As Super Bowl LX approaches, there’s a surprising number of familiar faces with New York Giants ties preparing for the biggest stage in football - and not just on the sidelines. From backup quarterbacks to defensive anchors, former Giants players, coaches, and front office personnel are scattered across both the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. And while some of these names may not have stuck in New York, they’ve found new life - and in some cases, real success - elsewhere.
New England Patriots
Let’s start with the AFC champions. The Patriots’ sideline will include more than just Bill Belichick’s successor and a new-look roster - it features a handful of players and coaches who once wore Giants blue.
QB Tommy DeVito
Tommy DeVito’s story with the Giants was short but unforgettable. The New Jersey native became something of a cult hero during his brief run under center, winning over fans with his local roots and gritty performances.
But once the Giants reset their quarterback room, DeVito was the odd man out. He landed in New England, where he’s served as the Patriots’ No. 3 quarterback.
He hasn’t taken a snap this season, but he’s stayed ready - and now he’s heading to the Super Bowl as part of a team that saw a dramatic turnaround under new leadership.
DL Cory Durden
Durden’s journey is a testament to perseverance. After brief stints with the Rams and Giants - including just four games played in New York - he was waived last summer.
Fast forward a few months, and Durden has carved out a meaningful role in New England’s defensive line rotation. He logged over 380 snaps this season, becoming a steady contributor on a defense that’s been one of the league’s most physical units down the stretch.
WR John Jiles & LB Patrick Johnson (Practice Squad)
Jiles and Johnson both spent time in New York, though their impact was more behind the scenes. Jiles was a training camp body in 2024, while Johnson played in a dozen games for the Giants that same year. Both are now on New England’s practice squad, providing depth and scout team reps during the Patriots’ playoff run.
Coaches: Zak Kuhr, Ben McAdoo, Tom Quinn
Zak Kuhr’s rise has been one of the more under-the-radar coaching stories of the season. After serving as a low-level defensive assistant with the Giants in 2024, he was hired by Mike Vrabel in New England to coach inside linebackers.
But when defensive coordinator Terrell Williams stepped away due to health reasons, Kuhr stepped up - becoming the de facto defensive coordinator and play-caller. That’s no small task for a first-year position coach, and it speaks volumes about his football IQ and Vrabel’s trust in him.
Ben McAdoo, the former Giants head coach, has resurfaced as a senior defensive assistant with the Patriots. It’s a bit of a twist for a coach known for his offensive background, but he’s part of a staff that’s made it work all season long. And yes, Tom Quinn - the longtime Giants special teams coach - is also part of this Super Bowl staff.
Front Office: Ryan Cowden
Ryan Cowden, who spent two seasons advising Giants GM Joe Schoen, is now the Patriots’ vice president of player personnel. His connection with Vrabel from their days in Tennessee helped pave the way for his move to New England, where he’s played a key role in reshaping the Patriots’ roster.
Seattle Seahawks
On the NFC side, Seattle also boasts a handful of ex-Giants - and a couple of them have turned into major impact players.
QB Drew Lock
Drew Lock never got much of a shot in New York, but he’s found a home in Seattle as Geno Smith’s backup. He’s stepped in when needed and helped guide the Seahawks through some turbulent stretches. While not a star, Lock has proven to be a reliable second option - something every playoff team needs.
S Julian Love
Julian Love’s departure from the Giants still stings for some fans. After all, he’s flourished in Seattle.
A Pro Bowler in 2023, Love has now been a three-year starter for the Seahawks and remains one of the most versatile safeties in the league. His ability to play deep, in the box, and even cover the slot has been a huge asset for Seattle’s defense.
DT Leonard Williams
Then there’s Leonard Williams - a force in the trenches who’s playing some of the best football of his career. Since leaving the Giants, Williams has racked up 18 sacks over the past two seasons and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2024, followed by a Second-Team nod this year. He’s been a game-wrecker for Seattle’s front seven and a leader on and off the field.
G Shane Lemieux (Practice Squad/Injured)
Shane Lemieux is still hanging around the league, though he’s currently on Seattle’s practice squad and dealing with injuries. While his time in New York was marred by health issues, he’s stayed in the mix and continues to fight for a role.
What It All Means
For Giants fans watching Super Bowl LX, there will be plenty of familiar faces on both sidelines - and maybe a few bittersweet moments. Some of these former Giants never quite fit the puzzle in New York, while others blossomed after leaving.
That’s the nature of the NFL. It’s about fit, timing, and opportunity.
What’s clear is that the Giants’ fingerprints are all over this Super Bowl - even if the team itself isn’t playing in it.