DALLAS – Former Conference USA standouts delivered impact performances across the NFL in Week 11, highlighted by Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (Tulane), who converted a 48-yard game-winning field goal as time expired to secure a 19-17 triumph over division rival Minnesota.
 
Santos finished the day with 13 points, connecting on 4-5 field goals – including a long of 54 yards – and making his lone extra-point attempt. Chicago also benefitted from a strong defensive showing from Kevin Byard (MTSU), who recorded five tackles, one pass deflection and a 23-yard interception return that set up one of Santos’ three-point tries.
 
CUSA products continued to contribute on offenses across the league, including a pair of starting running backs. Aaron Jones (UTEP) paced Minnesota’s rushing attack with 16 carries for 70 yards, adding three receptions for 11 yards. For the New York Giants, Devin Singletary (FAU) recorded two rushing touchdowns, finishing with 44 yards on 16 attempts.
 
Former CUSA defenders also delivered productive outings in Week 11, including James Pierre (FAU), who posted a standout performance for Pittsburgh, totaling six tackles, two pass breakups and a 34-yard scoop-and-score to cap the Steelers’ 34-12 win over Cincinnati.
 
Darious Williams (UAB) recorded an interception, pass breakup and three tackles for the Los Angeles Rams. Natrone Brooks (Southern Miss) added five tackles and two pass deflections for Atlanta. Amik Robertson (LA Tech) contributed three solo tackles, a tackle for loss and two pass breakups for Detroit. Azeez Al-Shaair (FAU) registered six tackles for Houston, while Reed Blankenship (MTSU) added four tackles for Philadelphia.
 
Teair Tart (FIU) tallied five tackles for the Los Angeles Chargers. Roy Robertson-Harris (UTEP) added two tackles and a quarterback hit for the New York Giants. Upton Stout (WKU) continued his consistent play for San Francisco with seven tackles.
 
On special teams, Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell (Rice) converted both field goal tries and 4-4 PATs for 10 points. Detroit’s Jack Fox (Rice) averaged 42.3 yards on four punts, placing two inside the 20 with a long of 55 yards. San Francisco’s Thomas Morstead (SMU) averaged 46.3 yards on three punts, including one inside the 20 and a 55-yard long.
 
Click here for a complete list of the 84 former CUSA players featured on NFL rosters for the 2025 season.