With the 2023 NFL playoffs shrinking from eight to four teams over the weekend, only three former Wisconsin Badgers remain in contention for a chance at the Lombardi Trophy.
Three Former Wisconsin Badgers Remain In 2023 Playoffs
When the playoffs began last week, 12 total Badgers were members of postseason teams. The Dolphins, who lost in the wild card round, had former Badgers Michael Deiter, Alec Ingold, and Andrew Van Ginkel.
The Baltimore Ravens, also eliminated in the first round, had Vince Biegal and Kevin Zeitler.
Fast-forward to the divisional round, and four more Wisconsin Badgers were eliminated from Super Bowl contention. Dallas had Tyler Biadasz and Jake Ferguson, while Jacksonville had Wisconsin Badgers alumni Kendric Pryor and Kole Van Lanen.
After an excited first two rounds of the playoffs, only four teams remain. Of those four teams, only two have at least one former Badger on their roster.
Melvin Gordon, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Melvin Gordon was drafted by the Chargers with the 15th overall pick in 2015. After five solid seasons with the Chargers, he made his way to Denver for the 2020 season. In his first two seasons with the Broncos, he rushed for 1,904 yards and 17 touchdowns. In 2022, Gordon took a step back in production, and he was eventually waived 10 games into the season. The former Badger signed with the Chiefs shortly after, however, he remained on their practice squad for the rest of 2022 and into the playoffs in 2023.
Leo Chanel, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
Leo Chanel is a rookie this season, and was drafted by the Chiefs in the third round. He started eight games, recording 35 tackles (19 solo) and one sack.
T.J. Edwards, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
T.J. Edwards has been a menace for opposing teams this season, leading his team in tackles with 159 (99 solo). His play this season earned him 23 All-Pro votes, three of them being first-team. Edwards has come a long way since going undrafted in 2019.
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