The Washington Commanders have released former Penn State defensive back Troy Apke, the team announced Tuesday afternoon.

Apke was among several players released by the Commanders in order to decrease their roster size to 85. He had been with the team since he entered the NFL in 2018.

Apke spent four seasons in Happy Valley from 2014 to 2017, totaling 105 tackles and two interceptions during his tenure. He earned an honorable All-Big Ten mention following his senior season in 2017.

Apke was later selected by Washington in the fourth round with the No. 109 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He played in 50 games (nine starts) for the Commanders and totaled 68 tackles and one interception during his four seasons in Washington.

It is not a huge surprise to see Coach Ron Rivera and Co. move on from Apke given the emergence of other players, such as Kamren Curl, in the secondary. However, with his track record, he could very well earn a spot on another team in the near future.

About the Author

Nolan Wick

Nolan wrote for Onward State from 2021 until 2025. He mainly covered Penn State football, men’s hockey, and baseball, and he was also an associate editor. A Silver Spring, Maryland, native, Nolan is an avid D.C. sports and Liverpool fan. You can follow him on Twitter @nolan_wick.

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