Even with college football in the rearview mirror, Georgia fans still have plenty to root for-this time on the NFL stage. With three of the four remaining playoff teams featuring former Bulldogs, the odds are high that someone from Athens will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in a few weeks.
Let’s break down the Georgia ties on the road to Super Bowl glory.
Mike Macdonald - Seattle Seahawks Head Coach
In just his third year as a head coach, Mike Macdonald has the Seahawks rolling. Seattle enters the conference championship at 14-3 and looking every bit like a team built for a deep postseason run.
Macdonald’s journey to the NFL began with a stint as a graduate assistant at Georgia from 2010 to 2013 under then-head coach Mark Richt. That early experience in Athens helped shape one of the brightest young minds in coaching today.
Seattle also has rookie running back Kenny McIntosh on the roster, though he’s currently on injured reserve. While he won’t be suiting up, his presence still strengthens the Bulldog connection in the Pacific Northwest.
Matthew Stafford - Quarterback, LA Rams
If there’s a Bulldog with a real shot at MVP honors this postseason, it’s Matthew Stafford. The veteran quarterback has thrown a league-best 46 touchdowns while guiding the Rams to a 12-3 record and a spot in the conference title game. Stafford’s arm talent and playoff poise have been on full display, and if he keeps this up, a second Super Bowl ring could be within reach.
The Rams also feature a trio of former Dawgs backing Stafford up. Stetson Bennett, the two-time national champion and fan favorite in Athens, is on the inactive list but remains part of the quarterback room. Cornerback Derion Kendrick and offensive tackle Warren McClendon round out the Georgia presence in Los Angeles, giving the Rams a solid Red-and-Black backbone.
Jared Wilson - Offensive Lineman, New England Patriots
Over in the AFC, Jared Wilson has quietly become a key piece of the Patriots’ offensive front. He’s started 13 straight games, anchoring the line and keeping rookie quarterback Drake Maye upright. At 14-3, New England is surging at the right time, and Wilson’s consistency in the trenches has been a big reason why.
He’s the lone Bulldog in the AFC Championship, with the Denver Broncos-the Patriots’ opponent this weekend-lacking any Georgia ties on their roster or coaching staff.
A Bulldog-Backed Super Bowl Run
While Georgia fans are still licking their wounds after a tough loss to Ole Miss ended their national title hopes, there’s a silver lining. The NFL postseason is offering a fresh reason to cheer. Whether it’s Stafford carving up defenses, Wilson protecting a young QB, or Macdonald dialing up a game plan from the sidelines, there’s no shortage of Bulldog pride on display.
And let’s not overlook the broader takeaway here: the Georgia football program continues to churn out top-tier NFL talent. Under Kirby Smart, Athens has become a pipeline to the pros-and not just for players, but for coaches too. Even in a year without a college football championship, Georgia’s fingerprints are all over the NFL’s biggest stage.
So as the playoffs heat up, Bulldog Nation can sit back, tune in, and watch their own chase Super Bowl glory.