If you go to the NFL stats and you look at the top in both passing and rushing through week 2, you'll see two former Badgers. Let the NFL be put on notice that Wisconsin produces elite NFL talent, and Russell Wilson and Jonathan Taylor are proving it. Wilson is the passing leader through the first two games, and Taylor is the rushing leader.
Russell Wilson, while leading the NFL in passing yards at 618, is still having fans calling for his job after the New York Giants start the season 0-2. Maybe Giants fans want him to play defense, too? To add to his impressive passing stats, he has three touchdowns and only one interception. It's that pick that makes fans frustrated with him.
Can we talk about this for a minute? pic.twitter.com/xBnY6c01JX
— Badger of Honor (@BadgerOfHonorFS) September 16, 2025
Russell Wilson and Jonathan Taylor both had huge weeks in week 2 to catapult them to the top of the NFL
Related: Top 5 former Badger NFL highlights from Week 2, one may be the best on the season
The Giants went to overtime, and with a chance to win, Wilson threw an interception. Frustrating is fair criticism, but the former Badger just put up 450 yards and three touchdowns. At the end of week two, he's the passing leader across the NFL.
Jonathan Taylor, another former Badger, is leading the pack in rushing yards. Similar to Wilson, his really strong play in week two is what propelled him to the top of the list. Week one, he had less than 100 yards on the ground, finishing the game at 71. Then he found his stride in week two against the Denver Broncos, where he rushed for 165 yards. He's also sixth among running backs in receiving yards on the season with 77 yards.
The two former Badgers are showcasing to the NFL that Wisconsin produces elite talent. The fear now is whether it will continue with the rough few seasons that Luke Fickell has put together in Madison?