Here are some of the NC State alumni who made a major impact for their teams during the 2015–2016 NFL season.

Russell Wilson

The quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks ended his fourth season in the NFL with a loss to the Carolina Panthers in the divisional round of the playoffs. Although Wilson didn’t return to the Super Bowl for the third-straight season, he did achieve a career-high quarterback rating of 110.1, which was best in the league behind starting quarterbacks. Through the second half of the year, Wilson moved his way into the MVP conversation and also became the first Seahawk quarterback to pass for 4,000 yards in a season, with 4,024 yards, 34 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

It may not mean much due to the dwindling importance of the game, but Wilson received the Pro-Bowl MVP award after throwing for three touchdowns. 

Philip Rivers

The quarterback for the San Diego Chargers completed his 12th season in the NFL with arguably the best numbers of his career. Rivers ended the season with a career-high 4,792 passing yards, good for second in the league behind Drew Brees, as well as 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He has now become a member of the 40,000 career pass yards club with a total of 41,447, currently 14th all-time.

Jerricho Cotchery

The wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers had a successful 12th NFL season. Throughout the regular season, Cotchery was reliable on third downs and hauled in 26 of his 39 receptions for first downs. This prompted Cam Newton to give him the nickname “Jerricho Clutchery.” He finished the year with 485 yards and three touchdowns.

The Carolina Panthers are Cotchery’s third NFL team in 12 years, and he made his first-ever Super Bowl appearance Sunday, as the Panthers fell 24-10.

Stephen Hauschka

The kicker for the Seattle Seahawks had a rather efficient ninth NFL season. Hauschka pounded 29 of his 31 field goal attempts through the uprights this year. He made all six of his 50+ yard attempts, seven of his nine 40-49 yard attempts, all seven of his 30-39 yard attempts and all nine of his 20-29 yard attempts. With the new extra point length of 33 yards, Hauschka made 40 of his 44 attempts.

David Amerson

The Oakland Raiders cornerback finished his third NFL season with his highest level of production yet, despite getting cut by Washington after two games. Amerson totaled four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, as well as one forced fumble. He also racked up 58 combined tackles and defended 25 passes, which was second in the league.