Ever wonder where your favorite Oregon football players ended up after finishing their careers at the university? Here are six guys who were standouts during their time in Eugene:
Dion Jordan
Oregon’s standout defensive player was the third overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins and already registered his first career sack in week one against the Cleveland Browns. Dion Jordan suffered a mild shoulder injury, which has yet to keep him out of any games. He’s also helped the Dolphins to their first 2-0 start since 2011 along with fellow Oregon alum Josh Kaddu (2008-2011).
Kiko Alonso
Former Oregon linebacker Kiko Alonso was selected in the second round by the Buffalo Bills and hasn’t missed a beat, doing a little bit of everything at middle linebacker. Alonso has started each of Buffalo’s first two games so far this season and has already racked up 19 combined tackles, a sack, an interception and he’s forced and recovered a fumble. With a rookie quarterback in E.J. Manuel, the Bills have been and will continue to be an exciting team to watch. Alonso is joined by former Oregon defensive back and two-time Pro Bowl selection Jairus Byrd (2005-2008).
Kyle Long
Transferring to Oregon for his senior season, Kyle Long was relatively unknown due to the short duration of his stay and his position as an offensive lineman. Long was selected 20th overall by the Chicago Bears and is their starting right guard. His father, Howie, was a well-known NFL defensive end for 13 seasons and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Kyle’s brother Chris currently plays defensive end for the St. Louis Rams. Long’s journey to the NFL is a rare feat. He played at Saddleback Community College for two seasons despite being a two sport All-American in high school and originally accepting a baseball scholarship to Florida State.
Kenjon Barner
Fan favorite and one of the greatest running backs in Ducks history, Kenjon Barner plays for the Carolina Panthers after being selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft. An ankle injury has held him out of the team’s first two games. With fellow running back and Oregon alum Jonathan Stewart set to miss the next four weeks with an ankle injury of his own, Barner is listed second on the depth chart behind De’Angelo Williams and should make his NFL debut when healthy.
Carson York
An offensive lineman with NFL potential, Carson York suffered multiple knee injuries and was forced to end his football career. York is currently a graduate student at the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.
John Boyett
After an extremely successful career at Oregon was cut short due to an injury, safety John Boyett was drafted in the sixth round by the Indianapolis Colts. He led the Ducks in total tackles in his freshman and junior seasons and was a starter until he suffered an injury week one of 2012. Boyett ran into legal trouble and was waived by the Colts, making him a free agent.