Stanford Alumni Shine in NFL Week 15: Parkinson, Schultz Lead the Charge
Week 15 in the NFL brought big-time performances from a number of former Stanford Cardinal, but none stood out more than tight ends Colby Parkinson and Dalton Schultz, who each found the end zone twice in statement wins for their teams. From key tackles to clutch touchdowns, Stanford’s NFL presence was felt across the league this past weekend.
Let’s take a closer look at how the Cardinal alumni made their mark:
Colby Parkinson (Rams) - Breaking Out in a Big Way
Colby Parkinson’s recent surge has been hard to ignore, and Sunday’s performance against the Lions only cemented his status as one of the hottest tight ends in the league. The Rams tight end hauled in five of seven targets for a career-high 75 yards and two touchdowns, continuing a red-hot stretch that has seen him score six times in the last six games - the most among NFL tight ends over that span.
His 26-yard touchdown late in the third quarter gave the Rams a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, and he sealed the win with an 11-yard score in the fourth. Parkinson now ranks fourth among tight ends in touchdowns this season, and his 89.3 grade on pass routes (per PFF) trails only George Kittle. For a player who came into the season under the radar, Parkinson is now making a serious case as one of the league’s most efficient and dangerous red zone threats.
Dalton Schultz (Texans) - Mr. Reliable in the Passing Game
Dalton Schultz continues to be a stabilizing force for Houston’s offense. In the Texans’ 40-20 win over Arizona, Schultz led the team with eight receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown - his second of the season.
He opened the second-half scoring with a four-yard grab from C.J. Stroud and has now posted at least six catches in six games this year.
This marks the second time in his career that Schultz has reached 70 receptions in a season, and he’s now scored multiple touchdowns in six straight seasons. His chemistry with Stroud is growing by the week, and his consistency in the short-to-intermediate game is giving Houston a reliable safety valve as they push toward the postseason.
Christian McCaffrey (49ers) - Business as Usual
It’s not Sunday until Christian McCaffrey finds the end zone, and Week 15 was no different. The 49ers’ star back carried the ball 22 times for 73 yards and a touchdown, adding a 14-yard reception for good measure. His one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter gave San Francisco a 14-3 lead and marked his ninth rushing score of the season - 14th total.
McCaffrey now has 86 receptions on the year, his highest total since his monster 2019 campaign (116). His all-around impact remains unmatched, and he continues to be the engine driving San Francisco’s offense.
Bobby Okereke & Paulson Adebo (Giants) - Defensive Anchors
In a tough loss to Washington, Bobby Okereke and Paulson Adebo each recorded seven tackles, tying for fourth-most on the team. Okereke, one of the NFL’s leading tacklers this season, now sits at 117 on the year - good for 11th in the league. Adebo, working his way back from injury, has tallied 17 tackles in just two games, showing no signs of rust.
Tanner McKee (Eagles) - First Action, First Completions
Rookie quarterback Tanner McKee saw his first action of the season in Philadelphia’s blowout win over Las Vegas. He completed all three of his pass attempts for 32 yards and added a nine-yard scramble. It was a small sample, but a clean and confident one - a promising sign for the young signal-caller.
Thomas Booker (Raiders) - Doing the Dirty Work
Thomas Booker got the start on the Raiders’ defensive line and made the most of his 55 snaps, racking up three tackles and three quarterback pressures - his most defensive snaps in a game this season. He continues to carve out a role as a rotational disruptor on a rebuilding Vegas front.
Michael Wilson (Cardinals) - Emerging as a Go-To Target
Michael Wilson is heating up down the stretch. The Cardinals wideout caught five passes for 54 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets, tying his career high with four scores on the season.
Over the last five weeks, Wilson leads the NFL in receptions (44) and ranks second in receiving yards (535), trailing only Puka Nacua. That’s elite company - and a clear sign Wilson is becoming a focal point in Arizona’s passing game.
Elijah Higgins (Cardinals) - Career-High Snap Count
Elijah Higgins drew his eighth start of the season and played a career-high 46 offensive snaps. He caught one pass for three yards, continuing to contribute as a versatile piece in Arizona’s offense.
Curtis Robinson (49ers) - Stepping Up on Defense
Curtis Robinson made his third straight start at inside linebacker for the Niners and played every defensive snap. He recorded seven tackles - his most in a start - and notched his first career pass breakup. The former Cardinal is proving he can be a steady presence in the middle of a loaded San Francisco defense.
Drew Dalman (Bears) - Holding Down the Line
Drew Dalman continues to be a rock in the middle of Chicago’s offensive line. He played all 67 snaps at center in the Bears’ dominant win over Cleveland, allowing just two pressures on 32 pass-blocking reps. Dalman currently ranks fourth among qualified centers in PFF grading (80.6), a testament to his consistency and technique.
Kendall Williamson (Chargers) - Special Teams Standout
Kendall Williamson tied a career high with three tackles on special teams, logging 17 snaps in the Chargers’ narrow win over the Chiefs. It’s the second time in four games he’s hit that mark, showing his value in the third phase of the game.
Harrison Phillips (Jets) - Ironman Streak Continues
Harrison Phillips made his 70th consecutive start in the NFL, a testament to his durability and reliability up front. He added two solo tackles for the Jets in their loss to Jacksonville.
Elic Ayomanor (Titans) - Making His Opportunity Count
Ayomanor caught his lone target of the game for a 17-yard gain in the first quarter. It was a brief appearance, but he made it count with a solid chunk play.
Brycen Tremayne (Panthers) - Getting More Involved
Tremayne played 25 total snaps, including eight at wide receiver, as the Panthers continue to work him into the rotation.
Solomon Thomas (Cowboys) - Rotational Role Continues
Solomon Thomas saw 17 snaps on the Cowboys’ defensive line but didn’t record a tackle in the loss to Minnesota.
Bottom Line
From rising stars like Parkinson and Wilson to steady veterans like McCaffrey and Schultz, Stanford alums continue to make their presence felt across the NFL. Whether it’s in the trenches, the end zone, or on special teams, Week 15 was a reminder that the Cardinal pipeline is alive and thriving at the pro level.