Dec 29, 2019; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) returns an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Three former Cyclones came up big in the NFL on Sunday, which was arguably the most successful all-around day ever for Iowa State alums in the world’s top football league.
New Orleans Saints linebacker A.J. Klein had a pick-six.
Chicago Bears rookie running back David Montgomery rushed for his sixth touchdown of the season.
RB @MontgomerDavid now over 1,000 scrimmage yards this season. Jordan Howard was the last Bears rookie to do so in 2016 with 1,611 yards.
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) December 29, 2019
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard recorded a game-changing touchdown catch.
Klein intercepted Carolina Panthers quarterback Will Grier and took it back for a 14-yard defensive touchdown in the Saints’ 42-10 victory. The pick-six against Klein’s former team put the Saints up 21-0 in the 2nd quarter. The Saints will enter the postseason as either a No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the NFC.
A.J. Klein just housed an interception against Will Grier. Cyclones still terrorizing the West Virginia QB.
— Connor Ferguson (@cfchangs9) December 29, 2019
Video: @uSTADIUM pic.twitter.com/5UrR6pL5DQ
Montgomery seemingly carried the entire pile into the endzone during his 14-yard touchdown run in the Bears’ 21-19 victory over the Vikings. He finished the game with 113 rushing yards, making it his second 100-yard rushing game in his rookie season. Montgomery ended his rookie campaign averaging 3.7 yards a carry.
.@MontgomerDavid carries it in but that TD's a team effort.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 29, 2019
#CHIvsMIN | #Bears100 pic.twitter.com/0cjyWSsROq
Lazard made a leaping touchdown catch late in the 4th quarter in the Packers’ 23-20 win over the Lions that gave the Packers a first-round playoff bye. Lazard’s touchdown tied the game at 20. He finished the game with four catches and 69 receiving yards in what was a rough game for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who went 27 of 55 on the day. Lazard’s second regular season in the NFL ended with 31 receptions for 408 yards.
Cooler than the other side of the pillow 🦎 pic.twitter.com/8jX0EnYL6B
— 🦎 (@AllenLazard) December 29, 2019
