University of North Carolina Athletics
2004 NFL Update: Week One
September 14, 2004 | Football
Sept. 14, 2004
Week one of the 2004 NFL season gave rise for some very bright moments for several former North Carolina football players.
With the scored tied at 21 and seven seconds remaining in the game, Jeff Reed kicked a 42-yard field goal to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers over their long standing rival Oakland Raiders.
Starting in his 17th consecutive game at defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs, seven year veteran Vonnie Holliday had four tackles, one sack and one pass defection in the Chiefs' 34-24 loss to the Broncos.
Pro Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler of the Atlanta Falcons caught six passes for 82 yards including one touchdown reception in the Falcons' 21-19 victory over the 49ers.
Update on former Tar Heels in the Pros during week one:
Sam Aiken, Buffalo Bills - Played wide receiver in the Bills' 13-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ethan Albright, Washington Redskins - Played long snapper in the Redskins' 16-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Dre' Bly, Detroit Lions - Started at cornerback and had one tackle and one pass deflection in the Lions' 20-16 win over the Chicago Bears.
Alge Crumpler, Atlanta Falcons - Started at tight end and had six receptions for 82 yards with one touchdown in the Falcons' 21-19 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Ronald Curry, Oakland Raiders - Played wide receiver and had one reception for 12 yards. Curry also had two tackles on special teams in the Raiders' 24-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Russell Davis, Arizona Cardinals - Started at nose tackle and had three tackles in the Cardinals' 17-10 loss to the Rams.
Ebenezer Ekuban, Cleveland Browns - Started at defensive end and had one tackle in the Browns' 20-3 victory over the Ravens.
Greg Ellis, Dallas Cowboys - Started at defensive end and had two tackles in the Cowboys' 35-17 loss to the Vikings.
William Henderson, Green Bay Packers - Started at fullback and two receptions for seven yards and had one tackle on special teams in the Packers' 24-14 victory over the Panthers.
Zach Hilton, New Orleans Saints - not active for week one
Vonnie Holliday, Kansas City Chief - Started at defensive end and had four tackles, one sack, and one pass deflection in the Chiefs' 34-24 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Leon Johnson, San Diego Chargers - not active
Freddie Jones, Arizona Cardinals - Started at tight end and had six receptions for 39 yards in the Cardinals' 17-10 loss to the St. Louis Rams.
Keith Newman, Minnesota Vikings - Played linebacker in the Vikings' 35-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys
Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers - Started at defensive end and had seven tackles and one forced fumble in the Panthers' 24-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh Steelers - Started at kicker and made three extra points. Reed also kicked the game-winning 42-yard field goal in the Steelers' 24-21 victory over the Oakland Raiders.
Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis Colts - Started at center and blocked for 202 yards of rushing and 256 yards of passing. Also had one tackle in the Colts' 27-24 loss to the New England Patriots.
Brian Simmons, Cincinnati Bengals - not active for week one
Ryan Sims, Kansas City Chiefs - Started at defensive tackle and had three tackles in the Chiefs' 34-24 loss to the Denver Broncos.
David Thornton, Indianapolis Colts - Started at linebacker and had five tackles in the Colts' loss to the New England Patriots.
Bracey Walker, Detroit Lions - Started at safety and had one interception, one pass deflection, and three tackles in the Lions' 20-16 victory over the Chicago Bears. He picked up a blocked field goal and raced 92 yards for a touchdown.
