With the regular season winding down, Weeks 14 through 17 featured a wide range of performances from Stanford alumni across the league — from explosive offensive stretches to steady defensive contributions, even as several teams navigated difficult late-season slates. Here is a look at how Cardinal players closed out 2025.
Standout performances
Michael Wilson ’22 M.A. ’22 (WR, Arizona Cardinals)
Wilson capped off a breakout second half of the season with four productive outings, totaling 23 receptions for 337 yards and five receiving touchdowns across Weeks 14–17. His Week 14 performance, 11 catches for 142 yards and two scores, set the tone, and he followed it with a touchdown in each of the final three games. Despite Arizona going winless during the stretch, Wilson remained the focal point of the Cardinals’ passing attack. Wilson eclipsed 1,000 yards on the season for the first time in his three-year career, a feat particularly impressive after having just eight catches for 52 yards through the first five games of the season.
Christian McCaffrey ’18 (RB, San Francisco 49ers)
McCaffrey continued to play in dominant fashion, combining rushing efficiency with consistent receiving production. Over Weeks 15–17, he logged 66 carries for 330 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, while adding 11 receptions for 84 yards and two receiving scores. His ability to control games from scrimmage remained central to San Francisco’s late-season success. It will not be shocking if the Colorado native earns a few league-MVP votes.
Colby Parkinson ’19 (TE, Los Angeles Rams)
Parkinson delivered a strong four-game stretch, recording 16 receptions for 181 yards and three touchdowns between Weeks 14 and 17. His two-touchdown performance in Week 15 highlighted his red-zone reliability as the Rams went 2–2 over that span.
Notable contributions
Elijah Higgins ’23 (AZ) — Finished the stretch with a breakout Week 16, hauling in seven receptions for 91 yards after limited involvement earlier in the run, as Arizona went winless during the period.
Solomon Thomas ’18 (DAL) — Recorded three total tackles across Weeks 16 and 17, contributing defensively as Dallas closed the regular season.
Dalton Schultz ’18 (HOU) — Played a key role in Houston’s perfect 4–0 stretch, tallying 19 receptions and three touchdowns across four games.
Foster Sarell ’22 (LAC) — Anchored the offensive line during the Chargers’ late-season push, including a Week 14 win over Philadelphia.
Kendall Williamson ’23 (LAC) — Posted consistent defensive output with five total tackles over three games as Los Angeles went 3–1.
Thomas Booker IV ’22 (LV) — Logged double-digit total tackles across four games, providing steady interior defense despite Las Vegas going winless.
Jake Bailey ’17 (MIA) — Punted in all four contests, averaging solid yardage each week as Miami finished 2–2 over the stretch.
Austin Hooper ’17 (NE) — Contributed late with receptions in Weeks 16 and 17, including a touchdown in the season finale.
Justin Reid ’18 (NO) — Returned to action late, posting 11 total tackles over Weeks 16 and 17.
Paulson Adebo ’20 (NYG) — Recorded 12 total tackles across three games, maintaining a steady presence in the Giants’ secondary.
Harrison Phillips ’18 (NYJ) — Finished strong with 15 total tackles from Weeks 14–17, despite New York going winless during that stretch.
Elic Ayomanor ’26 (TEN) — Closed the season with consistent involvement, totaling 10 receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown over four games as Tennessee went 2–2.
Season notes
Unfortunately, Weeks 14–17 also brought season-ending injuries for multiple Stanford alumni. Kyu Blu Kelly ’23 (LV) suffered a ruptured patella tendon in Week 14, while Zach Ertz ’13 (WSH) tore his ACL in the same week and was lost for the remainder of the season.
By the numbers
Across Weeks 14–17, Stanford alumni combined for over 1,100 receiving yards, nine receiving touchdowns, multiple rushing scores and well over 70 total tackles. Several Cardinal players served as primary contributors for playoff-contending teams, while others remained productive despite difficult team outcomes. As the regular season comes to a close, Stanford’s presence across the NFL once again reflected the program’s depth and versatility at the professional level.