CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As the NFL opens the 2017 regular season with the Kansas City Chiefs at the New England Patriots Thursday night, the Mid-American Conference is well represented across NFL rosters as clubs open regular season play this weekend. Currently there are 77 former MAC students on NFL active rosters to being the 2017 season.
Former University at Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack was named the 2016 NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. Mack, a defensive end for the Oakland Raiders, received the award at the NFL Honors in Houston on the eve of Super Bowl LI. Mack earned his second consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl as he posted 73 tackles, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception returned for a touchdown last season.