Georgia State Alumni Report | NFL Week 2 | Sept. 13–19, 2026
The biggest story for Georgia State alumni in the NFL this week didn't come from a stat line — it came from a letter stitched onto a jersey.
Wil Lutz, the Panthers' former kicker who has quietly built one of the more respected careers in the league since leaving Atlanta, was named a captain by the Denver Broncos heading into the 2026 season. Lutz joins quarterback Bo Nix and wide receiver Courtland Sutton as Denver's designated leaders — a group that sets the tone for how Sean Payton's roster carries itself on and off the field.
The captaincy is a meaningful milestone for a specialist. Kickers are rarely elevated to that kind of institutional standing, which makes Lutz's selection a genuine statement about how the Broncos' locker room views him. He spoke publicly about what the honor means as the season got underway.
On the field in Week 1, though, it was a rough opener for Denver. The Broncos dropped a 10–31 decision to Kansas City on Monday, Sept. 14 — not the debut any captain would want. Lutz's individual stat line was not reported, but the loss put the entire team on notice heading into the week.
Hurst Turns Heads in Tampa
While Lutz was navigating a tough Monday night in Denver, Ted Hurst III gave Buccaneers fans something to feel good about — even in defeat. The Georgia State wide receiver hauled in 3 receptions for 36 yards in Tampa Bay's 27–33 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 13. The output was modest but consistent for a young receiver still carving out his role in a competitive Buccaneers offense. Hurst and fellow Georgia State alum Benjamin Chukwuma (T) both suit up for Tampa Bay, giving the Panthers program a footprint on that roster.
The Rest of the Panther Pack
Georgia State's NFL presence extends well beyond Denver and Tampa. Sam Pinckney continues to work as a wide receiver with the Carolina Panthers. Jamari Thrash is in the wide receiver room with the Cleveland Browns. Chandon Sullivan remains on the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive back depth chart, while Robert Lewis is with the Minnesota Vikings at linebacker. Dexter Moody holds a safety spot with the Baltimore Ravens, and Travis Glover is on the offensive line in Green Bay.
No additional stat lines were reported for those players in Week 1, but the sheer breadth of Georgia State alumni currently active across the league — nine players on nine different rosters — underscores how far the program's NFL pipeline has come.
For now, all eyes from Atlanta point west, where Lutz is wearing a C and trying to help turn Denver's season around after a rough opening night against the Chiefs.
AI-generated summary
