When the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks square off in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium, the spotlight won’t just be on the quarterbacks, coaches, or even the rematch storyline. This year’s championship game carries a deeper narrative - one rooted in high school fields under the Friday night lights of Texas.
Fourteen players suiting up for the big game once called Texas home, sharpening their skills in a state where football is more than a sport - it’s a way of life. From Fort Worth to Katy, these athletes represent a pipeline of talent that continues to shape the NFL landscape, and they’re about to showcase that pedigree on the sport’s biggest stage.
And while players from 30 U.S. states and even one from Australia will be represented in this year’s Super Bowl, it’s the Lone Star State that stands out - not just for the number of players, but for their impact across both rosters.
A Texas-Sized Presence in New England
The Patriots bring a strong Texas flavor to their Super Bowl roster, with several key contributors hailing from the state. Offensive tackle Marcus Bryant (Cedar Ridge, Round Rock), linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson (North Shore, Houston), and defensive back Kobee Minor (Lake Dallas, Corinth) are just a few of the names with Texas ties.
But the list doesn’t stop there. Defensive lineman Milton Williams (Crowley), safety Charles Woods (Kimball, Dallas), and safety Craig Woodson (South Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie) also come from Texas programs known for producing high-level talent. Linebacker Jack Gibbens (Smithson Valley, Spring Branch) and cornerback Christian Gonzalez (The Colony) round out a group that’s not only deep in numbers but rich in positional diversity - from the trenches to the secondary.
These aren't just depth pieces either. Several of these players have carved out meaningful roles throughout the season, making their mark in critical moments and earning the trust of a Patriots coaching staff that values consistency and toughness - traits often forged in Texas high school football.
Seahawks Leaning on Lone Star Talent Too
Seattle’s roster also reflects the state’s football footprint. Tight end Elijah Arroyo (Independence, Frisco), offensive lineman Josh Jones (George Bush, Richmond), and quarterback Jalen Milroe (Tompkins, Katy) each bring Texas roots to the Seahawks’ Super Bowl campaign.
Defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (Desoto), fullback Brady Russell (Fossil Ridge, Keller), wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Rockwall), and cornerback Tariq Woolen (Arlington Heights, Fort Worth) round out Seattle’s Texas contingent.
Woolen, in particular, has become a key figure in Seattle’s secondary with his rare combination of size and speed. Smith-Njigba, the rookie wideout, has added a dynamic element to the Seahawks’ passing game, showing flashes of the playmaking ability that made him a standout at every level.
A Rematch, But with New Faces
This isn’t the first time these two franchises have met on the Super Bowl stage. Their last clash - the unforgettable 2014 season finale - ended with Malcolm Butler’s iconic goal-line interception.
But a lot has changed since then. The rosters are almost entirely different, the coaching staffs have evolved, and the players who will take the field this Sunday bring fresh energy and new storylines.
What hasn’t changed is the importance of high school football roots - and few states have a stronger grip on that narrative than Texas. Whether it’s a game-changing sack, a crucial third-down catch, or a special teams spark, don’t be surprised if one of these Texas-born players delivers a moment that swings the game.
Beyond State Lines, a Global Game
While Texas makes its presence felt, this year’s Super Bowl also reflects the NFL’s growing global and national reach. Players from 30 states - and one from Australia (Seattle punter Michael Dickson) - will suit up in Santa Clara. It’s a reminder of how wide the talent pool has become, but also how certain regions, like Texas, continue to serve as the heartbeat of American football.
So when the Patriots and Seahawks take the field, they’ll be carrying more than just a team logo. For 14 players, they’ll also be carrying the pride of Texas - a state that continues to leave its mark on the game, one Super Bowl at a time.