Local NFL Players Celebrate Holiday Season With Big Plays During Week 16
Dec 24, 2022, 9:41 PM | Updated: Jan 1, 2023, 1:12 pm
Taysom Hill #7 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball during the second half in the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The local NFL players celebrated the holiday season with big-time performances during the NFL’s Week 16.
Here is how all of the players with ties to the state of Utah performed during the 16th week of the 2022 NFL season.
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Former Utah Utes
Leki Fotu – Defensive Lineman – Arizona Cardinals (4-10)
The former Utah defensive lineman had three tackles in Arizona’s 19-16 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football on Christmas Day, December 25.
Next Game: @ Atlanta Falcons on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Tyler Huntley – Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
The former Utah quarterback was 9/17 passing for 115 yards and a touchdown in Baltimore’s 17-9 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24. Huntley also ran the ball 11 times for 26 yards.
Next Game: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
RELATED: Report: Ravens QB Tyler Huntley Voted NFL Pro Bowl Alternate
TD + Two-Point Conversion for @_SNOOP1 💪 💨#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #RavensFlock #ATLvsBAL #GoUtes https://t.co/DwbukyCA7I
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 24, 2022
Marcus Williams – Safety – Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
The former Utah defensive back had three total tackles and two solo tackles in Baltimore’s 17-9 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Jaylon Johnson – Cornerback – Chicago Bears (3-12)
The former Utah defensive back is on Chicago’s Injured Reserve list. The Bears suffered a 35-13 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Detroit Lions on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
The 2022 @NFL season has come to an end for a former @Utah_Football standout.#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #DaBears #GoUtes https://t.co/vu1MNotyKy
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 24, 2022
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Garett Bolles – Offensive Line – Denver Broncos (4-10)
The former Utah offensive lineman is currently on Denver’s Injured Reserve list with a leg injury. The Broncos suffered a 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25.
Next Game: @ Kansas City Chiefs on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Tim Patrick – Wide Receiver – Denver Broncos (4-10)
The former Utah wide receiver is currently on Denver’s Injured Reserve list with a knee injury. The Broncos suffered a 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25.
Next Game: @ Kansas City Chiefs on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Julian Blackmon – Safety – Indianapolis Colts (4-10-1)
The former Utah defensive back had nine total tackles and five solo tackles in Indianapolis’ 20-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday, December 26.
Next Game: @ New York Giants on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Zack Moss – Running Back – Indianapolis Colts (4-10-1)
The former Utah running back had 12 carries for 65 yards and one reception for five yards in Indianapolis’ 20-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday, December 26.
Next Game: @ New York Giants on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Devin Lloyd – Linebacker – Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8)
The former Utah linebacker had nine total tackles, six solo tackles, one interception, and a pass breakup in Jacksonville’s 19-3 win over the New York Jets on Thursday, December 22.
Next Game: @ Houston Texans on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
🙌 intercepts 🤙 on #TNFonPrime. 👀 #LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #DUUUVAL #TakeFlight #JAXvsNYJ #GoUtes #BYUFOOTBALLhttps://t.co/eC0uOphFkt
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 23, 2022
Jackson Barton – Offensive Lineman – Las Vegas Raiders (6-9)
The former Utah offensive lineman was inactive for Las Vegas’ 13-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. San Francisco 49ers on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 2:05 p.m. (MDT) on FOX
Matt Gay – Kicker – Los Angeles Rams (5-10)
The former Utah kicker was 3/3 on field goals and 6/6 on PATs in Los Angeles’ 51-14 win over the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25.
Next Game: @ Los Angeles Chargers on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL 5 TV
Eric Rowe – Cornerback – Miami Dolphins (8-7)
The former Utah defensive back had six tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup, and a quarterback hit in Miami’s 26-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25.
Next Game: @ New England Patriots on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Chase Hansen – Linebacker – New Orleans Saints (6-9)
The former Utah defensive back had four total tackles and two solo tackles in New Orleans’ 17-10 win over the Cleveland Browns on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Britain Covey – Wide Receiver – Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)
The former Utah wide receiver and the Eagles suffered a 40-34 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. New Orleans Saints on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Mitch Wishnowsky – Punter – San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
The former Utah punter punted twice with average of 40.0 yards per kick San Francisco’s 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Las Vegas Raiders on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 2:05 p.m. (MDT) on FOX
Cody Barton – Linebacker – Seattle Seahawks (7-8)
The former Utah linebacker had nine total tackles and five solo tackles in Seattle’s 24-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. New York Jets on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 2:05 p.m. (MDT) on FOX
Practice Squad Players
- Cole Fotheringham – Tight End – Las Vegas Raiders
- Terrell Burgess – Safety – New York Giants
- Bradlee Anae – Defensive End – New York Jets
- Javelin Guidry – Cornerback – Atlanta Falcons
Former BYU Cougars
Andy Reid – Head Coach – Kansas City Chiefs (12-3)
The former BYU player and graduate assistant led the Chiefs to a 24-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. Denver Broncos on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Tyler Allgeier – Running Back – Atlanta Falcons (5-10)
The former BYU running back ran the ball 18 times for 74 yards in Atlanta’s 17-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24. Allgeier also had four receptions for 43 yards.
