Mountaineer Reunion: Virgil Joins Davis-Gaither in Arizona

Image Courtesy Of App State Facebook

Appalachian State’s NFL presence remains strong with 11 former Mountaineers occupying roster spots across the league, headlined by a reunion in Arizona where wide receiver Jalen Virgil joined former teammate Akeem Davis-Gaither on the Cardinals’ practice squad.

Current NFL Mountaineers Roster

Active Contributors: Akeem Davis-Gaither (Arizona Cardinals), D’Marco Jackson (Chicago Bears), Kendall Lamm (Miami Dolphins), Nick Hampton (Los Angeles Rams), Sam Martin (Carolina Panthers), Ryan Neuzil (Atlanta Falcons)

Practice Squad: Tyrek Funderburk (Minnesota Vikings), Shemar Jean-Charles (Seattle Seahawks), Jalen Virgil (Arizona Cardinals)

Injured Reserve: Cooper Hodges (Jacksonville Jaguars), Jalen McLeod (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Week 10 Performance Highlights

Akeem Davis-Gaither – Arizona Cardinals (Starting Linebacker) Davis-Gaither recorded six total tackles, including one tackle for loss, during Arizona’s matchup against Seattle. He contributed across 81% of defensive snaps plus eight special teams plays, continuing his consistent starting role.

Jalen Virgil – Arizona Cardinals (Wide Receiver) The Cardinals announced Wednesday that Virgil joined their practice squad after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the 2025 preseason with Buffalo. His addition reunites him with former App State teammate Davis-Gaither.

Ryan Neuzil – Atlanta Falcons (Starting Center) Neuzil maintained his perfect protection record, playing every offensive snap while extending his remarkable streak to 577 consecutive snaps without allowing a single sack. His flawless performance continues establishing him as one of the league’s premier centers.

Sam Martin – Carolina Panthers (Starting Punter) Martin executed four punts, placing two inside the 20-yard line with a long of 59 yards. He accumulated 204 total punt yards while averaging an impressive 49 net yards per attempt.

D’Marco Jackson – Chicago Bears (Linebacker) Jackson contributed across 83% of special teams plays in Chicago’s 24-20 victory over the New York Giants, maintaining his core special teams role.

Kendall Lamm – Miami Dolphins (Offensive Line) Lamm participated in five special teams plays during Miami’s commanding 30-10 victory over Buffalo.

Nick Hampton – Los Angeles Rams (Outside Linebacker) Hampton contributed eight special teams plays in the Rams’ dominant 42-26 victory over San Francisco.

Developmental Pipeline and Recovery

Tyrek Funderburk remains with Minnesota after signing September 11. Shemar Jean-Charles continues on Seattle’s practice squad since late August.

Cooper Hodges progresses through rehabilitation on Jacksonville’s injured reserve from last season’s knee injury. Jalen McLeod recovers from his August lower-body injury with eligibility to return later this season.