Sun Devils in the NFL: DJ Foster returns to Arizona

After being released from the New England Patriots practice squad, Scottsdale, Arizona native D.J. Foster was scooped up from free agency on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017 by none other than the team he grew up watching, the Arizona Cardinals.

Foster played three games in New England, producing 24 total yards on the ground with seven carries. The Cardinals also added veteran running back Chris Johnson, not to be confused with David Johnson who underwent surgery for a dislocated wrist on Sunday, September 17th. The Cardinals now carry five running backs.

Foster is obviously no stranger to the greater Phoenix area. He was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, and attended Saguaro High School where he broke nearly a half dozen state rushing records. These include touchdowns in a single game with 10 and single season with 60. He would commit to Arizona State University and go on to excel in collegiate play.

In his four years as a Sun Devil, Foster would complete 53 games throughout his college career. He is one of just five players in NCAA Division I history to rush and receive for more than 2,000 yards in their career. Foster finished his career with 222 receptions (second most in school history) and 2,458 receiving yards (sixth most in school history). Foster also excelled in conference play. He was a two-time All-Pac-12 honoree and 2012 freshman All-American. Finally, Foster earned Dean's List and Scholar Baller academic honors in the fall of 2015 with a 3.92 semester GPA. Foster then went on be picked up by the Patriotsundrafted, but didn’t receive many minutes in his rookie season.

Foster suited up for the Cardinals week two game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, but didn’t get to see the field. It’s expected that Foster should be integrated week by week through practice. Still, the Arizona State native is back in business in his hometown.

In other news, several other ASU alumni had productive week two performances. Browns kicker Zane Gonzalez connected on a 38-yard field goal in the Cleveland Browns’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhile Ravens linebacker and ASU alum Terrell Suggs had a tackle in the 24-10 Ravens’s win.

New England Patriots Defensive End, Lawrence Guy, had two total tackles and one assisted in the Patriots’ 36-20 win against the Saints in New Orleans.

Overall, a successful week two for ASU alumni in the NFL.