The 2024-25 NFL season weekend started out with a bang. Reigning Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs held onto the spotlight on opening night with Taylor Swift in attendance per usual. The Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27–20. Kansas City’s defense forced an incomplete pass as time ran out to seal the victory for the home team. There were many controversial calls in the game as Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnola sprinted down the sideline to call a timeout in the second quarter. In the rulebook, only a head coach, captain or gameday captain can call a timeout.
Former Weber State wide receiver Rashid Shaheed continued things where he left off from last season. Shaheed is well known throughout the NFL as a deep ball specialist. Last season with the New Orleans Saints, Shaheed had 46 receptions for 719 yards and five touchdowns. Rasheed averaged 15.6 yards per catch, with his longest catch reaching 58 yards last year. With the new season, he started the scoring off by catching a 59-yard throw from quarterback Derek Carr to score the touchdown. Shaheed finished the day with three receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown as the Saints sang goodnight to the Panthers with a 47–10 thrashing.
Taron Johnson of the Buffalo Bills, a former WSU cornerback, had a rude awakening to this 2024 season. Johnson suffered an injury in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals. The Bills were able to pull out a 34–28 victory. Taron is a standout corner, being known as one of the primary slot corners in the NFL. Last year, Johnson recorded 98 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovered. Johnson is ruled out for this week as the Bills prepare to take on division rival Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football.
Former WSU defensive end Jonah Williams, who was previously with the Los Angeles Rams, is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Jonah has not seen any snaps yet but is eager to put his name on the map.
Former WSU offensive lineman Iosua Opeta, a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was placed on the injured reserve list after he tore his ACL.
We are excited and proud of our Wildcats for putting the school’s name on the map. We wish them the best of luck in this upcoming season and go Wildcats!
