Tigers in the NFL: Week 2

Another week has passed in the NFL, and former Clemson Tigers made highlight reel plays across the league yet again. Below are six alumni who made significant impacts on Sunday:

Nate Wiggins — cornerback, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens had a challenging game defensively against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. Facing the reigning MVP in quarterback Josh Allen, Baltimore allowed an untimely comeback and 41 points when all was said and done.

Against the Cleveland Browns, the defense bounced back, in part thanks to a fantastic performance from second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins.

The former Clemson standout made three total tackles and deflected three passes, including one on third down to force a punt late in the contest.

The play of the day, however, came just after halftime. Wiggins picked off a pass, returning it 61 yards when Browns quarterback Joe Flacco heaved the ball down the field under pressure.

Tee Higgins — wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals

After a very quiet first game in which the Cincinnati offense mustered just 141 total yards, Tee Higgins and company finally got it going in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

If one guy isn’t good to go in the NFL, it’s all about the next man up. After quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury, it was all on backup Jake Browning. Higgins and Browning had a great connection in 2023 when Burrow missed time, and it didn’t take the duo long to reconnect.

Late in the third quarter and facing a blitz, Browning aired the ball toward Higgins. The former Tiger made the catch and lowered his shoulder, forcing a collision between two Jaguar defenders and paving a wide-open lane for a 42-yard touchdown.

Hunter Renfrow — wide receiver, Carolina Panthers

Hunter Renfrow, a Clemson hero, was absent from the league in 2024. He signed with the Panthers, but was released by the end of the preseason. However, following vacancies in the Carolina receiving room due to trades and injuries, the Panthers brought Renfrow back.

In just his second game since 2023, the 29-year-old veteran caught seven passes for 48 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the loss, the connection between Renfrow and quarterback Bryce Young appears to have grown stronger; Renfrow caught two catches for only 11 yards in Week 1.

DeAndre Hopkins — wide receiver, Baltimore Ravens

DeAndre Hopkins, whom The Tiger recognized for last week’s performance, put together another good week.

Early in the third quarter, the veteran caught a 42-yard pass that was initially called a touchdown. The officials reversed the ruling, marking Hopkins down at the 1-yard line.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson would look Hopkins’ way later in the game, finding him for a 23-yard touchdown late in the fourth.

So far this season, Hopkins has four catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns.

Travis Etienne Jr. — running back, Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne Jr. reached the endzone for the first time this season with an 11-yard reception from fellow Clemson alumnus Trevor Lawrence late in the fourth quarter.

The Jaguars’ bellcow running back had 14 carries for 71 yards, two catches for 18 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Bengals.

Davis Allen — tight end, Los Angeles Rams

Davis Allen has only two catches for 21 yards through two games, but has scored a touchdown every time he’s touched the ball.

Against the Tennessee Titans, Allen caught a pass at the 5-yard line, running to the three and diving forward as he was knocked out of bounds at the 1-yard line. Rams head coach Sean McVay threw the challenge flag, prompting a video review to see if Allen scored. He did.

The review further revealed that the tight end contorted his body to reach the ball over the pylon for a touchdown.