Notre Dame football is near the top of the list of schools with the most active former players on NFL rosters, and there were bound to be plenty of highlights during opening weekend.
The Irish have a great mix of younger and veteran alumni making big impacts for their NFL franchises. Some of them are household names, like safety Kyle Hamilton of the Baltimore Ravens, while others are trying to make a name for themselves.
Mission accomplished for many of them during Week 1, and you can see highlights of the former Notre Dame stars below.
Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts
It’s safe to say that many NFL teams will regret not taking Watts, as he slipped to the third round before hearing his name called. A Week 1 starter for Atlanta, he wasn’t just covering the back end, he was making big plays on third down. Watts would finish tied for the team lead in tackles with 6, and batted away two passes.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer
It’s a very talented tight end room for the Raiders, so quarterback Geno Smith doesn’t look his way often, but when he did, Mayer had sure hands. He’d catch all four of his targets for 38-yards and this big play on fourth down. If he can stay healthy, Mayer should have a career year.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Bennett Skowronek
The former 7th-round pick has carved himself out a pretty solid NFL career, now in his fifth season, second with Pittsburgh. He only was looked at once, but as you can see it was a huge catch, which helped the Steelers win the game.
Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love
Love had a monster opening game of the 2025 season, as he led the Seahawks with 10 tackles, recorded a sack, and blocked the field goal attempt above. He’s had three consecutive 100-tackle seasons, and should be making it four during this campaign. Love made the Pro Bowl in 2023, and if he continues to play this way, he’ll make his second trip after the year is over.
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton
After signing the biggest contract ever for a safety, Hamilton had to show why he was worth it all over again. He did exactly that, although the Ravens defense would give up 41 points. Hamilton would finish the game with 9 tackles, and two passes defended, almost blocking the game winning field goal. He’s worth every penny.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kyren Williams
Williams was a workhorse on Sunday, although the yards were tough to come by. He’d get 18 carries for 66-yards, but helped the Rams take a lead late in the second quarter. It would be an important score, as the defensive battle saw Williams team edge it out with a 14-9 victory.
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet
It wasn’t the opener that Kmet wanted, as he caught just one of his four targets, but the one he did was a highlight grab. The juggling catch went for 31-yards, which matched his career long from last year. It’s solid start for the sixth-year Bears player.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Highlights of former Notre Dame stars during the NFL’s opening weekend of the 2025 season
Reporting by Michael Chen , Fighting Irish Wire / Fighting Irish Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
