#PackPros Make Preseason Debuts

Football fans rejoiced last night as the NFL preseason kicked off with the first Thursday Night Football of the year.

An impressive 24 NC State alumni are currently playing professionally, seven of whom found playing time in Thursday night's games.

Jacoby Brissett, drafted by the New England Patriots this past spring, highlighted the Wolfpack's showing. The rookie quarterback completed 53.9% of throws in the game against the New Orleans Saints, giving him a total of 63 yards in his first game. Brissett was put in during the third quarter to relieve three-year-vet Jimmy Garoppolo.

Jacoby Brissett now at QB for the #Patriots. #NOvsNE
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 12, 2016

Jacoby Brissett has a big time arm. Not afraid to make the tough throws. Impressive in his first game.#Patriots #NCState
— NFL Draft Insider (@NFLDraftInsider) August 12, 2016

Can we stir the pot & talk Jacoby Brissett? If he plays well throughout preseason...maybe just maybe?#quarterbackbattle #atleastfor1st4weeks
— Erin Coscarelli (@erincoscarelli) August 12, 2016

Brissett was also joined on the field by fellow Wolfpack alumni and Patriots' teammates Markus Kuhn and Joe Thuney. Kuhn played on the defensive line, and Thuney played the first snaps of his professional career as a starter on the offensive line.

Alumnus quarterback Mike Glennon, who was drafted in 2013 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, saw limited playing time, but was able to complete 7-of-14 passes for 83 yards.

Earl Wolff was back on the field for the first time in two years, and played 14 snaps for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Additionally, Willie Young joined the Chicago Bears' defensive line. The Bears fell to Super Bowl 50 Champs, the Denver Bronocos.

The final Wolfpack appearance came from New York Jets' Juston Burris. The cornerback made his rookie debut with a win over the Jaguars while making a single tackle and defending two passes.

Juston Burris played really well for the Jets last night. Couple PBU's and a near pick. Liked what I saw.
— Jonah Tuls (@JonahTulsNFL) August 12, 2016

As the season continues, more #PackPros are expected to see playing time, especially standout quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Russell Wilson, who finished 82^nd and 29^th, respectively, on Sports Illustrated's Top 100 NFL Players.

Players Mentioned

Jacoby Brissett

Juston Burris

Joe Thuney

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