Jamaal Williams and Kyle Van Noy were on opposite sides of the Green Bay Packers-New England Patriots matchup Sunday night.
It was a rare chance for the former BYU teammates — they played for the Cougars together in 2012 and 2013 — to face each other on the field. In a treat for BYU fans, they had several plays against each other in the Patriots' 31-17 primetime victory over the Packers.
Williams, now a running back for the Packers, rushed for 34 yards on seven carries and had two receptions for 20 yards. Van Noy, a starting linebacker for the Patriots, led New England with nine tackles, including three solo stops, on the night.
All totaled, Van Noy had four of his nine tackles on Williams, including on the back's first carry in the first quarter. Following Williams' 16-yard reception in the second quarter, both Van Noy and Williams could be seen smiling together after Van Noy tackled him near the sideline.
BYU fans shared their excitement seeing the two enjoying the matchup.
Williams kept his usual pregame ritual of interacting with fans, even on the road.
Where's the ball?
Former Utah wide receiver Tim Patrick is putting together a nice season for the Denver Broncos in his second year as a pro after going undrafted. That included scoring his first NFL touchdown in a Week 8 loss to Kansas City.
When asked in a mailbag session with the Broncos, though, Patrick wasn't sure what happened to the ball from his first pro touchdown.
"No, I did not keep it. I was too excited," Patrick said in the video interview. "Whoever has it, can you please bring it back to me?"
On Sunday, Patrick was again able to celebrate, this time with former Utah teammate Devontae Booker after Booker scored his first touchdown for the Broncos this season in Denver's 19-17 loss to the Houston Texans.
Other links
Adopted as an infant, Kyle Van Noy's journey an inspiration to others (Providence Journal)
Seven questions with Zane Beadles, newest Atlanta Falcon (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Eric Weddle has shaved his epic beard (Baltimore Ravens)
And finally ...
The Buffalo Bills profiled rookie cornerback Taron Johnson out of Weber State, including why his father, who served in the Air Force, is such an inspiration to him.
Bonus and finally ...
Former BYU quarterback Taysom Hill had another fourth-down conversion, this time trucking a defender after picking up the first down in the New Orleans Saints' 45-35 win over the Los Angeles Rams.