The Rise of Wisconsin Linebackers in the NFL: A Look at 3 Former Badgers

Wisconsin's Linebacker Legacy is Shaping the NFL

The University of Wisconsin has been more than just a place to learn; it has become a factory for NFL-ready linebackers. The likes of Zack Baun, Ryan Connelly, and T.J. Watt are testaments to Wisconsin's mastery in grooming athletes for the biggest stage in American football.

Zack Baun

Sep 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (7) celebrates with linebacker Zack Baun (53) after he blocked a Tennessee Titans punt during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports / © Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Coming out of Brown Deer, Wisconsin, linebacker Zack Baun joined the Wisconsin Badgers in 2015. He had a bumpy start to his college career due to leg injuries. Despite that, Baun played hard and recorded an incredible 154 total tackles before moving on to the NFL. The linebacker’s perseverance was rewarded when he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2020, where he has recorded 58 total tackles in 45 games so far.

Ryan Connelly

Jan 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) runs the ball and is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ryan Connelly (57) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports / © Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Coming from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, linebacker Ryan Connelly attended the University of Wisconsin from 2014-2018. During his time as a Badger, Connelly recorded an astounding 251 total tackles. Upon entering the NFL, he bounced around a few teams. First playing with the New York Giants before moving on to the Minnesota Vikings. Most recently he joined fellow linebacker Zack Baun on the New Orleans Saints. He has played in 31 NFL games and has recorded 30 total tackles throughout his NFL career.

T.J. Watt

Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) recovers a fumble and takes it into the endzone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. The score put the Steelers ahead as they won 26-22. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports / © Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Hailing from Pewaukee Wisconsin, linebacker T.J. Watt got his start at the University of Wisconsin. T.J. Watt initially joined the University of Wisconsin as a tight end but later switched to an outside linebacker. This decision led him to record 71 tackles over two seasons and later landed him a spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2021 he was named Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year. So far in his NFL career, the powerhouse has managed 342 total tackles. Watt recently broke records, becoming the All-Time sacks leader with 81.5.

T.J. Watt is now the #Steelers All-Time sacks leader with 81.5‼️ pic.twitter.com/qoXWayGtWX

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 19, 2023

Wisconsin Linebackers in the NFL: A Testament to Quality

The NFL careers of Baun, Connelly, and Watt are not just success stories for these individual players; they also serve as a testament to the University of Wisconsin's ability to produce quality linebackers. Each player's unique journey from college to the NFL illustrates the depth and variety of talent coming out of Wisconsin

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