HBCU Legacy Shines Bright on Super Bowl Sunday
Super Bowl LX is here, and while all eyes are on the action between the Patriots and Seahawks, there’s another storyline worth celebrating - the continued impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on the NFL’s biggest stage. From the early days of the league to today’s championship showdown, HBCU alumni have consistently left their mark, and this year is no different.
Terrell Jennings: From FAMU to Football’s Biggest Stage
Only one player in this year’s Super Bowl has HBCU roots, but he’s carrying a proud tradition with him. New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings, a Florida A&M product, is suiting up with a chance to etch his name into Super Bowl history. Jennings went undrafted in 2024, but his journey from FAMU to the NFL is a testament to both his resilience and the talent pipeline that HBCUs continue to provide.
During his four-year career at Florida A&M (2019-2023), Jennings racked up 1,754 rushing yards on 381 carries and found the end zone 24 times. He was a key piece of the Rattlers’ Celebration Bowl-winning squad that edged out Howard 30-26, a game that capped one of the most successful seasons in school history under head coach Willie Simmons.
Now, Jennings has a shot to join the likes of Joshua Williams - the Fayetteville State alum who won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs - as an HBCU player to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Terrell Williams: Coaching Roots That Run Deep
On the sidelines, the HBCU presence is even stronger. Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams may not be a North Carolina A&T graduate, but he’s proudly represented the Aggies throughout the season - even donning A&T gear during games.
His coaching journey took him through Greensboro, where he served as the defensive line coach from 1999 to 2001. That stop helped shape a career that would eventually lead to the NFL.
Williams made the leap to the league in 2012 with the Oakland Raiders and has since worked with the Dolphins, Titans, and Lions before landing the DC role under Mike Vrabel in New England. His rise is a reminder of how HBCUs have long been a proving ground for coaching talent.
Milton Patterson: Developing Talent, Building Champions
Another key figure on the Patriots’ defensive staff is Milton Patterson, a Jackson State alum who serves as a defensive assistant. Patterson has built a reputation as a developer of talent, having worked with some of the best in the HBCU ranks. He was part of Willie Simmons’ Florida A&M staff during their Celebration Bowl-winning campaign and played a pivotal role in shaping linebacker Isaiah Majors - the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Patterson’s resume reads like a tour of HBCU football: Jackson State, Clark Atlanta, Alabama State, Mississippi Valley State, and Fayetteville State. His path is a testament to the depth of coaching talent that continues to emerge from HBCU programs.
Zak Kuhr: From Edward Waters to the Seahawks
On the other sideline, the Seahawks’ coaching staff also features HBCU ties. Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr began his college coaching career at Edward Waters in 2009, serving as offensive coordinator. After two seasons with the Tigers, he made the jump to Ohio State as an intern and has steadily climbed the coaching ladder since.
Kuhr has made stops at Texas, the Titans, the Giants, and now Seattle, where he’s part of a defensive staff looking to slow down the Patriots’ attack. His early experience at Edward Waters laid the foundation for a career that now finds him coaching in the Super Bowl.
Leslie Frazier: A Champion Player and a Veteran Coach
Few names carry as much weight as Leslie Frazier when it comes to HBCU excellence in football. The Seahawks’ assistant head coach is an Alcorn State legend who made a name for himself as a ball-hawking defensive back. In his sophomore season with the Braves, Frazier set a school record with nine interceptions - a performance that helped him catch the attention of NFL scouts.
He went undrafted in 1981 but signed with the Chicago Bears and became part of their legendary 1985 Super Bowl-winning team. After injuries cut his playing career short, Frazier turned to coaching.
He got his start at Trinity College in 1988 and eventually rose to become head coach of the Minnesota Vikings from 2010 to 2013. Now, he’s bringing that wealth of experience to Seattle’s sideline.
Quinshon Odom: A Young Coach with Championship DNA
Seattle offensive assistant Quinshon Odom is another HBCU product making waves. A former standout quarterback at Shaw University, Odom led the Bears to a CIAA championship as a freshman and wrapped up his college career with over 3,700 passing yards and 32 touchdowns. He graduated in 2013 and jumped right into coaching.
Odom’s journey has taken him from internships at Eastern Kentucky to graduate assistant work at Vanderbilt. He got his NFL start through the Bill Walsh Coaching Fellowship with the Buffalo Bills in 2021 and eventually landed a role as offensive line coach at Texas.
Before joining Seattle, he also spent time with the Green Bay Packers as a quality control coach. His resume is already packed, and he’s just getting started.
Ray Ellison: HBCU Roots in the Officiating Crew
It’s not just players and coaches representing HBCUs - the officiating crew includes a familiar face as well. Ray Ellison, a Savannah State alum, will be working his fourth Super Bowl as an umpire. Ellison played offensive line for Savannah State from 1983 to 1986, sharing the field with a young Shannon Sharpe during his final season.
After graduating in 1987 with a degree in Computer Science, Ellison worked as an IT engineer before fully committing to officiating. His journey from the trenches of HBCU football to the NFL’s biggest stage is another shining example of the diverse paths HBCU alumni take to leave their imprint on the game.
The Legacy Lives On
While the spotlight of Super Bowl Sunday often shines brightest on the stars between the lines, the influence of HBCUs is felt well beyond the stat sheet. From players and coaches to officials, the fingerprints of these storied institutions are all over the game. And as the confetti falls tonight, one thing is clear - the legacy of HBCU excellence is not just part of NFL history, it’s a vital part of its future.