Demarcus Robinson hauls in a 39-yard touchdown pass in Australia.
Gators in the NFL: Week 1
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | Football
Gator rookies take the league by notice, while veterans continue to make a name for themselves.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Week 1 of the NFL season saw 45 active Gators on rosters across the league. Rookies made their debut, seasoned veterans put up some big numbers on both sides of the ball.
Each week of the 2026-27 season, FloridaGators.com will cover all of the best moments from the NFL stars who made a name for themselves in Gainesville.
Offense
Demarcus Robinson - WR - San Francisco 49ers
In year 11, Robinson continues to solidify himself as a valuable asset for a star-studded roster in San Francisco. During the Thursday night football game hosted in Australia, Robinson led all 49ers receivers with 50 yards in just two receptions. But his game-defining moment came in the second quarter, when he hauled in a 39 yard touchdown catch.
Jake Slaughter - C - Los Angeles Chargers
The former Gator captain saw his first NFL action on Sunday, starting his first game as a center for the Chargers. In his 55 offensive snaps seen, he did not give up a sack or quarterback hurry while facing the Cardinals defensive line. For the remainder of the season, Slaughter will be the starting center for the organization.
Austin Barber - OT - Cleveland Browns
The round three pick for the Browns made his rookie debut at offensive tackle on Sunday while facing the Jaguars. In his 51 offensive snaps seen, Barber recorded the highest offensive PFF grade among fellow rookie offensive linemen with a score of 82.6.
Defense
C.J. Gardner-Johnson - S - Buffalo Bills
Gardner-Johnson continues to be an anchor for any team that values his talents. In his first game suiting up for the Bills, the eight year safety had eight total tackles (six solo) in the high scoring offensive battle. The 79 defensive snaps seen by C.J. was tied for the highest total for any player on the Bills defense.
Ventrell Miller - LB - Jacksonville Jaguars
In his fourth time putting up double-digit tackles in an NFL game, Ventrill Miller continues to be a staple for the Jacksonville linebackers. In the dominating win against the Browns on Sunday afternoon, Miller logged 10 tackles, including his first career sack.
Special Teams
Trey Smack - K - Green Bay Packers
Smack made his NFL debut handling the kicking duties for Green Bay. The only kicker taken in the 2026 NFL draft made quite the impression as he recorded a 59-yard field goal for his first career attempt, the longest first career field goal made in NFL history and was the second longest field goal in Packers' franchise history.
Evan McPherson - K - Cincinnati Bengals
In his sixth consecutive year handling the kicking duties for the Bengals, McPherson started the season out with a bang. McPherson went 3-3 on extra points and 4-4 on field goals, including 58 and 55 yard field goals. McPherson's 15 points on the week ranked first among all kickers.
Tommy Doman - P - Buffalo Bills
The rookie punter for the Bills, making his debut in a potential AFC championship matchup, flipped the field in his two punt attempts. His first try, which did not come until the third quarter, traveled 63 yards and landed on the Texans four-yard line, pinning the opposing offense in their own territory.
Rocco Underwood - LS - Philadelphia Eagles
Underwood made his NFL debut as the Eagles primary long snapper. He snapped for all seven of the Eagles punts as well as one field goal and 3 PATs.
For a complete list of Gators in the NFL, see below.
