For most NFL players, the preseason is the stage to earn playing time or a roster spot. On Saturday, however, it was the stage for Clemson football alumni to shine. Three former Tiger defenders each picked off a pass, returning them for touchdowns.
Andrew Mukuba — Philadelphia Eagles
Mukuba, a 2025 second-round pick who played three seasons for the Tigers before transferring to Texas, had a rookie party against the Cleveland Browns.
The Philadelphia newbie broke on a pass in the second quarter and focused on the end zone ahead. After moving past Cleveland quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Mukuba sprinted 75 yards for the touchdown.
He would recover a fumble two drives later to cap off an impressive day.
KJ Henry — Cleveland Browns
After recording zero interceptions at Clemson, one fell into Henry’s lap in the NFL.
Henry spent the 2024-25 NFL season bouncing across rosters. He ended the season with the Philadelphia Eagles, celebrating a 2025 Super Bowl win. Now with the Browns, he found pay dirt against his former team.
Following a high snap, Cleveland’s defensive line forced an errant throw, and the ball fluttered into Henry’s hands. He brought his 4.63 speed into play and outran everyone for a 45-yard touchdown.
Andrew Booth Jr. — Dallas Cowboys
Booth burst onto the scene during his sophomore year at Clemson with a spectacular one-handed interception against Virginia in 2020. Now in his fifth NFL season, he is making spectacular plays yet again.
Against Baltimore, Booth intercepted a pass from Cooper Rush, spinning his way down the sideline for 40 yards and scoring the Cowboys’ only touchdown of the evening.
Despite the loss, he recorded seven total tackles and two pass deflections, a strong showing from Dallas’s would-be third cornerback in the depth chart.
