Sunday Belongs to Illini Alumni

CHAMPAIGN, IL—When most people watch football on Sunday, they notice former college stars from USC, Miami (“the U!”), Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Michigan. Rarely do University of Illinois alums make headlines. Sure, Illinois hails prominent former athletes such as George Halas, Red Grange, and Dick Butkus. But over the years, the notable alumni has thinned. However, this past Sunday, former Illinois football players shined in the NFL. The New Orleans Saints’ Pierre Thomas ran for 102 yards against Atlanta with a 6.4 average and a rushing touchdown. Thomas also scored on a seven-yard pass reception in the Saints’ 29-25 win. The Indianapolis Colts’ cornerback Kelvin Hayden intercepted two passes against the lowly Cincinnati Bengals in a 35-3 Colts’ win. Hayden returned one of his picks for an 85-yard touchdown, his first career regular season touchdown. Neil Rackers kicked two field goals and four extra points to help lead the Cardinals to a 34-10 win ... (link)