MOSCOW, Idaho – Five former student-athletes have made their marks on the National Football League and will continue competing at the highest level in 2020, while one recent graduate has earned a spot on a practice squad and will continue to battle for a chance at the 53-man roster this season.
 
Idaho's five pros are the second most in the Big Sky Conference, and are more than Portland State, Idaho State, Weber State, Sacramento State and Montana combined.
 
The first Vandals to take the field in 2020 will be the most experienced. Mike Iupati ('10) and Benson Mayowa ('13) joined forces with the Seattle Seahawks and will take on the Atlanta Falcons at 10 a.m. Pacific on Sunday. A four-time pro-bowler, Iupati is in his second season in Seattle, while Mayowa is in his second stint with the Seahawks. Mayowa began his career with the Super Bowl winners in 2013.
 
Jesse Davis ('15) also gets his season started with the early game on Sunday as the Miami Dolphins travel to New England to face the Patriots. Davis has been a mainstay with the Dolphins on the offensive line and signed a three-year extension last offseason.
 
Kaden Elliss ('19) looks to bounce back after missing most of his rookie season due to injury. He is currently a projected starter, and sits atop the depth chart at his position. The Saints host the new-look Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 1:25 p.m. Pacific on Sunday.
 
Elijhaa Penny ('16) is now in his third season with the New York Giants, taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers at 4:10 p.m. Pacific on Monday. Penny appeared in all 16 games last season and signed a two-year extension in the offseason.
 
Jeff Cotton ('19) is one step closer to making his NFL dream come true. An undrafted free agent this summer, Cotton found a home on the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad and will continue to compete for a shot at the 53-man roster this season.
 
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