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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (88) makes a touchdown catch past Los Angeles Rams safety Nate Valcarcel (43) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Former Huskies face new paths after NFL roster cuts

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | August 29, 2025

DeKALB — Each year, many NFL players are faced with the same harsh reality: They won’t live out their dream of playing on Sundays. Nearly 1,200 players are displaced by the league’s annual cutdown process as all 32 teams slash their rosters from...

A graphic shows former NIU football players James Ester and DaRon Gilbert, who recently signed futures contracts with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, respectively. Ester and Gilbert are two of three former Huskies under contract for the 2025 NFL season, along with Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)

James Ester, DaRon Gilbert sign NFL futures contracts

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | January 21, 2025

DeKALB — After completing their first NFL season, two former NIU football teammates are extending their professional careers by signing futures contracts with their respective teams. Green Bay Packers defensive lineman James Ester and Detroit Lions...

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