Penn State Players in the NFL

Story posted December 23, 2017 in CommRadio, Sports by Jeremy Ganes

Jesse James-

Jesse James is a tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, drafted in the fifth round of the 2015
NFL Draft. James appeared in eight games as a rookie, catching eight passes
for 56 yards and a touchdown. His playing time was limited while
backing up the steady veteran Heath Miller, but the opportunity to play under
such an accomplished tight end would prove useful in his breakout 2017 season.
As of Week 15, James has been a reliable receiver for quarterback Ben
Roethlisberger, but his notoriety has largely come from his involvement in
a crucial play against the New England Patriots. With under a minute to
go and needing a touchdown to win, Roethlisberger threw a pass over the middle
to James, and he initially appeared to reach across the goal line with the ball
for the score. A controversial review overturned the score on the grounds that
the ball did not survive the ground when he hit the turf.


Paul Posluszny-

Paul Posluszny plays linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, drafted in the second round of the
2007 NFL Draft. Posluszny has played 11 NFL seasons, recording four 100-tackle
seasons. More of a consistent player than a flashy one, Posluszny has made one
pro bowl, in 2013. His career 873 tackles are indicative of his ability to
contribute steadily and lead a defense. Recently, The Jaguars clinched a
playoff berth in the 2018 playoffs, which would be Posluszny’s  first
appearance in an NFL playoff game. Pos celebrated with his teammates in the
locker room after their most recent win over the Seattle Seahawks.


Sean Lee-

Sean Lee plays linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys. Lee was selected in the second round of the
2010 NFL draft. Another consistent tackler, Lee is the heart and soul of the
Cowboys defense. Lee has had multiple seasons totaling over 100 tackles, and
the Dallas rush defense is significantly better in advanced metrics when Lee is
on the field compared to when he is off it. The problem, however, is that
injuries have on occasion plagued him in his career. Lee missed all of 2014
due to injury, and has missed a significant amount of games in 2011 and
2012. Lee is in the midst of a strong season, with 57 tackles in 9 games
played.


Cameron Wake-

Wake went undrafted in 2005 but was signed by the New York Giants as a free agent. Wake also had a stint with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League from 2007-2008.
Wake’s NFL career would finally take off when he signed with the Miami
Dolphins. As a Dolphin, he has made the pro bowl five times and was First Team
All-Pro in 2012. Wake is one of the most prolific pass rushers of his era,
totaling 90.5 sacks in his NFL career. He has reached the double-digit sack
mark four times in his NFL career. Even at the ripe age of 35, Wake is
continuing to have a fantastic 2017, with 9 sacks with two games left to play
in the regular season.


Jeremy Ganes is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jlg6097@psu.edu.