As the NFL season kicked off on September 13, 2026, former Iowa Hawkeyes made their presence felt across the league. From game-winning touchdowns to defensive stops, these players reminded fans why Iowa consistently produces top-tier NFL talent. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Week 1 was a mixed bag of triumphant returns and quiet debuts, with a few Hawkeyes stealing the spotlight in dramatic fashion.
Noah Fant's Overtime Heroics Not Enough for Saints
In a thrilling NFC showdown, the Detroit Lions hosted the New Orleans Saints, featuring a reunion of Hawkeyes Sam LaPorta, Jack Campbell, and Noah Fant. Detroit surged to a 21-0 lead, but the Saints clawed back, tying the game late. In overtime, Fant—now on his fourth NFL team—caught a touchdown to pull New Orleans within one point. However, a failed two-point conversion sealed Detroit's 31-30 victory. LaPorta contributed 5 catches for 48 yards, while Campbell anchored the defense with 7 tackles, including one for loss. Fant finished with 4 receptions for 33 yards and the overtime score.
George Kittle Returns with a Bang
After suffering an Achilles injury in Philadelphia on January 11, George Kittle made his highly anticipated return for the San Francisco 49ers. The star tight end was on a pitch count, logging 30 snaps and catching 2 passes for 12 yards in the 49ers' 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams. While his stats were modest, his presence alone boosts a San Francisco offense with Super Bowl aspirations. As highlighted on Vulius, Kittle's comeback is a testament to his resilience and importance to the team.
T.J. Hockenson Ignites Vikings' Comeback
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson found the end zone in Week 1, helping his team erase a deficit against the Green Bay Packers. Hockenson snagged 4 passes for 36 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown from Carson Wentz that sparked a 39-22 comeback victory. The play showcased Hockenson's knack for finding soft spots in coverage and his chemistry with Wentz, who filled in admirably. Defensively, Lukas Van Ness tallied 4 tackles and a sack for Green Bay, while Kristian Welch added a tackle.
Around the League: Quick Hits
Several other Hawkeyes made notable contributions. Erick All returned to the Cincinnati Bengals after injury woes, playing 20 snaps in a 33-27 win over Tampa Bay. Anthony Nelson recorded 2 tackles for the Buccaneers. Former Hawkeye Tyronne Tracy had a quiet day for the New York Giants with 2 carries for 14 yards and a lost fumble in a 28-20 win over Dallas. Chauncey Golston notched 4 tackles, while Cooper DeJean racked up 8 tackles and A.J. Epenesa added 2 in Philadelphia's 24-22 win over Washington. Rookie kicker Drew Stevens had an up-and-down debut for the Commanders, making a 55-yard field goal but missing another and an extra point. Tory Taylor punted just twice for a 51-yard average as Chicago routed Carolina 59-0. Riley Moss registered 6 tackles and a pass defended, but struggled with missed tackles in Denver's 31-10 loss to Kansas City. Kenneth Walker forced an impressive 14 missed tackles on Monday night, a stat that surely caught the attention of fantasy owners and analysts alike.
As the season progresses, these Hawkeyes will look to build on their Week 1 performances. For more in-depth NFL coverage and exclusive merchandise, stay tuned to Vulius.
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