Next Game: vs. Arizona Cardinals on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Brady Christensen – Offensive Lineman – Carolina Panthers (6-9)
The former BYU offensive lineman and the Panthers beat the Detroit Lions, 37-23, on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Sione Takitaki – Linebacker – Cleveland Browns (6-9)
The former BYU linebacker is currently on Cleveland’s Injured Reserve list. The Browns suffered a 17-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Washington Commanders on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Jamaal Williams – Running Back – Detroit Lions (7-8)
The former BYU running back ran the ball seven times for 11 yards in Detroit’s 37-23 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24. Williams also had two receptions for three yards.
Next Game: vs. Chicago Bears on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Michael Davis – Cornerback – Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
The former BYU defensive back had seven total tackles, five solo tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception in Los Angeles’ 20-3 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, December 26.
Next Game: vs. Los Angeles Rams on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL 5 TV
Monday Night Football INT for former @BYUfootball Michael Davis 🏈#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #BoltUp #LACvsIND #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL @kyleireland https://t.co/rHl2JH7cNK
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 27, 2022
Kyle Van Noy – Linebacker – Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
The former BYU linebacker had two tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits in Los Angeles’ 20-3 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, December 26.
Next Game: vs. Los Angeles Rams on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL 5 TV
Khyiris Tonga – Defensive Tackle – Minnesota Vikings (12-3)
The former BYU defensive lineman had one tackle, 0.5 sacks, one pass breakup, and a quarterback hit in Minnesota’s 27-24 win over the New York Giants on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Green Bay Packers on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Taysom Hill – Tight End – New Orleans Saints (6-9)
The former BYU quarterback had nine carries for 56 yards and a touchdown in New Orleans’ 17-10 win over the Cleveland Browns on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
A Taysom TD ties it up in Cleveland. 😤 #LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #Saints #NOvsCLE #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/kWm5ujRTcY
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 24, 2022
Daniel Sorensen – Safety – New Orleans Saints (6-9)
The former BYU defensive back had seven total tackles, two solo tackles, one interception, and a pass breakup in New Orleans’ 17-10 win over the Cleveland Browns on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Dirty Dan gets his first pick with the @Saints. ⚜️ #LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #Saints #NOvsCLE #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/c9K5fc7qsX
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 24, 2022
Zach Wilson – Quarterback – New York Jets (7-8)
The former BYU quarterback was 9/18 passing for 92 yards and an interception in New York’s 19-3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, December 22. Wilson also ran the ball once for one yard.
Next Game: @ Seattle Seahawks on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 2:05 p.m. (MDT) on FOX
Social media took off with takes on #ZachWilson after the @nyjets benched the young quarterback during #TNFonPrime. 🔥 ✈️ 🏈#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #TakeFlight #JAXvsNYJ #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/IZcpXdKS8z
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 23, 2022
Fred Warner – Linebacker – San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
The former BYU linebacker had 13 total tackles and eight solo tackles in San Francisco’s 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Las Vegas Raiders on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 2:05 p.m. (MDT) on FOX
Dax Milne – Wide Receiver – Washington Commanders (7-7-1)
The former BYU wide receiver returned three kickoffs for a total of 54 yards and one punt for four yards in Washington’s 37-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. Cleveland Browns on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Practice Squad Players
- Ty’Son Williams – Running Back – Arizona Cardinals
- Harvey Langi – Linebacker – Denver Broncos
- Zayne Anderson – Safety – Kansas City Chiefs
- James Empey – Offensive Lineman – Miami Dolphins
Former Utah State Aggies
Nick Vigil – Linebacker – Arizona Cardinals (4-10)
The former Utah State linebacker is currently on Arizona’s Injured Reserve list. The Cardinals suffered a 19-16 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football on Christmas Day, December 25.
Next Game: @ Atlanta Falcons on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Patrick Scales – Long Snapper – Chicago Bears (3-12)
The former Utah State long snapper had one tackle in Chicago’s 35-13 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Detroit Lions on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Jalen Davis – Cornerback – Cincinnati Bengals (11-4)
The former Utah State defensive back was inactive for Cincinnati’s 22-18 win over the New England Patriots on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. Buffalo Bills on Monday, January 2 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN
Dallin Leavitt – Safety – Green Bay Packers (7-8)
The former Utah State defensive back had two tackles and one carry for no gain in Green Bay’s 26-20 win over the Miami Dolphins on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25.
Next Game: vs. Minnesota Vikings on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Jordan Love – Quarterback – Green Bay Packers (7-8)
The former Utah State quarterback and the Packers beat the Miami Dolphins, 26-20 on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25.
Next Game: vs. Minnesota Vikings on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Tipa Galeai – Linebacker – Green Bay Packers (7-8)
The former Utah State linebacker is currently on Green Bay’s Injured Reserve. The Packers beat the Miami Dolphins, 26-20 on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25.
