22 former Illini on NFL opening day rosters
By: Aaron Bennett
Updated: September 5, 2012
UI Release - Former Illini Josh Brent (Cowboys), Dave Diehl (Giants) and Steve Weatherford (Giants) open up the NFL season tonight when the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants host Dallas (7:30 p.m. CT, NBC). In all, 22 Illini made active 53-man rosters for the opening weekend, a total that doesn't count two former Illini that were named to practice squads (Ravens OL Jack Cornell and Colts LB Jerry Brown).
Former Illini on 2012 Opening Day NFL Rosters (22)
Jeff Allen, OT, Kansas City Chiefs
Jon Asamoah, OG, Kansas City Chiefs
Alan Ball, CB, Houston Texans
Arrelious Benn, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josh Brent, DT, Dallas Cowboys
Jeff Cumberland, TE, New York Jets
Vontae Davis, CB, Indianapolis Colts
David Diehl, OG, New York Giants
Kelvin Hayden, CB, Chicago Bears
Michael Hoomanawanui, TE, New England Patriots
A.J. Jenkins, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detroit Lions
Corey Liuget, DE, San Diego Chargers
Brandon Lloyd, WR, New England Patriots
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Whitney Mercilus, DE, Houston Texans
Brit Miller, FB, St. Louis Rams
Brandon Moore, OG, New York Jets
Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints
Steve Weatherford, P, New York Giants
Martez Wilson, LB, New Orleans Saints
Tavon Wilson, FS, New England Patriots
Former Illini on Injured Reserve/Practice Squad
Jerry Brown, LB, Indianapolis Colts - Practice Squad
Jack Cornell, OL, Baltimore Ravens - Practice Squad
