Super Bowl 60: A Clash of Titans with Deep North Carolina Roots
The stage is set for Super Bowl 60, and it’s a matchup that brings both star power and a heavy dose of North Carolina flavor. The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are heading to the biggest game of the year, and between them, they’ve got a surprising number of players with ties to the Tar Heel State.
At the heart of it all is Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, the former UNC standout who’s now leading New England in his rookie season with poise beyond his years. Maye, a native of Huntersville and a Myers Park High School alum, has quickly become the face of a Patriots team that’s found its rhythm at just the right time. His connection to North Carolina football is deep-and he’s not alone.
Let’s take a closer look at the players from both Super Bowl squads who’ve made their way from North Carolina high schools and colleges to football’s biggest stage.
New England Patriots: A Carolina Core in Foxborough
It’s not every day you see a Super Bowl roster this loaded with talent from one region, but the Patriots have built a group that’s quietly shaped by North Carolina.
Drake Maye (QB) - The headliner. Maye’s rise from Myers Park to UNC to the NFL spotlight has been nothing short of electric.
His arm talent, decision-making, and leadership have made him a cornerstone of New England’s offense. Now, he’s on the cusp of capping off a rookie campaign with a Lombardi Trophy.
Garrett Bradbury (C) - A Charlotte native and Charlotte Christian product, Bradbury made his name at NC State before becoming a rock in the middle of the Patriots’ offensive line. His ability to anchor the interior and communicate protections has been crucial in keeping Maye upright.
Cory Durden (DT) - Another NC State alum, Durden brings size and disruption to the Patriots' defensive front. He’s been a rotational force, especially in run-stopping situations.
Mack Hollins (WR) - Known for his time at UNC, Hollins brings veteran savvy to the wide receiver room. He’s a reliable target who’s made key plays in clutch moments throughout the postseason.
Jared Wilson (OL) - From Clemmons and West Forsyth High School, Wilson adds depth to the Patriots’ offensive line. His versatility has been valuable in a unit that’s dealt with its share of injuries.
Harold Landry (LB) - Spring Lake native and Pine Forest High School product, Landry is a difference-maker off the edge. His speed and bend make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
Amari Gainer (LB, practice squad) - A UNC product, Gainer has been developing on the practice squad, providing depth and potential for the future.
John Jiles (WR, practice squad) - Wake Forest native and Wake Forest High School alum, Jiles is another local product working his way up in the Patriots’ system.
John Saunders Jr. (S, practice squad) - Out of High Point Christian Academy, Saunders Jr. is another name to watch as he continues to develop in New England’s secondary.
Seattle Seahawks: Carolina Connections in the Pacific Northwest
On the other side of the field, the Seahawks also boast a solid group of players who cut their teeth in North Carolina before making it to the NFL.
Jake Bobo (WR) - A standout at Duke, Bobo has become a fan favorite in Seattle with his reliable hands and crisp route-running. He’s been a steady presence in a young receiving corps.
Drake Thomas (LB) - Hailing from Wake Forest and Heritage High School, Thomas made a name for himself at NC State with his high-motor play. He’s brought that same energy to Seattle, where he’s become a key piece of the linebacker rotation.
Chazz Surratt (LB, injured) - Though currently sidelined, Surratt’s journey from East Lincoln High School to UNC to the Seahawks is another example of the Tar Heel pipeline. His athleticism and versatility have been missed, but his future remains bright.
Dareke Young (WR) - A Raleigh native and Middle Creek High School alum, Young played his college ball at Lenoir-Rhyne. He’s a physical receiver who’s carved out a role on special teams and as a depth option in Seattle’s offense.
Jarran Reed (DT) - From Goldsboro and Goldsboro High School, Reed is a veteran presence on Seattle’s defensive line. His ability to clog lanes and pressure the quarterback has been a big part of the Seahawks’ defensive resurgence.
Nick Emmanwori (S) - A Greensboro native, Emmanwori brings a hard-hitting presence to Seattle’s secondary. He’s part of a young, aggressive defensive backfield that’s helped the Seahawks punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.
A Super Bowl with a Southern Twist
When the Patriots and Seahawks meet on February 7, it won’t just be a battle between two of the NFL’s most physical, well-coached teams. It’ll also be a showcase for the kind of football talent that’s been brewing in North Carolina for years.
From high school fields in Charlotte and Raleigh to college stadiums in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh, these players have taken different paths-but they’ve all arrived at the same destination: Super Bowl 60.
And while only one team will leave with the Lombardi Trophy, North Carolina football will already be a big winner on the sport’s biggest night.