiville Xtreme of the Indoor Football League.
Lucky Jackson is the newest import to our football friends north of the border. He signed a deal with the CFL’s defending Grey Cup Champions, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