Arizona Cardinals (CAR 26-14 LAC)
90 - Zachary Carter - DT - 4 years (IR)
Atlanta Falcons (ATL 13-20 PIT)
39 - C.J. Henderson - CB - 6 years (1 Solo Tackle, 1 PBU)
95 - Gervon Dexter Sr. - DT - 4 years (2 QBH, 3 TOT)
71 - Jawaan Taylor - OT - 8 years
8 - Kyle Pitts - TE - 6 years
Buffalo Bills (BUF 36 - HOU 31)
22 - C.J. Gardner-Johnson - S - 8 years (8 TOT)
64 - O'Cyrus Torrence - G - 4 years
39 - Tommy Doman - P - Rookie (2 punts, 109 Yards, 1 IN20, Long of 63)
Carolina Panthers (CAR 37 - 59 CHI)
92 - Cam Jackson - DT - 2 years
73 - Stone Forsythe - OT - 6 years
56 - Jeremiah Moon - LB - 3 years (3 TOT)
Cincinnati Bengals (CIN 33-27 TB)
2 - Evan McPherson - K - 6 years (4/4 FG, Long of 58, 3/3 PAT)
98 - T. J. Slaton - DL - 6 years (1 TOT, 1 Fumble Recovery)
25 - Trikweze Bridges - CB - 2 years (Practice Squad)
Cleveland Browns (CLE 10-34 JAX)
58 - Austin Barber - OT - Rookie
Dallas Cowboys (DAL 20-28 NYG)
90 - Jonathan Bullard - DE - 11 years (2 TOT, 0.5 Sack, 1 QB Hit)
20 - Malik Davis - RB - 3 years (IR)
50 - Shemar James - LB - 2 years
29 - Devin Moore - CB - Rookie (IR)
Denver Broncos (DEN 10-31 KC)
16 - Jeremy Crawshaw - P - 2 years (6 Punts, 314 Yards, 3 IN20, Long of 68)
Green Bay Packers (GB 22-39 MIN)
57 - Brenton Cox Jr. - DL - 4 years (4 TOT, 3 QBH)
87 - J. Michael Sturdivant - WR - Rookie
28 - Trey Smack - K - Rookie (3/3 FG, Long of 59, ½ PAT)
35 - Trey Dean III - DB - 2 years (IR)
Houston Texans (HOU 31-36 BUF)
77 - Trent Brown - OT - 12 years
18 - Graham Mertz - QB - 2 years (IR)
Indianapolis Colts (IND 23-41 BAL)
5 - Anthony Richardson Sr. - QB - 4 years
52 - George Gumbs Jr. - DE - Rookie
Jacksonville Jaguars (JAX 34-10 CLE)
51 - Ventrell Miller - LB - 4 years (10 TOT, 1 Sack, 2 TFL, 1 QBH)
Las Vegas Raiders (LAV 27-13 MIA)
88 - Justin Shorter - WR - 4 years (IR)
Los Angeles Chargers (LAC 14-26 ARI)
66 - Jake Slaughter - C - Rookie
Miami Dolphins (MIA 13-27 LAV)
4 - Jason Marshall Jr. - CB - 2 years (4 TOT, 1 TFL)
Minnesota Vikings (MIN 39-22 GB)
95 - Caleb Banks - DT - Rookie
New York Giants (NYG 28-20 DAL)
66 - Kingsley Eguakun - OL - 2 years (Practice Squad)
Philadelphia Eagles (PHI 24-22 WAS)
74 - Fred Johnson - OT - 8 years
52 - Jonathan Greenard - OLB - 7 years (PUP List)
41 - Rocco Underwood - LS - Rookie
39 - Dameon Pierce - RB - 5 years (Practice Squad)
San Francisco 49ers (SF 27-7 LAR)
11 - Demarcus Robisnon - WR - 11 years (2 REC, 50 Yards, 1 REC TD)
18 - Eddy Piñeiro - K - 9 years (⅔ FG, Long of 56, 3/3 PAT)
1 - Ricky Pearsall - WR - 3 years (IR)
Seattle Seahawks (SEA 13-10 NE)
56 - Dante Fowler Jr. - DE - 12 years
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB 27 - 33 CIN)
34 - Alex Anzalone - LB - 10 years (7 TOT)
Tennessee Titans (TEN 10-23 NYJ)
78 - Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson - OT - 2 years
17 - Chimere Dike - WR - 2 years (1 REC, 7 Yards, 3 KR, 62 Yards)
3 - Tommy Townsend - P - 7 years (7 Punts, 326 Yards, 1 IN20, Long of 54
Follow Gators Football on Socials:
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Join the Conversation: #GoGators
Each week of the 2026-27 season, FloridaGators.com will cover all of the best moments from the NFL stars who made a name for themselves in Gainesville.
