Syracuse Orange in NFL: Week 16 features LeQuint Allen, Jaguars clinch playoff spot

Technically, it’s the offseason for Syracuse football. But there are plenty of former Orange players in the NFL to keep you entertained. In fact, there was a mini-reunion at one game this weekend. Let’s look at that game and some of the other former Orange football players who saw the field in week 16.

LeQuint Allen, Jaguars

Jacksonville had the biggest win of the week, knocking off the Broncos on the road, and Allen was a part of it. With Bhayshul Tuten out, Allen got a lot more playing time than usual. He got four carries for 10 yards, on top of also helping as a blocker. It was Jacksonville’s sixth straight win, helping the Jaguars clinch a playoff spot.

Zaire Franklin, Colts

The Jags clinched a playoff spot at the expense of Franklin and the Colts. After a string of good performances, the Indy defense was awful in a 48-27 loss to the 49ers on Monday night. Franklin had just four tackles and one defended pass in the game.

Oronde Gadsden, Chargers

Unfortunately, Gadsden’s usage continues to be inconsistent for the Chargers despite his record-setting rookie season. He had just one catch for seven yards on Sunday, as the Chargers beat the Cowboys 34-17. More importantly, three of Gadsden’s former Syracuse teammates were also present, as Marlowe Wax also plays for the Chargers, Alijah Clark plays for the Cowboys, and Justin Barron is on the Dallas practice squad. The four posed for a memorable picture after the game.

Ifeatu Melifonwu, Dolphins

Unfortunately, it was another long day for Melifonwu and the Miami defense. The Dolphins got blown out 45-21 by the Bengals, with Melifonwu contributing just two tackles.

Sean Tucker, Buccaneers

For older football fans, Tucker might be starting to remind you of wide receiver Cris Carter, because all he does is score touchdowns. Once again, Tucker was given the ball at the goal line, and once again, he delivered with a short touchdown run. However, Tucker gained just three total yards on four carries, as the Bucs lost their third game in a row.

Riley Dixon, Buccaneers

Dixon had three punts during Tampa’s loss, averaging 44.7 yards per punt. He contributed to the cause by pinning one of those punts inside the 20-yard line, while helping limit the Panthers to just 33 total yards on three punt returns.

Andre Szmyt, Browns

The other Syracuse specialist in the NFL also had a good game in a losing effort. Szmyt made both of his extra points and both of his field goals in Cleveland’s 23-20 loss to the Bills. Unfortunately, the Cleveland offense couldn’t give him a chance to tie the game with a late field goal.

Garrett Williams, Cardinals

Sadly, the 2025 season is over for Williams, who is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles during Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. He already missed time earlier this season with a knee injury, but when healthy, Williams was one of the few bright lights during a trying season for the Cardinals. With any luck, Williams will recover in time for the start of next season.