The University of Delaware's footprint in the NFL grew this past weekend as a pair of recent graduates have earned the opportunity to continue their dreams of playing in the NFL. Quarterback Nolan Henderson and wide receiver Thyrick Pitts both signed undrafted free agent (UDFA) contracts with the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears, respectively, following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Henderson had a remarkable final season in the Blue and Gold, earning All-CAA honors for the second time in his career. The Smyrna, Delaware native set the UD record with 32 passing touchdowns in 2-22 and also became the second in program history to surpass 50 career touchdowns, finishing with 56. He twice threw for five touchdowns in a game (Hampton, Monmouth) to become the first UD quarterback to accomplish the feat multiple times. He was twice named the CAA Offensive Player of the Week and earned National Offensive Player of the Week honors after passing for 379 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-21 victory at Rhode Island. Henderson finished his Delaware career ranked third in program history in completions (547), fourth in pass attempts (859) and fifth in passing yards (6,413).

Pitts was an All-CAA Third Team selection, his third-straight all-conference honor, following the 2022 season when he ranked second on the Blue Hens with 57 catches for 631 yards and tied for the CAA lead with 10 touchdown catches. He surpassed the 2,000-career receiving yards milestone in September against Hampton, a game in which he caught three touchdown passes, becoming the first Blue Hen since 2013 to accomplish the feat. Pitts finished his UD career ranked among the top 10 in several career statistics including receptions (172), receiving yards (2,429) and touchdown catches (23). In Delaware's playoff game at South Dakota State, Pitts set the program record with a catch in 43-consecutive games, dating back to the 2019 season opener.