Three former Cyclones scored touchdowns on Sunday in the NFL

Dec 29, 2019; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) returns an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Three former Cyclones came up big in the NFL on Sunday, which was arguably the most successful all-around day ever for Iowa State alums in the world’s top football league.

New Orleans Saints linebacker A.J. Klein had a pick-six.

Chicago Bears rookie running back David Montgomery rushed for his sixth touchdown of the season.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard recorded a game-changing touchdown catch.  

Klein intercepted Carolina Panthers quarterback Will Grier and took it back for a 14-yard defensive touchdown in the Saints’ 42-10 victory.  The pick-six against Klein’s former team put the Saints up 21-0 in the 2nd quarter.  The Saints will enter the postseason as either a No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the NFC.

Montgomery seemingly carried the entire pile into the endzone during his 14-yard touchdown run in the Bears’ 21-19 victory over the Vikings.  He finished the game with 113 rushing yards, making it his second 100-yard rushing game in his rookie season. Montgomery ended his rookie campaign averaging 3.7 yards a carry.  

Lazard made a leaping touchdown catch late in the 4th quarter in the Packers’ 23-20 win over the Lions that gave the Packers a first-round playoff bye. Lazard’s touchdown tied the game at 20. He finished the game with four catches and 69 receiving yards in what was a rough game for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who went 27 of 55 on the day. Lazard’s second regular season in the NFL ended with 31 receptions for 408 yards.