2 UTEP Miners Have Made it to the 2024 NFL Playoffs
In the 2023-2024 NFL season, we will see some familiar faces from UTEP in the NFL playoffs again. At the start of the season we saw 4 former UTEP Miners players in the NFL. After week 18, 2 teams have been eliminated; the Arizona Cardinals, who had Will Hernandez & the Jacksonville Jaguars, who had Roy Robertson-Harris. After all is said and done...there are still 2 left former UTEP Miners that made to the NFL playoffs this year; each player representing the AFC & NFC.
Nik Needham for the Miami Dolphins
Representing the AFC is cornerback #40, Nik Needham for the Miami Dolphins, the #6 overall seed.
After suffering from a torn Achilles last season against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6, Nik came back to play in the 2023 season in Week 9 to play against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was also present in Week 2 against the NY Jets, Week 13 against the Washington Commanders, Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans & Week 15 against the Jets again.
While he hasn't had the best season, he WAS present on the Dolphins for wins against Washington, & New York. He also has 7 tackles; 4 of them being solo tackles.
Nik is the Miner representing the AFC, and now representing the NFC is, of course...
Aaron Jones for the Green Bay Packers
Yes Aaron Jones, is back in the playoffs with the Green Bay Packers as they were able to get into the playoffs as the #7 overall seed.
Despite suffering an injury in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears, Aaron Jones has proven that he's still got the talent to get touchdowns; he got 2 this season. He also has 545 rushing yards to his name. While Aaron stayed a little quiet this season, he's still very much a presence for the Packers in every game he's been in.
Which team will go far in the playoffs? Will we potentially see both teams meet up in the Super Bowl in February? Like they say... any given Sunday. Plus...anything can happen in the playoffs.
GO MINERS: Former UTEP Miners Who Have Played in the NFL
Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus
El Paso Strong: The Texas Bucket List Loves these Local Spots
Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus