Over the last three years, beloved Texas running back Jonathon Brooks has suffered two torn ACLs, vastly limiting his in-game and on-field time both for the Longhorns and the Carolina Panthers, who picked him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Despite his incredible ability to not only break through the defensive line, but also to earn yards after contact, Brooks has been stuck on the sideline and in rehab for almost all of his NFL career.
Playing in just three games for the Panthers and earning just nine carries, Brooks has not had a true opportunity to prove to the world just how good a running back. That all changes now.
Also read: Former Texas RB Jonathon Brooks finally looks back to full health at Panthers OTAs
After rehabbing his second ACL tear and returning to full health, putting pads on for the first time in a long time, Brooks and Carolina are about to kick off the 2026 NFL preseason at the Pro Football Hall of Fame game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Finally, this is Brooks' chance to show that he was more than deserving of a second-round draft pick, and he is not the only former Texas Longhorn taking the field next week.
Nearly half a dozen former Texas Longhorns are in the NFL Preseason HOF game
While there is a lot of pressure on Brooks to perform well, likely earning quite a few snaps in the preseason matchup after not playing for the Panthers since the 2024 season, four other Longhorns will be vying for an official spot on Carolina and Arizona's 53-man rosters, and maybe even a starting role.
- Jonathon Brooks, running back, Carolina Panthers, year 3
- Ja'Tavion Sanders, tight end, Carolina Panthers, year 3
- Devin Duvernay, wide receiver, Arizona Cardinals, year 6
- Hayden Conner, guard, Arizona Cardinals, year 2
- Christian Jones, offensive tackle, Arizona Cardinals, year 3
Brooks will be joined by his fellow draft class members out of Texas, tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders and offensive tackle Christian Jones.
During his first two seasons in the league, Sanders has already earned 532 receiving yards, but he has only produced two touchdowns for Carolina, leaving a lot of room for offensive production for the former Longhorn.
Jones played in 10 games during his rookie season, starting in one, but only appeared in four games during 2025 after suffering a knee injury and not returning to in-game action until Week 15. Now back to full health, the former Texas offensive lineman has a chance to not only play in more games, but hopefully earn a starting role.
Hayden Conner is the least experienced player in the group, only heading into his second season in the NFL. Similarly to Jones, the offensive guard suffered a knee injury in 2025 but was able to return to play by Week 13, appearing in five games for the Cardinals last season.
Last but certainly not least is wide receiver Devin Duvernay. After a strong first three years in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens, the wideout suffered a season-ending injury in 2023 and immediately saw an increase in production.
Since then, Duvernay has bounced to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears before landing on Arizona's roster this offseason. As a sixth-year veteran, the former Longhorn might not see any playing time this preseason, but if he does, every snap will be a chance to prove that he has still got it.
How to watch Carolina vs. Arizona in Pro Football Hall of Fame game
- Date & Time: Thursday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. CT
- Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, OH
- TV/Streaming: NBC
As the only NFL preseason game of the week and as the HOF game, it should not be a surprise if a massive audience tunes into the action, with the months-long absence of football finally over.
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