... It was a busy and eventful Week 1 of the NFL season. The NFL's opening week lived up to the hype, with numerous key games coming down to the wire. There were clutch drives, highlight-reel plays, and big individual pe...
... It was a busy and eventful Week 1 of the NFL season. The NFL's opening week lived up to the hype, with numerous key games coming down to the wire. There were clutch drives, highlight-reel plays, and big individual performances across the league. Some former Iowa football stars even got in on the fun. The Hawkeyes were well represented by their alumni in Week 1. Here's a look at some of the best performances by former Hawks in the first week of the NFL season: Hockenson had a decent 2026 debut in the Vikings' wild 39-22 comeback win over the Packers. He finished the game with four receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown. His score kicked off Minnesota's second-half avalanche that led to the win. After an injury-riddled 2025 season, Hockenson needed this type of performance to open the new season. Iowa's other tight end in the NFC North also got off to a solid start to his 2026 season. LaPorta had five receptions for 48 yards in the Lions' 31-30 overtime win over the Saints. He didn't find the end zone, but was still a big presence for a strong Detroit air attack. The fourth-year tight end should have a monster 2026 campaign. With Micah Parsons out to start the season, Green Bay needs Van Ness to step up. On Sunday, the former first-round pick showed signs of doing that. He finished the game with four total tackles and a sack in the Packers' loss to Minnesota. It wasn't a perfect game, but it was a step in the right direction for Van Ness in a pivotal fourth NFL season. Sunday was a day for the Hawkeye tight ends to shine. Just like his former teammate Hockenson, Fant found the end zone in his 2026 season debut. His touchdown grab came in overtime to pull the Saints within a point before a failed two-point conversion. Fant ended the day with four catches for 33 yards and that score. He's going to have a big opportunity to be a contributor for New Orleans. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football in the NFL: Week 1 recap
