Under Bret Bielema, the Illinois football program in the NFL have become increasingly prevalent.
While Illinois has largely been represented on the defensive side of the ball, a few standouts offensively have truly showcased the program's ability to develop players and turn them into pros.
One prime example of that is wide receiver Pat Bryant of the Denver Broncos, who came up big in Sunday night's victory over the Rams.
It was a quiet first half for the Broncos offense as they headed into halftime down 16-0. However, they seemed to find their footing in the second half.
Bryant got the offense started with a five-yard receiving touchdown to get the Broncos into the game and push some momentum their way, cutting the lead to 16-8 following a two-point conversion.
Shortly after, the Broncos would find the end zone again and tie the game. Bryant played a key role throughout the drive.
Bryant was in the right place at the right time and able to recover a Broncos fumble and even advance the ball seven yards.
Following the Broncos touchdown scored by Nate Adkins, Denver needed a second two-point conversion to tie the game.
Bryant was in the right place at the right time once again as the ball found him in the endzone to level the score.
Pat Bryant pulled the Illinois football card by coming up clutch for the Denver Broncos
While all of these plays were incredibly important to the Broncos' success, perhaps Bryant’s biggest moment came on the final drive for the Broncos' offense.
Now down 26-23 with 3:38 left on the clock, Denver needed to drive down the field to put them in a position to at least tie the game.
On 2nd and 20, Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix found Bryant, who caught the pass and ran for a 39-yard gain to bring them into field goal range.
Nix would later rush in for a one-yard touchdown that would prove to be the winner, but Bryant’s clutch reception helped put the offense in a tremendous spot.
Bryant would finish the night with two receptions for 44 yards and one touchdown, proving himself a strong contributor in the offense of what many see as a Super Bowl contender.
For Illini fans, seeing those who represented the Orange and Blue producing at a high level in the NFL is a dream come true, and Bryant is proof of that.
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