Week 6 NFL Alumni Breakdown: Mountaineers Excel on Monday Night Football

Image Courtesy Of App State Facebook

Appalachian State’s professional presence remains strong with 11 former Mountaineers on NFL rosters, headlined by Atlanta Falcons starting center Ryan Neuzil’s exceptional Monday Night Football performance in a victory over Buffalo.

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), Ahmani Marshall (Cleveland Browns)

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

Week 6 Performance Highlights

Ryan Neuzil – Atlanta Falcons (Starting Center) Neuzil delivered another flawless performance on Monday Night Football, playing 100% of offensive snaps in Atlanta’s 24-14 victory over Buffalo. His elite blocking enabled running back Bijan Robinson’s career performance of 138 rushing yards, including an explosive 81-yard touchdown. Through five games, Neuzil maintains a perfect record: zero penalties, zero sacks allowed, and zero quarterback hits surrendered.

D’Marco Jackson – Chicago Bears (Linebacker) Jackson expanded his role during Monday Night Football’s 25-24 victory over Washington, contributing across 13 defensive snaps and 64% of special teams plays. He recorded two total tackles, one on defense and another on special teams.

Akeem Davis-Gaither – Arizona Cardinals (Starting Linebacker) Davis-Gaither posted eight total tackles, with six coming on defense, while playing 85% of defensive snaps and 33% of special teams opportunities. He added a pass defended against Indianapolis tight end Tyler Warren.

Sam Martin – Carolina Panthers (Starting Punter) Martin executed two punts with a long of 51 yards in Carolina’s 30-27 victory over Dallas. He also served as holder on the game-winning field goal.

Nick Hampton – Los Angeles Rams (Outside Linebacker) Hampton recorded two total tackles split between defense and special teams in the Rams’ 17-3 victory over Baltimore.

Kendall Lamm – Miami Dolphins (Offensive Line) Lamm participated in six special teams plays during Miami’s contest against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Developmental Pipeline and Recovery

Tyrek Funderburk was signed by Minnesota on September 11 following his stint with Tampa Bay. Shemar Jean-Charles remains on Seattle’s practice squad after being signed in late August. Ahmani Marshall secured Cleveland’s practice squad as an undrafted free agent.

Cooper Hodges continues rehabilitation on Jacksonville’s injured reserve from a knee injury suffered last season. Jalen McLeod, the three-year App State contributor, progresses through recovery from a lower-body injury sustained during August practices, with eligibility to return later this season.

This impressive representation, particularly the Monday Night Football performances from Neuzil and Jackson, underscores Appalachian State’s sustained evolution as a legitimate NFL pipeline.