There are five veteran NFL players in the AFC who represent the old gold and blue.
Daryl Worley
Worley is entering his ninth season in the NFL after being drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. The cornerback has played for six different teams throughout his NFL career, including three different teams during the 2020 season. However, after the Baltimore Ravens signed Worley for the second time in 2022, he’s worn purple ever since. He’s only appeared in 21 games in two seasons playing exclusively with the club, starting in three. In that time, he’s made 20 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and three pass deflections.
Rasul Douglas
Douglas is beginning his eighth season in the NFL since being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles 99th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Notably, Douglas is the only West Virginia alumni in the NFL today with a Super Bowl ring. The Eagles won the Super Bowl during Douglas’s rookie season. The cornerback played in Philadelphia for three seasons before continuing his NFL career with the Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and now the Buffalo Bills after a trade. In nine games with Buffalo last season, Douglas made 29 total tackles, eight pass deflections four interceptions, and had two fumble recoveries. The 2024 season is a contract year for Douglas, with his current deal expiring at the season’s conclusion. Expect Douglas to start in every game with the Bills this season.
Tony Fields II
Fields is entering his fourth season since the Cleveland Browns picked him in the 5th round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Since then, the linebacker has found his role as a depth piece in Cleveland. He’s appeared in every game since his sophomore season and has totaled 86 tackles in his three-year NFL career. He also has two fumble recoveries in the NFL, with one being in the end zone for a touchdown. While he likely won’t start many games, look for Fields to be a consistent presence in the Browns linebacker mix alongside players like Devin Bush, Jordan Hicks, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
David Sills
Sills was an unsigned free agent after being undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. The New York Giants would sign and release him multiple times from 2019-2023, often assigning him to their practice squad. Sills was released for the third and final time by the Giants in August of 2023, allowing the Denver Broncos to sign the wide receiver. Sills is currently on a reserve/future contract after appearing in just one game with the Broncos. It’s likely that Sills will be on the Broncos practice squad this season.
David Long Jr.
Long is entering his sixth professional season after the Tennessee Titans took him in the 6th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The linebacker found success with the Titans over the four years of his rookie contract, totaling 230 tackles and hauling in four interceptions. Long joined the Miami Dolphins prior to the 2023 season and had a very successful first season in Florida. With 113 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a sack, it can be argued that 2023 was Long’s most productive season. Long will be a consistent presence and everyday starter for the Titans in 2024.
