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Pack in the Pros

Former Wolfpacker Andrew Knizner powers St. Louis Cardinals past Braves

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7 months ago

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Just last week we told you to pay attention to former NC State catcher Andrew Knizner who is slotting in as the backup catcher for the MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals.

In that piece, we explained that the Cardinal’s long-time backstop Yadi Molina would be retiring at the end of the season, and they had been prepping Knizner to take over as the starter for the Hall of Famer next season.

We also explained that Knizner needed to finish the season strong after hitting in the low .200s on the heels of a season where he hit just .174. Cardinals coach Oliver Marmol also publically challenged Knizner in a press conference, saying they needed to see him swing the bat better.

Knizner seems to have gotten the message.

On Satruday night, the 27-year-old, 4-year pro made his presence felt, crushing a 2-run homer to left, which opened up the scoring in a game that Cardinals would eventually win by 1.

Knizner finished the game 1-2 and was 2-4 in his previous game. Meaning, since we posted our piece on Knizner, he’s 3 for his last 6. Good for a .500 average.

Actually, Knizner had been quietly heating up before Marmol called him out. His .280 average in July was his best month to date, and August has been even better. The former Pack backstop is now hitting a sizzling .306 with a home run for the month.

If he can keep it up, Knizner will make it easy for the Cardinals to hand him the reigns as starting catcher in 2023.

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Pack in the Pros

Former NC State C Garrett Bradbury Signs 3-Year Deal with the Vikings

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6 days ago

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March 15, 2023

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Former NC State All-American Center Garrett Bradbury has re-signed with the Vikings on a 3-year deal worth $15.75 million.

Bradbury just wrapped up his 4-year Rookie contract worth $13 million. The Vikings decided not to pick up his 5th year option prior to last season, but they decided to go ahead and re-sign Bradbury, who has been their starter since entering the league.

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Former NC State WR Jakobi Meyers Signs 3-Year Deal with Las Vegas

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6 days ago

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March 15, 2023

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Former NC State Wide Receiver Jakobi Meyers got paid yesterday, signing a 3-year deal with the Raiders worth $33 million, with $21 million of it guaranteed.

After going undrafted, Meyers signed with New England, and has been with the Pats the past 4 seasons. Last year was the first year that Meyers made over $1 million, earning $3.986 million on a 1-year contract. Now he will average $11 million a season over the next three years in Vegas.

Over 4 seasons, Meyers has 235 receptions for 2,758 yards and 8 touchdown receptions. Meyers earned this pay day, leading the Pats in receiving yards for the past three seasons consecutively.

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Former NC State LB Germaine Pratt Signs 3-Year Deal with Bengals

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7 days ago

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March 14, 2023

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Former NC State Linebacker Germaine Pratt is going to be staying in Cincy, signing a 3-year contract with the Bengals worth $21 million.

Pratt just wrapped up his 4th season in the NFL, which was his best, tallying 99 tackles, 10 pass deflections and 2 interceptions.

The Bengals drafted Pratt in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Pratt was the 11th highest graded Linebacker in the NFL last seasons, and the 3rd highest in the AFC, posting a grade of 78.4 according to ProFootballFocus.

Former NC State Defensive Tackle BJ Hill, who has been a teammate with Pratt on Cincy the past two seasons, said he would go bald if Pratt re-signed.

The Bengals then trolled Hill, asking when the head was getting shaved.

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Joe Thuney Now Has the Most Super Bowl Rings in NC State History

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1 month ago

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February 14, 2023

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Former NC State All-American Offensive Lineman Joe Thuney earned his 3rd Super Bowl ring on Sunday, this time as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. Thuney won his first two as a member of the New England Patriots (2017 and 2019)

Entering the game on Sunday night, Thuney was one of 3 former NC State football players to have ever won 2 Super Bowls, joining Place Kicker Mike Cofer and Cornerback Perry Williams.

Thuney is now tied with legendary Center Jim Ritcher for the most Super Bowl appearances in school history, both having played in the game 4 times.

Jim Ritcher – 4
Joe Thuney – 4
Mike Cofer – 2
Perry Williams – 2
Mike Jones – 2
Torry Holt – 2
Russell Wilson – 2
J.R. Sweezy – 2
Steven Hauschka – 2
(Bill Cowher – 2 – as a head coach)

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