We’re now two games into the 2025 UNC football season, and people have some, uh, “feelings” about how that’s gone so far. This past weekend saw the pros jump into the water, as the NFL season got underway. With several notable former Tar Heels now plying their trade in the professional ranks, we thought we’d take a look at what went down for them in week one.
The biggest story related to a Carolina player in the NFL was probably surrounding the debut of running back Omarion Hampton. The Chargers used
a first round draft pick on Hampton as they look to add pieces around quarterback Justin Herbert to make a real run at postseason success. While Hampton didn’t dominate, the first game after that choice went fairly well. The Chargers beat the Chiefs in Brazil on Friday night, taking down the multi-time reigning AFC champions 27-21. Hampton picked up just 48 yards on 15 carries, plus two receptions. Hampton will have much easier tasks this year than having to face the Chiefs’ defense in your first NFL game.
The previous UNC first round draft pick was Drake Maye, who is set to begin his first full season as the Patriots’ starting quarterback in 2025. He and New England came up short in their season opener, but Maye put up respectable — on the surface — numbers. Maye was 30-46 for 287 yards for one touchdown and one interception, although his team lost to the Raiders. While they weren’t at UNC at the same time, Maye does now have a Tar Heel connection in his receiving corps in Mack Hollins. The two connected for one reception in the loss.
The overall best performance by a Heel in week one was probably Javonte Williams. Having signed with the Cowboys this offseason, Williams made a good impression in his debut, scoring two rushing touchdowns, including the first one of the entire NFL season.
As a member of the Indianapolis Colts, Josh Downs was part of an impressive Daniel Jones’ performance that came out of nowhere against the Dolphins on Sunday. For his part, Downs caught two passes for six yards in Indianapolis’ blowout win. Another receiver, Dyami Brown went to the Jaguars this offseason, and he picked up three catches for 52 yards in his Jacksonville debut.
Other Tar Heels who appeared in week one included Ty Chandler, Storm Duck, Charlie Heck, Cole Holcomb, Mike Hughes, Asim Richards, and M.J. Stewart. There are also other former Carolina players who are currently with teams, although they didn’t appear this weekend.
With there being several notable stories among the Tar Heel pros this year, we’ll be sure to keep an eye on them as the season goes along.