Next Game: vs. Minnesota Vikings on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS
Bobby Wagner – Linebacker – Los Angeles Rams (5-10)
The former Utah State linebacker had eight total tackles, five solo tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup, one interception, and two quarterback hits in Los Angeles’ 51-14 win over the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25.
Next Game: @ Los Angeles Chargers on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL 5 TV
Bobby Wagner picks off his former teammate!
📺: #DENvsLAR on CBS/NICK
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/xXDYpCJpC1 pic.twitter.com/sUN9Epcv49— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2022
Deven Thompkins – Wide Receiver – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)
The former Utah State receiver returned three kickoffs for a total of 68 yards and one punt for 14 yards in Tampa Bay’s 19-16 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday Night Football on Christmas Day, December 25.
Next Game: vs. Carolina Panthers on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Tyler Larsen – Offensive Lineman – Washington Commanders (7-7-1)
The former Utah State offensive lineman is currently on Washington’s Injured Reserve list. The Commanders suffered a 37-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. Cleveland Browns on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Practice Squad Players
- Derek Wright – Wide Receiver – Carolina Panthers
- Darwin Thompson – Running Back – Seattle Seahawks
Former Weber State Wildcats
Taron Johnson – Cornerback – Buffalo Bills (12-3)
The former Weber State defensive back had three tackles in Buffalo’s 35-13 win over the Chicago Bears on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, January 2 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN
Jonah Williams – Defensive End – Los Angeles Rams (5-10)
The former Weber State defensive end had three total tackles, two solo tackles, 0.5 sacks, and three quarterback hits in Los Angeles’ 51-14 win over the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25.
Next Game: @ Los Angeles Chargers on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL 5 TV
Rashid Shaheed – Wide Receiver – New Orleans Saints (6-9)
The former Weber State receiver had four receptions for 41 yards in New Orleans’ 17-10 win over the Cleveland Browns on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24. Shaheed also returned two kickoffs for a total of 47 yards and one punt for no gain.
Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Iosua Opeta – Offensive Lineman – Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)
The former Weber State offensive lineman was inactive for Philadelphia’s 40-34 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. New Orleans Saints on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Former Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Braxton Jones – Offensive Lineman – Chicago Bears (3-12)
The former Southern Utah offensive lineman and the Bears suffered a 35-13 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Detroit Lions on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Miles Killebrew – Safety – Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)
The former Southern Utah defensive back and the Steelers beat the Las Vegas Raiders, 13-10, on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Baltimore Ravens on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Former High School Players
Jay Tufele – Defensive Lineman – Cincinnati Bengals (Bingham/USC) (11-4)
The former Bingham standout and the Bengals beat the New England Patriots, 22-18, on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. Buffalo Bills on Monday, January 2 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN
Dalton Schultz – Tight End – Dallas Cowboys (Bingham/Stanford) (11-4)
The former Bingham standout had three receptions for 43 yards in Dallas’ 40-34 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Tennessee Titans on Thursday, December 29 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on Prime Video
Simi Fehoko – Wide Receiver – Dallas Cowboys (Brighton/Stanford) (11-4)
The former Brighton standout is currently on Dallas’ Injured Reserve list. The Cowboys beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 40-34, on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Tennessee Titans on Thursday, December 29 at 6:15 p.m. (MDT) on Prime Video
Penei Sewell – Offensive Lineman – Detroit Lions (Desert Hills/Oregon) (7-8)
The former Desert Hills standout and the Lions suffered a 37-23 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. Chicago Bears on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Alohi Gilman – Safety – Los Angeles Chargers (Orem/Notre Dame) (9-6)
The former Orem standout had six total tackles and two solo tackles in Los Angeles’ 20-3 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, December 26.
Next Game: vs. Los Angeles Rams on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT) on KSL 5 TV
Andre James – Offensive Lineman – Las Vegas Raiders (Herriman/UCLA) (6-9)
The former Herriman standout and the Raiders suffered a 13-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. San Francisco 49ers on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 2:05 p.m. (MDT) on FOX
Kaden Elliss – Linebacker – New Orleans Saints (Judge Memorial/Idaho) (6-9)
The former Judge Memorial standout had seven total tackles, five solo tackles, and a tackle for loss in New Orleans’ 17-10 win over the Cleveland Browns on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Philadelphia Eagles on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on FOX
Jaylen Warren – Running Back – Pittsburgh Steelers (East/Snow College/Oklahoma State) (7-8)
The former East and Snow College standout ran the ball six times for 23 yards and had one reception for seven yards in Pittsburgh’s 13-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: @ Baltimore Ravens on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on CBS
Bryan Mone – Defensive Lineman – Seattle Seahawks (Highland/Michigan) (7-8)
The former Highland standout is currently on Seattle’s Injured Reserve list. The Seahawks suffered a 24-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24.
Next Game: vs. New York Jets on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 2:05 p.m. (MDT) on FOX
Practice Squad Players
- Marcus Kemp – Wide Receiver – Kansas City Chiefs (Layton/Hawai’i)
- Porter Gustin – Linebacker – Miami Dolphins (Salem Hills/USC)
- Noah Togiai – Tight End – Philadelphia Eagles (Hunter/Oregon State)
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
