Jackson’s Career Day Headlines Week 12 for App State NFL Alumni

Image Courtesy Of App State Facebook

Appalachian State’s NFL contingent stands at 10 former Mountaineers, with Week 12 highlighted by breakout performances from Chicago Bears linebacker D’Marco Jackson and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither.

Current NFL Mountaineers Roster

Active Contributors: Akeem Davis-Gaither (Arizona Cardinals), D’Marco Jackson (Chicago Bears), Nick Hampton (Los Angeles Rams), Kendall Lamm (Miami Dolphins), Sam Martin (Carolina Panthers), Ryan Neuzil (Atlanta Falcons)

Practice Squad: Tyrek Funderburk (Minnesota Vikings), Shemar Jean-Charles (Seattle Seahawks)

Injured Reserve: Cooper Hodges (Jacksonville Jaguars), Jalen McLeod (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Week 12 Standout Performances

D’Marco Jackson – Chicago Bears (Linebacker) Jackson delivered a career-defining performance in his first professional start, wearing the defensive signal-calling “Green Dot” while playing every defensive snap for the short-handed Bears against Pittsburgh. He posted a career-high 15 tackles in Chicago’s 31-28 victory, including a crucial tackle for loss against running back Kenneth Gainwell on third down that forced a third-quarter punt. Head coach Ben Johnson recognized Jackson’s exceptional performance by awarding him a game ball in the locker room.

Akeem Davis-Gaither – Arizona Cardinals (Starting Linebacker) Davis-Gaither made the highlight-reel play of the week with a spectacular diving interception of Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the third quarter. He finished with seven tackles while continuing his consistent starting role for the Cardinals.

Ryan Neuzil – Atlanta Falcons (Starting Center) Neuzil played every offensive snap at center, helping Atlanta generate a 100-plus-yard rushing attack in their commanding 24-10 victory over New Orleans. His flawless blocking continues anchoring the Falcons’ offensive line.

Sam Martin – Carolina Panthers (Starting Punter) Martin executed four punts against San Francisco, placing two inside the 20-yard line with a long of 55 yards, maintaining his consistent field position excellence.

Nick Hampton – Los Angeles Rams (Outside Linebacker) Hampton recorded three combined tackles across 16 defensive snaps while adding a tackle on special teams, demonstrating increased defensive involvement.

Bye Week

Kendall Lamm and the Miami Dolphins enjoyed their bye week.

Developmental Pipeline and Recovery

Tyrek Funderburk continues with Minnesota after signing September 11. 

Shemar Jean-Charles remains on Seattle’s practice squad since late August.

Cooper Hodges progresses through rehabilitation on Jacksonville’s injured reserve from last season’s knee injury. 

Jalen McLeod recovers from his August lower-body injury with eligibility to return later this season.