Offense
Demarcus Robinson - WR - San Francisco 49ers
In year 11, Robinson continues to solidify himself as a valuable asset for a star-studded roster in San Francisco. During the Thursday night football game hosted in Australia, Robinson led all 49ers receivers with 50 yards in just two receptions. But his game-defining moment came in the second quarter, when he hauled in a 39 yard touchdown catch.
LET IT FLYYYY 🎯
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 11, 2026
📺 Netflix pic.twitter.com/Xr9McuOoXx
Jake Slaughter - C - Los Angeles Chargers
The former Gator captain saw his first NFL action on Sunday, starting his first game as a center for the Chargers. In his 55 offensive snaps seen, he did not give up a sack or quarterback hurry while facing the Cardinals defensive line. For the remainder of the season, Slaughter will be the starting center for the organization.
Austin Barber - OT - Cleveland Browns
The round three pick for the Browns made his rookie debut at offensive tackle on Sunday while facing the Jaguars. In his 51 offensive snaps seen, Barber recorded the highest offensive PFF grade among fellow rookie offensive linemen with a score of 82.6.
Highest offensive grade among rookie OL through Sunday
— PFF (@PFF) September 14, 2026
Austin Barber 82.6
Blake Miller 74.7
Vega Ioane 73.0
Kadyn Proctor 71.2
Keylan Rutledge 70.3 pic.twitter.com/rmHNIGthdj
Defense
C.J. Gardner-Johnson - S - Buffalo Bills
Gardner-Johnson continues to be an anchor for any team that values his talents. In his first game suiting up for the Bills, the eight year safety had eight total tackles (six solo) in the high scoring offensive battle. The 79 defensive snaps seen by C.J. was tied for the highest total for any player on the Bills defense.
Ventrell Miller - LB - Jacksonville Jaguars
In his fourth time putting up double-digit tackles in an NFL game, Ventrill Miller continues to be a staple for the Jacksonville linebackers. In the dominating win against the Browns on Sunday afternoon, Miller logged 10 tackles, including his first career sack.
Jaguars recover the fumble!!
— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2026
CLEvsJAX on CBS/Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/7rdqSUdZ5U
Special Teams
Trey Smack - K - Green Bay Packers
Smack made his NFL debut handling the kicking duties for Green Bay. The only kicker taken in the 2026 NFL draft made quite the impression as he recorded a 59-yard field goal for his first career attempt, the longest first career field goal made in NFL history and was the second longest field goal in Packers' franchise history.
Trey Smack's first career FG attempt is good from 59 yards
— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2026
GBvsMIN on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/5b4oomyTX2
Evan McPherson - K - Cincinnati Bengals
In his sixth consecutive year handling the kicking duties for the Bengals, McPherson started the season out with a bang. McPherson went 3-3 on extra points and 4-4 on field goals, including 58 and 55 yard field goals. McPherson's 15 points on the week ranked first among all kickers.
Evan McPherson made it look easy 😌 pic.twitter.com/GU4pZASQnT
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 13, 2026
Tommy Doman - P - Buffalo Bills
The rookie punter for the Bills, making his debut in a potential AFC championship matchup, flipped the field in his two punt attempts. His first try, which did not come until the third quarter, traveled 63 yards and landed on the Texans four-yard line, pinning the opposing offense in their own territory.
Rocco Underwood - LS - Philadelphia Eagles
Underwood made his NFL debut as the Eagles primary long snapper. He snapped for all seven of the Eagles punts as well as one field goal and 3 PATs.
For a complete list of Gators in the NFL, see below.
