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Last week’s playoff games were phenomenal all across the board, even the Patriots-Texans game that many thought was going to be a blowout. Per usual, many ProCanes stepped up for their teams in big ways.
Jimmy Graham
Graham came back this season in a BIG way for the Seattle Seahawks, and he continued his hot season with an opening drive touchdown that put Seattle ahead early.
What a start by the offense. @DangeRussWilson to @TheJimmyGraham capped off the 14-play drive. #SEAvsATL https://t.co/9QgxMXXMKi
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 14, 2017
He’s simply a mismatch nightmare for ANYONE that covers him, and I think it took Seattle some time into the season before they realized it. Even if he’s not open, he’s open.
Graham finished the game with three catches for just 22 yards, including his first quarter touchdown grab. The Seahawks lost the game 36-20 to Atlanta, so their season is now over. Graham racked up 923 receiving yards on 65 catches and six touchdowns...not bad after Graham suffered a gruesome knee injury late last season.
Thank you to all my teammates, coaches and the 12s for helping me make it back from this devastating knee injury. We will be back #LOB #12 pic.twitter.com/m1bY0pHVc0
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) January 15, 2017
Devin Hester
This lowkey pains me, considering Hester was on the Ravens (my hometown team) for the majority of the season and did NOTHING! Then all of a sudden against Atlanta, his former team, Hester ran like a man possessed.
#proCane #Seahawks KR Devin Hester w/ 5 KO returns for 194yds & an 80-yard PR which was called back. He earned himself another contract.
— proCanes.com (@proCanes) January 15, 2017
That 80-yarder was IMPRESSIVE, man...
Devin Hester still got it pic.twitter.com/KXa5pg98u2
— Abdul Memon (@abdulamemon) January 14, 2017
He doesn’t have the game-breaking speed he once had, but Hester was still a BLURRRRRRRRRRRRR (hope i used that right) out there. Unfortunately, it looks as if Hester is set on retiring after this season and just two games with Seattle.
Devin Hester said Saturday's divisional-round loss to the Falcons would be his last game. https://t.co/G6yopIekNF
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 15, 2017
If Hester does decide to finally hang up the cleats, he will go down as the greatest returner in the HISTORY of the NFL. He’ll finish his career with 20 total return TDs (14 PR, five KR, one FG) to go along with 16 receiving touchdowns and one rushing. I see the HOF in this man’s future. Congrats, Devin, on a great and record-setting career!
Vince Wilfork
From this morning: Devin Hester and Vince Wilfork both plan on retiring from the NFL.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) January 15, 2017
I DON’T WANT TO BELIEVE IT! NOT ANOTHER ONE! The writing seems on the wall as Wilfork is at the tail end of his career. If so, it looks like the Canes have TWO future HOFers to make their way into Canton five years from now.
"One thing I know is that I love this game."
— ESPN (@espn) January 15, 2017
As the Texans' season ends, Vince Wilfork talks about retirement: https://t.co/rZ4itkCUxT
Congrats, Vince, on a stellar career and being an even better (and bigger) person along the way!
Greg Olsen
Olsen and his Panthers were eliminated from the playoffs a while back, but Olsen was in the headlines for another reason:
.@gregolsen88 OFFICIALLY wins the 2016 @Nationwide #WPMOYChallenge!
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 12, 2017
More Info » https://t.co/A84RVNvc4V pic.twitter.com/pYpf1L1p86
Our 2016 #WPMOYChallenge Winner is @Panthers @gregolsen88, with just under 1.2M mentions of #OlsenWPMOYChallenge! https://t.co/2xswQEjGHi pic.twitter.com/xpJEhYjVlM
— Nationwide (@Nationwide) January 12, 2017
Greg Olsen was the recipient of the Nationwide 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year award!!! Olsen frequently gives back to the community and uses his platform the better those around him. Couldn’t think of a better man for this award! Just a quick look back at the person they are giving his award to...for all you fans that may have missed this, read it.
Four and a half years ago, @GregOlsen88 didn't know if his son would live.
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) November 16, 2016
This is the story of T.J.'s miracle. https://t.co/GV5VoBzLnR pic.twitter.com/AsyeBTsaNY
Congrats, Greg!
Artie Burns
I couldn’t find any highlights of Burns’ play in the Steelers’ win over Kansas City, but here’s something for you:
Top-graded @Steelers on defense
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) January 16, 2017
LB Ryan Shazier 82.5
CB Artie Burns 80
ED Bud Dupree 78.1
ED James Harrison 75.9#PITvsKC pic.twitter.com/zHyLGUBYWi
Burns grading out that high in a great defensive game is outstanding. He only figures to get better after coming on strong late in the season. That Pittsburgh secondary will be real special in a few years.
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That’s all for this week, see you guys after the conference championships!
GO CANES!!!