Three former Minnesota Gophers are headed to the biggest stage in football - Super Bowl LX - as the Seattle Seahawks prepare to take on the New England Patriots in Santa Clara on February 8. For Boye Mafe, Nick Kallerup, and Jack Gibbens, it’s not just a shot at a ring - it’s the culmination of years of grit, growth, and standout performances in maroon and gold.
Boye Mafe: From Big Ten disruptor to Super Bowl starter
Boye Mafe’s journey from the University of Minnesota to the Seahawks' defensive front has been nothing short of impressive. During his time in Minneapolis from 2017 to 2021, Mafe developed into one of the Gophers’ most disruptive edge defenders.
Over 42 games, he racked up 87 tackles, including 19.5 for loss and 15 sacks. He also forced three fumbles and batted down three passes - a testament to both his explosiveness and awareness on the edge.
Seattle saw the potential early, selecting Mafe 40th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. Since then, he’s carved out a key role in the Seahawks’ defense, bringing the same relentless motor and athleticism that made him a force in the Big Ten. Now, Mafe’s set to bring that energy to the Super Bowl stage, where every pressure and every hit could swing the outcome.
Nick Kallerup: The unsung hero in the trenches
While tight ends often make headlines with big catches, Nick Kallerup built his reputation doing the dirty work - blocking, grinding, and contributing in the margins where games are won. From 2019 to 2024, Kallerup suited up in 57 games for the Gophers, making his mark on both offense and special teams.
His stat line - 14 catches for 151 yards and one touchdown - doesn’t tell the full story. Kallerup was a consistent presence in Minnesota’s blocking schemes, helping pave the way for the run game and providing reliable protection in the passing attack.
Now with Seattle, Kallerup’s versatility and toughness have earned him a spot on a Super Bowl roster. He’s the kind of player every championship team needs - steady, selfless, and ready to do whatever it takes to win.
Jack Gibbens: Tackling machine turned Patriot playmaker
On the opposite sideline, Jack Gibbens will suit up for the Patriots, bringing the same tackling instincts and field vision that made him a leader during his lone season with Minnesota in 2021. After transferring from Abilene Christian, Gibbens didn’t waste any time making an impact. He led the Gophers with 92 total tackles, including 56 solo stops, and added 4.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
Gibbens' ability to diagnose plays and finish tackles made him a cornerstone of Minnesota’s defense that season - and it’s no surprise that he’s found a home in New England, where smart, disciplined linebackers thrive. Now, he’s preparing for the biggest game of his career, anchoring a Patriots defense with Super Bowl aspirations.
From Dinkytown to the big dance
For Mafe, Kallerup, and Gibbens, the road to Super Bowl LX began at the University of Minnesota, where they honed their skills, battled through the grind of college football, and laid the foundation for pro success. Now, they’ll represent their alma mater on football’s biggest stage - a proud moment not just for them, but for Gopher fans everywhere.
No matter who lifts the Lombardi Trophy on February 8, Minnesota will have a hand in it.