Stanford’s Tight End Legacy Shines as NFL Playoffs Hit Championship Weekend
The NFL playoffs have been nothing short of electric this year - tight finishes, clutch performances, and storylines that just keep getting better. And as we head into Championship weekend, two familiar names from Stanford are still in the hunt for a trip to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. Tight ends Austin Hooper and Colby Parkinson are carrying the banner for “Tight End U,” and if their Divisional Round performances are any indication, they’re not just along for the ride - they’re making an impact.
Let’s break down how Stanford’s NFL alumni fared in the Divisional Round, and what it means as the postseason stakes get even higher.
Seattle Seahawks 41, San Francisco 49ers 6
Christian McCaffrey (49ers)
It wasn’t the ending McCaffrey or the 49ers were hoping for, but the All-Pro running back still gave everything he had.
He carried the ball 11 times for 35 yards and added five catches for 39 yards - tying for the team lead in both targets and receptions. That kind of usage was par for the course this season, as McCaffrey wrapped up his 2025 campaign with 450 total touches over 19 games.
That’s not just a career-high - it’s the second-most by any NFL player in a single season (including playoffs) since 2015.
While the playoff run may be over, McCaffrey’s year still ends on a high note. He was announced as the 2026 Bart Starr Award winner, a prestigious honor that recognizes outstanding character, integrity, and leadership on and off the field. It’s a fitting tribute for one of the league’s most respected players.
Curtis Robinson (49ers)
Robinson logged 27 total snaps in the game, including six at linebacker, and recorded two assisted tackles on defense.
While his role was limited on the field, his impact off it hasn’t gone unnoticed - he’s the 49ers’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which will be announced during Super Bowl week. It’s a nod to the kind of presence he brings to the locker room and the community.
New England Patriots 28, Houston Texans 16
Austin Hooper (Patriots)
Hooper didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he made his one catch count - a 14-yard grab in the third quarter that moved the chains and helped the Patriots keep momentum. It was his first postseason reception since the 2020 playoffs with the Browns, and it comes in a season where he’s found a niche role in New England’s evolving offense.
Now, Hooper is back in the Championship Round for the first time since his Falcons days in 2016. He brings veteran experience and steady hands to a Patriots team looking to return to the Super Bowl stage.
Dalton Schultz (Texans)
Schultz started strong with two catches for 47 yards in the first quarter, but a calf injury forced him out of the game early.
Still, he finishes the season with 87 receptions - a new career high - along with 836 receiving yards and three touchdowns. It was a breakout campaign for the tight end, and Houston will be hoping he can build on that momentum next season.
Davis Mills (Texans)
Mills did not see action in the Divisional Round.
Los Angeles Rams 20, Chicago Bears 17 (OT)
Colby Parkinson (Rams)
Parkinson showed exactly why he’s been such a valuable piece in Sean McVay’s offense.
The third-year tight end tied for the team lead with 56 receiving yards, hauling in three catches on seven targets. His biggest moment came in the fourth quarter - a 35-yard reception that helped set up a go-ahead touchdown, giving the Rams a 17-10 lead at the time.
It was a clutch play in a clutch moment, and now Parkinson is headed to the Championship Round for the first time in his career. He’s proving to be more than just a big target - he’s becoming a big-time player when it matters most.
Drew Dalman (Bears)
Dalman anchored the Bears’ offensive line from start to finish, playing all 81 snaps at center.
His consistent play throughout the season earned him a Pro Bowl nod - his first - and he finishes the year ranked as the seventh-best center in the league, according to Pro Football Focus (72.7 grade). While Chicago’s season ends here, Dalman’s arrow is clearly pointing up.
Championship Weekend Outlook
With just four teams left standing, two Stanford tight ends - Hooper and Parkinson - are still in the mix for a shot at Super Bowl LX. It’s another reminder of the Cardinal pipeline to the NFL, especially at the tight end position.
Stanford fans will have plenty to cheer for this weekend, as both players look to punch their ticket to the biggest game of the year. And given how they’ve performed under pressure so far, don’t be surprised if one of them ends up making a game-changing play with everything on the line.