Week 18 marked the close of the regular season for the NFL, bringing milestone performances, playoff clinches and the end of the road for several teams. As postseason matchups came into focus, former Cardinal made their final regular-season statements on both sides of the ball.
Standout performances
Michael Wilson ’22 M.A. ’22 (WR, Arizona Cardinals) — Wilson capped off a career-best season with five receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown in Arizona’s Week 18 loss. The second-year wideout finished the year with over 1,000 receiving yards, the best season of his young NFL career, and closed the final five weeks with a receiving touchdown in every game, firmly establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ offense despite Arizona finishing outside the playoff picture.
Colby Parkinson ’19 (TE, Los Angeles Rams) — Parkinson delivered a two-touchdown performance, hauling in four receptions on seven targets for 36 yards and two scores in the Rams’ regular-season finale. Los Angeles secured the No. 5 seed in the NFC and will travel to North Carolina for a Wild Card matchup against the Panthers.
Notable contributions
Elijah Higgins ’23 (AZ) — Three receptions on three targets for 28 yards in Arizona’s Week 18 loss. The Cardinals closed the season with just three wins and will not advance to the postseason.
Brycen Tremayne ’23 (CAR) — Two receptions for 27 yards in Carolina’s 16–14 loss to Tampa Bay. Despite the defeat, the Panthers claimed the division title and will host the Rams in the Wild Card round.
Drew Dalmen ’20 (CHI) — Continued anchoring Chicago’s offensive line as the Bears locked up the No. 2 seed, setting up a home playoff matchup against division rival Green Bay.
Solomon Thomas ’18 (DAL) — Recorded an assisted tackle as Dallas finished the season at 7–9–1 and fell short of a playoff berth.
Davis Mills ’22 (HOU) — Completed three of nine pass attempts in Houston’s finale. The Texans earned the No. 5 seed in the AFC and will head into the playoffs next week.
Dalton Schultz ’18 (HOU) — Caught all four of his targets for 73 yards, continuing his steady presence in Houston’s passing game as the Texans prepare for postseason play.
Walker Little ’21 (JAX) — Contributed on the offensive line as Jacksonville secured the No. 3 seed in the AFC and will host Buffalo in the Wild Card round.
Foster Sarell ’21 (LAC) — Helped protect up front as the Chargers clinched the No. 7 seed, setting up a road playoff matchup against New England.
Thomas Booker IV ’22 (LV) — Logged a solo tackle in Las Vegas’ Week 18 win over Kansas City, a bright finish to an otherwise difficult season for the Raiders.
Jake Bailey ’19 (MIA) — Punted six times for a 40.8-yard average in Miami’s loss to New England. The Dolphins closed the season outside the playoff field.
Austin Hooper ’17 (NE) — Recorded a five-yard reception as New England secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC and will host the Chargers next week.
Justin Reid ’18 (NO) — Finished with an assisted tackle in New Orleans’ finale. After three consecutive Super Bowl appearances with the Kansas City Chiefs, Reid and the Saints will miss the postseason this year.
Paulson Adebo ’19 (NYG) — Tallied three total tackles as the Giants wrapped up a 4–13 season.
Bobby Okereke ’18 (NYG) — Posted six tackles (three solo, three assist) in New York’s season finale.
Harrison Phillips ’18 (NYJ) — Recorded four tackles and a special teams stop as the Jets closed the year at 3–14.
Tanner McKee ’23 (PHI) — Completed 21 of 40 passes with a touchdown and an interception in Philadelphia’s finale. The Eagles earned the No. 3 seed in the NFC and will host San Francisco in the Wild Card round.
Christian McCaffrey ’18 (SF) — Finished with eight carries for 23 yards and added six receptions for 34 yards in San Francisco’s loss to Seattle. The defeat dropped the 49ers from having the playoffs go through San Francisco, to the No. 6 seed, setting up a playoff trip to Philadelphia.
Elic Ayomanor ’26 (TEN) — Caught three passes for 50 yards on 10 targets as Tennessee closed its season with a loss to Jacksonville.
By the numbers
In Week 18, Stanford alumni combined for multiple receiving touchdowns, over 300 yards through the air and key defensive contributions as playoff seeding came into focus. Several former Cardinal secured postseason spots across both conferences, while others closed out breakout individual seasons, headlined by Michael Wilson’s 1,000-yard campaign and Colby Parkinson’s two-touchdown performance.
With the regular season officially in the books, the spotlight now shifts to playoff football. Tune back next week for Stanford in the NFL: Playoffs, beginning with Super Wild Card Weekend and a slate of postseason matchups featuring Cardinal alumni on the game’s biggest stage.