Three Texas A&M football alums battle back from NFL roster fringes to make the cut

Three beloved defenders, erstwhile of Texas A&M football, will get a shot in the league at the start of the 2024 season.

Oct 17, 2020; Starkville, Mississippi, USA;  Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Jayden Peevy (92) runs the ball after recovering a fumble agains the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2020; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Jayden Peevy (92) runs the ball after recovering a fumble agains the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports | Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Three former Texas A&M football defensive players who have been on the fringes of their respective NFL teams just got great news.

Demani Richardson signed with the Carolina Panthers as a UDFA. After some head-turning play in camp, as well as standout performances during the preseason, Aggie fans were hoping Richardson would have an inside track to sign with his team.

Another former Aggie player on the Panthers, Jayden Peevy, was also pushing to make the roster. After a rough stint with the Titans, the big defensive tackle was looking to start over in Carolina.

Halfway across the country, a former teammate of theirs was looking to break his way back into the league. Following his selection in the fourth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, LB Buddy Johnson was struggling to find his place. He was eventually released by Pittsburgh, only to join up with his hometown Dallas Cowboys.

Today, all three Aggies got the news that they and Texas A&M football fans everywhere had been hoping for.

Texas A&M football alums Demani Richardson, Jayden Peevy, and Buddy Johnson all make 2024 NFL rosters

Things were looking positive for Richardson ahead of this point—his play had a lot of Carolina fans excited about what they had found in the undrafted ranks. The only problem was that the Panthers already have a rather full DB room—but apparently Richardson's play was too good for the front office to let him go.

Peevy was a player more at a position of need. His size is a big plus here, so things were looking good for him as well all the way.

I was more so surprised by Johnson's inclusion on the Cowboys. I had not heard much buzz around him up until this point, but I'm really glad to see him sticking around here—as are many Aggie fans.

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