Two former Tigers on NFL rosters as season kicks off

There are two former Towson players on 53-man NFL rosters in 2019.

September 5, 2019

jordan dangerfield
Jordan Dangerfield and his family visited TU in May as he crossed the SECU Arena stage at Commencement. Here, they pose for a photo at Johnny Unitas Stadium.

The NFL season kicks off Thursday with the Green Bay Packers visiting the Chicago Bears.

While there will be no Towson products on Soldier Field, there are two on 53-man NFL rosters in 2019.

Jordan Dangerfield, who participated in Towson commencement ceremonies in May, enters his sixth season with the Pittsburgh Steelers while Tye Smith has returned to the Tennessee Titans.

The Steelers and Titans won’t play each other during the regular season, but could face one another in the playoffs should both make it.

Dangerfield has been a part of the Steelers organization since 2014 while Smith enters his third season with the Titans.

The Steelers open Sunday night at the New England Patriots while the Titans play at the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Dangerfield played in all 16 games with the Steelers last season in the Pittsburgh secondary and has played in 30 career NFL contests.  Listed on the depth chart at strong safety, Dangerfield was an All-American and All-CAA defensive back at Towson in 2011 and 2012, totaling 258 tackles in his three years as a Tiger.

Smith missed the 2018 season due to injury and has played in 20 career games in his NFL career between Tennessee and Seattle.  A 2014 All-American at defensive back, Smith tallied up 312 tackles and six interceptions in 50 games played at Towson from 2011-14.

Last week, former Tiger Jermon Bushrod announced his retirement from the NFL, signing a one day contract with New Orleans to retire as a Saint. 

Bushrod played 12 seasons in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2011 and 2012 plus was a member of the Super Bowl XLIV champion Saints in 2010, starting at left tackle in that game. The Saints selected Bushrod from TU in the fourth round of the 2007 draft.

The next generation of Tigers stars take the field for the home opener at 6 p.m. Saturday at Johnny Unitas Stadium.