As the NFL barrels toward Super Bowl LX, one thing is already locked in: no matter who hoists the Lombardi Trophy in Santa Clara, an Auburn Tiger will be along for the ride. Each of the four remaining teams in the playoff hunt has at least one former Auburn player on its active roster, guaranteeing the program its first on-field Super Bowl presence since the 2023 season.
That’s a notable shift after two straight years without an Auburn alum suiting up on Super Bowl Sunday. And while Alabama continues to dominate in terms of sheer NFL representation - with 72 former players appearing in regular-season games this past year - the Crimson Tide isn’t guaranteed a champion this time around. In fact, one of the four teams still standing, the Los Angeles Rams, doesn’t have a single Alabama alum on the roster.
That’s a stark contrast from last season, when four former Tide players helped power the Philadelphia Eagles to a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
This year, the Super Bowl spotlight could fall on a number of players with Alabama football roots - from the high school ranks to the state’s powerhouse college programs. Across the four remaining teams, there are 21 players from Alabama high schools and colleges on active rosters, plus several more on practice squads or injured reserve.
Let’s break it down by team and conference, starting in the AFC.
AFC Championship: Patriots at Broncos
The New England Patriots are loaded with Alabama ties, especially on defense. Christian Barmore (Alabama) brings power up front, while Anfernee Jennings (Dadeville, Alabama) adds experience to the linebacker corps. In the secondary, Marcus Jones (Enterprise, Troy) and Dell Pettus (Sparkman, Troy) - both former Alabama high school standouts - provide depth and playmaking ability.
Carlton Davis (Auburn) and CJ Dippre (Alabama) round out the list of Patriots with Alabama roots, while wide receiver Jeremiah Webb (South Alabama) is currently on the practice squad.
Across the field, the Denver Broncos boast a compelling mix of young talent and veteran leadership with Alabama connections. Quarterback Bo Nix (Pinson Valley, Auburn) and cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine (Spanish Fort) headline the group, along with Patrick Surtain II (Alabama), one of the top corners in the league. Jarrett Stidham (Auburn) provides depth under center, while Que Robinson (Jackson-Olin, Alabama) contributes at linebacker.
Drew Sanders (Alabama) is on injured reserve and won’t be available for the postseason run.
NFC Championship: Rams at Seahawks
The Los Angeles Rams may not have any Crimson Tide alumni, but they’re not lacking in Alabama flavor. Running back Jarquez Hunter (Auburn) and cornerback Roger McCreary (Williamson, Auburn) are key contributors, while Darious Williams (UAB) brings Super Bowl experience from the Rams’ 2022 title run.
Over in Seattle, the Seahawks are stacked with Alabama talent. Derick Hall (Auburn) and Josh Jobe (Alabama) are part of a defense that’s been flying around all season.
Jalen Milroe (Alabama) - the dynamic quarterback who made waves in college - is also on the roster, along with offensive tackle Amari Kight and fullback Robbie Ouzts, both Alabama products. Nehemiah Pritchett (Jackson, Auburn) and veteran nose tackle Jarran Reed (Alabama) round out the active list.
On the practice squad, the Seahawks have three more players with Alabama ties: Velus Jones Jr. (Saraland), Jamie Sheriff (South Alabama), and Bubba Thomas (South Alabama).
Safety A.J. Finley (St.
Paul’s Episcopal) is on injured reserve and won’t be suiting up.
A Legacy of Alabama Football
This year marks the 19th consecutive Super Bowl in which at least one player from an Alabama high school will be eligible to play. That’s not just a fun fact - it’s a testament to the state’s rich football pipeline, from Friday night lights to the NFL’s biggest stage.
And while college allegiances often fuel the fiercest debates, the broader story here is how deep the roots of Alabama football run across the league. Whether it’s a former Auburn Tiger, a Troy Trojan, or a UAB Blazer, players from the state continue to make their mark when it matters most.
What’s Next
The stage is set for Sunday’s conference championship games, with Super Bowl LX just around the corner. Here’s how the matchups shake out (all times Central):
- AFC Championship: No. 2 New England Patriots (16-3) at No.
1 Denver Broncos (15-3), 2 p.m. on CBS. The Patriots are 4.5-point favorites.
- NFC Championship: No. 5 Los Angeles Rams (14-5) at No.
1 Seattle Seahawks (15-3), 5:30 p.m. on FOX. The Seahawks are favored by 2.5 points.
The winners will meet on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl LX - and when they do, Auburn will officially be back on football’s biggest stage.