Nine former UCLA football players participated in the NFL’s Wild Card Weekend, with five advancing to the divisional round. These players will join Jake Bobo and Zach Charbonnet of the Seattle Seahawks, resulting in seven Bruins remaining in the playoffs across five teams.
Eric Kendricks, a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers who previously contributed to UCLA Athletics’ football head coach search committee in 2025, played a key role in his team’s 23-19 win over Philadelphia. He made a crucial pass deflection on fourth down near the red zone to secure the victory. Kendricks started the game after being signed to the 49ers practice squad on November 26, 2025, and recorded ten tackles and two tackles for loss.
Quentin Lake, safety for the Los Angeles Rams, returned from a seven-week injury absence and started for his team. He made six tackles and broke up two passes as the Rams defeated Carolina 34-31.
Ka’imi Fairbairn, kicker for the Houston Texans, made his eleventh field goal from beyond fifty yards this season with a successful 51-yard attempt during Houston’s 30-6 win over Pittsburgh. He also converted two extra points.
Matt Dickerson of the Jacksonville Jaguars had two solo tackles while playing as a reserve in Jacksonville’s 27-24 loss to Buffalo.
Otito Ogbonnia of the Los Angeles Chargers assisted on one tackle during his team’s 16-3 defeat at New England.
Other former UCLA players who participated but did not record statistics include Alec Anderson (Buffalo Bills), Jake Brendel (San Francisco 49ers), Andre James (Los Angeles Chargers), and Sean Rhyan (Green Bay Packers). Krys Barnes (Carolina Panthers) was inactive for Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Upcoming games will see these Bruins representing their respective teams as they continue through the NFL playoffs.
