After leaving the NFL on Christmas eve, three Alabama high school graduates will be listed on NFL rosters on Christmas morning. The Miami Dolphins added defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (Murphy High School) to their practice squad, the Atlanta Falcons added linebacker Rashaan Evans (Auburn High School, Alabama) to their practice squad, and the Buffalo Bills added linebacker Nicholas Morrow (Huntsville High School) to their active roster on Tuesday.
Every player returned to a team they had previously played for this season. Before being cut by the Bills on December 7, Morrow, an eight-year veteran with 105 NFL regular-season games and 58 starts overall, appeared in 11 games for Buffalo. Before being waived on Saturday, Evans, a seven-year veteran with 87 NFL regular-season games and 68 starts overall, participated in two games for Atlanta. Evans has been added to the Falcons’ practice squad three times already this season. On October 1, he became a member of the team; on October 12, he was released; on October 21, he re-signed; and on November 1, he was promoted to the active roster.
A three-year veteran with 19 NFL regular-season games in his career, Farrell played in seven games for Miami before being waived on Saturday. Farrell joined the Dolphins’ practice squad on Sept. 26 and moved up to the active roster on Nov. 11.
Three former Alabama high school football stars have returned to NFL rosters, marking a significant achievement in their professional careers. Nicholas Morrow, who played at Huntsville High School, was activated by the Chicago Bears, who added him back to their active roster. Morrow, a linebacker, is known for his strong defensive skills and previous stints with the Las Vegas Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles. His return to the Bears’ active roster is a testament to his hard work and the team’s confidence in his abilities.
Meanwhile, linebacker Rashaan Evans, who made a name for himself at Auburn High School in Alabama, has signed with the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. Evans, who has played for the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons in previous NFL seasons, adds valuable depth to the Falcons’ linebacker corps. Known for his ability to read plays and make impactful tackles, Evans’ experience will provide leadership and support as the team navigates the challenges of the season. Although not immediately on the active roster, his presence on the practice squad keeps him within reach of game-day activation.
Additionally, defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr., a standout from Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama, has joined the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. Farrell, who was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, played a pivotal role in the defensive line during his college years at LSU. After a brief stint in the NFL, Farrell is now working to refine his skills and get back into regular playing form with the Dolphins. As a powerful and disruptive force in the middle of the defense, Farrell brings much-needed strength and depth to Miami’s defensive front.
These players represent not only the talent coming out of Alabama high schools but also the broader impact of local football programs in shaping the future of the sport. Their journeys through high school, college, and the NFL highlight their dedication and perseverance. For fans in Alabama, seeing these former high school stars return to NFL rosters is a point of pride and excitement, as it showcases the continued presence of local talent in the national spotlight.
As the NFL season progresses, these athletes will continue to strive for greater opportunities, whether through practice squad development or through eventual promotions to the active roster. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation, hard work, and persistence in achieving success at the highest levels of professional football.
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