Folks, the NFL season has officially begun. That means that former Penn State football players in the NFL are back.

While Penn State survived its home opener against Bowling Green, players who used to wear the blue and white kicked off their NFL season. Overall, it was a quiet week for the Nittany Lions, as many didn’t make significant impacts for their teams.

However, some Penn State alums made a huge impression in week one, and one of them made headlines with a history-making performance. In case you missed this weekend’s action, here’s how the Nittany Lions fared in week one of the NFL season.

Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

Brazil, remember the name: Saquon Barkley.

After signing with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, Barkley made an instant impact for his new team with a historic debut against the Green Bay Packers on Friday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He led the Eagles to a 34-29 victory over the Packers by rushing for 109 yards on 24 carries and scoring two rushing touchdowns.

However, Barkley was not done, as he was involved in the passing game as well by recording two receptions for 23 yards and a receiving touchdown. With this performance, Barkley made Eagles history by becoming the first player to score three touchdowns in an Eagles debut since Terrell Owens in 2004.

SAQUON pic.twitter.com/eRGU6ZDaz0

— Onward State (@OnwardState) September 7, 2024

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers

Just like the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense, tight end Pat Freiermuth had a quiet day for the team in its 18-10 victory against the Atlanta Falcons. He caught all of his four targets for 27 yards, with his longest play going for 10 yards. Freiermuth finished with the second-most targets on the Steelers behind George Pickens.

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints

Despite being the backup tight end on the New Orleans Saints depth chart, Juwan Johnson took advantage of his opportunities during his team’s 47-10 blowout win against the Carolina Panthers. Johnson had just two catches for 26 yards, but his first catch of the game resulted in a touchdown that put the Saints up 30-0 with less than two minutes left in the first half.

We see you, @juwanplease pic.twitter.com/fhZIhduQPg

— Onward State (@OnwardState) September 8, 2024

Jaquan Brisker, Chicago Bears

Safety Jaquan Brisker made a huge impact for the Chicago Bears as he recorded five solo tackles and five assisted tackles during the Bears’ 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. Brisker finished the game with the second-most recorded total tackles for the Bears on a defense that forced three turnovers and one touchdown.

Arnold Ebiteke, Atlanta Falcons

Despite the 18-10 loss against the Steelers, defensive end Arnold Ebiketie and the Atlanta Falcons defense did not allow the Steelers’ offense to score a single touchdown. During the game, Ebiketie recorded five tackles, and one of the five tackles was assisted.

Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

Defensive end Micah Parsons continued to be the main catalyst of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense. During the Cowboys’ 33-17 win against the Cleveland Browns, Parsons made his presence known by recording four tackles, one sack, and a pass deflection. His pass deflection was huge, as it led to an interception by the Cowboys’ defense in the second quarter of the game.

Light him up, Micah pic.twitter.com/mLyJIz0svp

— Onward State (@OnwardState) September 8, 2024

Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals

Tight end Mike Gesicki made his debut with the Cincinnati Bengals during their 16-10 loss to the New England Patriots. Gesicki recorded three catches in four targets for 18 yards. Originally, Gesicki scored a touchdown on his debut but unfortunately, his touchdown was overturned as the referees determined that quarterback Joe Burrow’s pass to Gesicki was incomplete.

Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Wide receiver Chris Godwin had a significant impact on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ high-powered offense during the Buccaneers’ 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders. He led the team in receiving yards and targets with 83 receiving yards and eight targets. In the process, Godwin scored a receiving touchdown and caught all eight of his targets.

Chris Godwin knows how to start a season pic.twitter.com/jF3Udb0m3T

— Onward State (@OnwardState) September 8, 2024

Other Notables

• It was a debut to forget for Theo Johnson, as the rookie only made one reception on four targets for 18 yards during the New York Giants’ 28-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
• Linebacker Odafe Oweh had three solo tackles and one assisted tackle for the Baltimore Ravens during his team’s 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night.
• Just like the Carolina Panthers’ struggles in week one, running back Miles Sanders struggled as he recorded five carries for 22 yards and did not catch any of his two targets.
• Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. had minimal impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense as he only tallied two solo tackles and one assist.
• Cornerback Ji’Ayir Brown got on the stat sheet for the San Francisco 49ers win on Monday night, notching three tackles in a 32-19 win over the New York Jets.