Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season is in the books, and several former Iowa football players had huge hands in their teams’ performances.
The collection of former Hawkeyes in the NFL continues to grow, with several more being added to rosters this year after many were active last season. While high-end names like Sam LaPorta, Cooper DeJean, George Kittle and Tristan Wirfs dominate the alumni list, several other names Iowa fans will recognize are making significant impacts at the pro level too.
With that, here are three ex-Hawkeyes who stood out in Week 8 of the NFL season.
Anthony Nelson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB
Once Nelson tipped the Spencer Rattler pass up in the air, it was over. The former Iowa linebacker was ticketed for the end zone.
Nelson’s tipped pass turned 3-yard pick-six punctuated Tampa Bay’s 23-3 win over the New Orleans Saints. He finished a monster day with four tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.
It’s been a minute since Nelson last scored a TD. He recovered a fumble in the end zone on Oct. 20, 2018, in a 23-0 home win over Maryland.
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers TE
You knew Kittle was going to do something special on National Tight Ends Day. And he did, finding the end zone for the first time this season in the 49ers’ 26-15 loss to the Houston Texans.
Kittle finished the day with five receptions for 43 yards, his first catches since returning Oct. 19 from an early-season hamstring injury. The former Iowa tight end will look to stack another solid week on top Nov. 2 against the New York Giants.
A.J. Epenesa, Buffalo Bills DE
It was a Buffalo party in the Bills’ 40-9 road win over the Carolina Panthers, with Epenesa right in the middle of things.
The former Iowa defensive star finished with four tackles, a sack and a 24-yard interception return. The pick was Epenesa’s third of his NFL career but first since 2023. The Bills came out rolling following a bye week and will look for more defensive production Nov. 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Three former Iowa football players who stood out in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season
Reporting by Dargan Southard, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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