University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Panthers In The NFL: 2017 Recap
1/3/2018 9:15:00 AM | Football
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The NFL regular season came to a close last weekend, so now it's time to recap how Northern Iowa Panthers performed in the league this season.
UNI currently has six Panthers in the NFL, with the most recent signing of LJ Fort to the Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man roster. Below is a full rundown of UNI's current players in the NFL and how they did in 2017.
DAVID JOHNSON (UNI - 2011-14)
David Johnson only played in one game in 2017 for the Cardinals, before suffering a season-ending wrist injury. All reports point to a full recovery for the former Panther running back as he is expected to be at 100% before the start of the 2018 season.
DEIONDRE HALL (UNI - 2012-15)
Deiondre Hall suffered an injury that kept him sidelined for 14 games this past season, before returning to action for the Bears. Hall did not record any stats in 2017.
AUSTIN HOWARD (UNI - 2006-09)
Austin Howard was the most consistent Panther in the NFL this season, starting all 16 games for the Ravens at offensive tackle.
XAVIER WILLIAMS (UNI - 2011-14)
Former Panther Xavier Williams played in 11 games for the Cardinals in 2017, while earning one start. The defensive tackle racked up a career-high 20 tackles in 2017, while recording a half sack and a forced fumble on the year.
LJ FORT (UNI - 2008-11)
LJ Fort played in 15 games for the Steelers in 2017, recording 11 total tackles, a sack and defending four passes. Fort and the Steelers earned a first round bye for the NFL Playoffs as Pittsburgh prepares for another deep postseason run.
TERRELL SINKFIELD (UNI - 2009-12)
Terrell Sinkfield did not see any playing time for the 2017 season, but he did spend the year on the Jets' practice squad after being signed in early September. Sinkfield signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets on Jan. 1, 2018.
UNI NFL DRAFT HISTORY
1966 - Randy Schultz, RB | Cleveland Browns | 5th round, 74th pick
1966 - Doug Korver, OL | Atlanta Falcons | 18th round, 261st pick
1968 - Ray Pedersen, OL/DL | Baltimore Colts | 17th round, 458th pick
1976 - Bill Salmon, QB | Minnesota Vikings | 10th round, 289th pick
1976 - Mike Timmermans, OL | Green Bay Packers | 17th round, 440th pick
1982 - Steve Sandon, QB | New England Patriots | 11th round, 296th pick
1990 - Bryce Paup, LB | Green Bay Packers | 6th round, 159th pick
1991 - James Jones, DL | Cleveland Browns | 3rd round, 57th pick
1993 - Kenny Shedd, WR | New York Jets | 5th round, 129th pick
1997 - Dedric Ward, WR | New York Jets | 3rd round, 88th pick
1999 - Ty Talton, DB | Detroit Lions | 5th round, 137th pick
2000 - Brad Meester, OL | Jacksonville Jaguars | 2nd round, 60th pick
2001 - Eddie Berlin, WR | Tennessee Titans | 5th round, 159th pick
2002 - Ryan Hannam, TE | Seattle Seahawks | 5th round, 169th pick
2008 - Chad Rinehart, OL | Washington Redskins | 3rd round, 96th pick
2008 - Brandon Keith, OL | Arizona Cardinals | 7th round, 225th pick
2015 – David Johnson, RB |Arizona Cardinals | 3rd round, 86th pick
2016 – Deiondre' Hall, DB | Chicago Bears | 4th round, 127th pick
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on the UNI football program, follow the Panthers on Twitter at "@UNIFootball" and on Facebook at "UNI Panther Football."
Todd Stepsis Press Conference - Nov. 3, 2025
Monday, November 03
PST: Todd Stepsis - Oct. 31, 2025 (Part 1 of 3)
Friday, October 31
PST: Todd Stepsis - Oct. 31, 2025 (Part 3 of 3)
Friday, October 31
PST: Jack Kriebs (2025)
Friday, October 31