Arizona Cardinals (CAR 26-14 LAC)
90 - Zachary Carter - DT - 4 years (IR)
Atlanta Falcons (ATL 13-20 PIT)
39 - C.J. Henderson - CB - 6 years (1 Solo Tackle, 1 PBU)
95 - Gervon Dexter Sr. - DT - 4 years (2 QBH, 3 TOT)
71 - Jawaan Taylor - OT - 8 years
8 - Kyle Pitts - TE - 6 years
Buffalo Bills (BUF 36 - HOU 31)
22 - C.J. Gardner-Johnson - S - 8 years (8 TOT)
64 - O'Cyrus Torrence - G - 4 years
39 - Tommy Doman - P - Rookie (2 punts, 109 Yards, 1 IN20, Long of 63)
Carolina Panthers (CAR 37 - 59 CHI)
92 - Cam Jackson - DT - 2 years
73 - Stone Forsythe - OT - 6 years
56 - Jeremiah Moon - LB - 3 years (3 TOT)
Cincinnati Bengals (CIN 33-27 TB)
2 - Evan McPherson - K - 6 years (4/4 FG, Long of 58, 3/3 PAT)
98 - T. J. Slaton - DL - 6 years (1 TOT, 1 Fumble Recovery)
25 - Trikweze Bridges - CB - 2 years (Practice Squad)
Cleveland Browns (CLE 10-34 JAX)
58 - Austin Barber - OT - Rookie
Dallas Cowboys (DAL 20-28 NYG)
90 - Jonathan Bullard - DE - 11 years (2 TOT, 0.5 Sack, 1 QB Hit)
20 - Malik Davis - RB - 3 years (IR)
50 - Shemar James - LB - 2 years
29 - Devin Moore - CB - Rookie (IR)
Denver Broncos (DEN 10-31 KC)
16 - Jeremy Crawshaw - P - 2 years (6 Punts, 314 Yards, 3 IN20, Long of 68)
Green Bay Packers (GB 22-39 MIN)
57 - Brenton Cox Jr. - DL - 4 years (4 TOT, 3 QBH)
87 - J. Michael Sturdivant - WR - Rookie
28 - Trey Smack - K - Rookie (3/3 FG, Long of 59, ½ PAT)
35 - Trey Dean III - DB - 2 years (IR)
Houston Texans (HOU 31-36 BUF)
77 - Trent Brown - OT - 12 years
18 - Graham Mertz - QB - 2 years (IR)
Indianapolis Colts (IND 23-41 BAL)
5 - Anthony Richardson Sr. - QB - 4 years
52 - George Gumbs Jr. - DE - Rookie
Jacksonville Jaguars (JAX 34-10 CLE)
51 - Ventrell Miller - LB - 4 years (10 TOT, 1 Sack, 2 TFL, 1 QBH)
Las Vegas Raiders (LAV 27-13 MIA)
88 - Justin Shorter - WR - 4 years (IR)
Los Angeles Chargers (LAC 14-26 ARI)
66 - Jake Slaughter - C - Rookie
Miami Dolphins (MIA 13-27 LAV)
4 - Jason Marshall Jr. - CB - 2 years (4 TOT, 1 TFL)
Minnesota Vikings (MIN 39-22 GB)
95 - Caleb Banks - DT - Rookie
New York Giants (NYG 28-20 DAL)
66 - Kingsley Eguakun - OL - 2 years (Practice Squad)
Philadelphia Eagles (PHI 24-22 WAS)
74 - Fred Johnson - OT - 8 years
52 - Jonathan Greenard - OLB - 7 years (PUP List)
41 - Rocco Underwood - LS - Rookie
39 - Dameon Pierce - RB - 5 years (Practice Squad)
San Francisco 49ers (SF 27-7 LAR)
11 - Demarcus Robisnon - WR - 11 years (2 REC, 50 Yards, 1 REC TD)
18 - Eddy Piñeiro - K - 9 years (⅔ FG, Long of 56, 3/3 PAT)
1 - Ricky Pearsall - WR - 3 years (IR)
Seattle Seahawks (SEA 13-10 NE)
56 - Dante Fowler Jr. - DE - 12 years
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB 27 - 33 CIN)
34 - Alex Anzalone - LB - 10 years (7 TOT)
Tennessee Titans (TEN 10-23 NYJ)
78 - Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson - OT - 2 years
17 - Chimere Dike - WR - 2 years (1 REC, 7 Yards, 3 KR, 62 Yards)
3 - Tommy Townsend - P - 7 years (7 Punts, 326 Yards, 1 IN20, Long of 54
Follow Gators Football on Socials:
X: @GatorsFB
Instagram: @GatorsFB
Facebook: @GatorsFB
Join the Conversation: #GoGators
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