Stanford in the NFL: 2025 Season Preview

STANFORD, Calif. — The 2025 NFL season begins on Thursday night with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Dallas Cowboys. The 2025 edition of #StanfordNFL begins on Thursday as well, as Tanner McKee and Solomon Thomas will both be on the field during the NFL’s season opener. There are currently 29 former Cardinal signed with NFL organizations, and 26 are on active rosters, tied for the third-most former players with NFL teams in the ACC, trailing only Clemson and Miami.

NEW PLACES FOR FORMER CARD

Nine former Cardinal signed with new organizations in advance of the 2025 season. Most notably, Paulson Adebo joined the New York Giants on a three-year, $54 million contract, ranking inside the top 20 for highest paid at his position. 

Drew Dalman joined the Chicago Bears on a three-year, $42 million deal, making him the fifth-highest-paid center in the NFL and third-highest on a yearly basis. Two-time Super Bowl champion Justin Reid (Saints) and former top-10 pick Solomon Thomas (Cowboys) also signed multi-year deals with their new teams.

VETS RETURN IN BIG ROLES

Zach Ertz returns to the Washington Commanders for his 13th year in the league. He helped Washington reach the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1991. His seven receiving touchdowns were one shy of a career-best and his most since 2018.

Returning from multiple injuries in 2024 is Christian McCaffrey. The 2023 AP Offensive Player of the Year appeared in just four games last year for the San Francisco 49ers after missing time with Achilles and knee issues, but figures to resume his duties as the lead running back for Kyle Shanahan's team.

In his third season with the New York Giants is Bobby Okereke. One of the league’s best inside linebackers, Okereke has compiled 525 tackles over the last four seasons, including the last two years in East Rutherford. He’s also forced seven fumbles and added 4.5 sacks in his time with the Giants and should play a big role in their defense once again.

EPITOME OF A STANFORD MAN

Stanford student-athletes go on to achieve great things at the professional level, both on the field and off. During the 2024 NFL season, both Curtis Robinson (San Francisco 49ers) and Solomon Thomas (New York Jets) were nominees for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Stanford was one of four FBS programs to have multiple nominees for the award, joining Baylor, California, and Notre Dame.

Widely regarded as the league’s most prestigious honor, it was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back, Walter Payton. Each team nominates one player who has had a significant positive impact on their community. 

Curtis Robinson focuses on education in his community efforts, inspired by his mother’s dedicated career as a college professor. He participates regularly with the 49ers' EDU stadium classroom and Social Justice Player Committees, as well as coaching over 400 youth in flag football events. Solomon Thomas continued to champion mental health awareness with impactful public appearances and community efforts, using each opportunity to empower others with tools to recognize signs of struggle and foster supportive environments. 

A complete list of former Cardinal in the NFL can be found below: