Four former University of California football players are advancing to the NFL’s Divisional Playoffs after their teams won during Wild Card Weekend. Elijah Hicks (Chicago Bears), Jaylinn Hawkins (New England Patriots), Jake Tonges (San Francisco 49ers), and Craig Woodson (New England Patriots) were all on active rosters for their respective teams’ victories.
Elijah Hicks contributed to Chicago’s comeback win over Green Bay, where the Bears overcame a 21-3 second-half deficit to secure a 31-27 victory. “Hicks had one tackle and one forced fumble while seeing action in 26 plays (5 defense, 21 special teams).”
Jake Tonges played a key role for San Francisco in their 23-19 road win against Philadelphia. He recorded one reception for 14 yards and participated in the most offensive plays among the team’s tight ends following an injury to starter George Kittle. “Tonges had one reception for 14 yards while playing in the most offensive plays (43) of any of the team’s tight ends after starter George Kittle suffered a season-ending injury in the second period.”
Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson helped New England defeat the Los Angeles Chargers, with Woodson making his playoff debut by leading with 11 tackles and one tackle for loss. Hawkins added three tackles. “Woodson had a game-high 11 tackles and one tackle for loss in his first career playoff game, while Hawkins added three stops.”
Additionally, Davis Webb, another Cal alumnus, is serving as offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Denver, which holds the top seed in the AFC playoffs.
The upcoming Divisional Playoff schedule features these former Cal players: Denver will host Buffalo on Saturday; San Francisco will face Seattle; New England will play Houston; and Chicago will meet the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field.
