Idaho Ties Run Deep as Super Bowl LX Stage Is Set
After a championship weekend that delivered drama, grit, and a few game-changing plays, Super Bowl LX is officially locked in. And for Idaho football fans, there’s even more reason to tune in this year. Three players with strong ties to the Gem State are heading to Santa Clara, each making their own mark on the road to the NFL’s biggest stage.
Let’s start with DeMarcus Lawrence, a name that still echoes around Boise State’s "Blue Turf." In his first season with the Seahawks, the veteran defensive end didn’t just show up-he set the tone.
In the NFC Championship win over the Rams, Lawrence came up big with a sack and a forced fumble on Matthew Stafford, a momentum-swinging play that helped propel Seattle to a 31-27 win at Lumen Field. That victory sends the Seahawks to their fourth Super Bowl in franchise history and their first since the 2013 season.
Lawrence has been a force all year. The five-time Pro Bowler wrapped up the regular season with 53 tackles, 6 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles.
And he hasn’t slowed down in the postseason-he’s already added three more TFLs and three forced fumbles in just two playoff games. That’s the kind of disruptive presence that changes game plans and keeps offensive coordinators up at night.
But he’s not the only former Bronco making waves in Seattle. Running back George Holani, another Boise State product, stepped up in a big way when the Seahawks needed him most.
After Zach Charbonnet went down with an injury, Holani was ready. He caught three passes for 27 yards, including a crucial 13-yard reception that helped move the chains and keep Seattle’s offense rolling.
Now, Holani’s looking to cap his rookie campaign with a Super Bowl ring. If he finds the end zone in Santa Clara, it’ll be a full-circle moment for a player who’s been grinding for this opportunity since his college days on The Blue. And with Seattle eyeing its second Lombardi Trophy-after falling short in their last Super Bowl appearance against New England-there’s a little extra motivation in the air.
Speaking of New England, the Patriots punched their ticket to Super Bowl LX with a gritty 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship. And once again, Idaho is in the spotlight.
Former Idaho Vandal linebacker Christian Elliss delivered one of the biggest plays of the game. With Denver driving, Elliss got to quarterback Jarrett Stidham for a sack and forced a fumble. The Patriots recovered and turned that turnover into their only touchdown of the day-a play that ultimately proved to be the difference.
Elliss finished the game with four total tackles, a sack, and that pivotal forced fumble. It was the kind of performance that underscores just how far he’s come since his days in the Big Sky.
After bouncing around early in his NFL career, Elliss has found his footing. This season, he’s started 15 games and racked up 94 total tackles-his best season yet.
He’s no stranger to the Super Bowl stage either, having been on the Eagles’ roster during their 2023 run. But this time, he’s not just along for the ride. He’s a key contributor on a Patriots defense that’s been the backbone of their postseason success.
So here we are: Seahawks vs. Patriots.
A rematch of that unforgettable clash from a decade ago. But this time, there’s a clear Idaho flavor on both sidelines.
Whether it’s Lawrence chasing down quarterbacks, Holani moving the chains, or Elliss flying around on defense, Super Bowl LX is shaping up to be more than just a battle for the Lombardi-it’s a showcase for some of Idaho’s finest football talent.
Kickoff is set for Sunday, Feb. 8, live from Levi’s Stadium.