As the NFL playoffs roll into Championship Sunday, four former Tennessee Volunteers are one win away from reaching the biggest stage in football: Super Bowl LX. And while each of them is taking a different path to get there, they’re all playing meaningful roles for teams still in the hunt.
Let’s break it down.
In the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks are set for a heavyweight clash, and both sides are leaning on former Vols to help push them over the top. The Rams’ defense features two key Tennessee alums: outside linebacker Byron Young and safety Jaylen McCollough.
Young has been a force all season long, and he’s coming off another disruptive outing in the Rams’ win over Chicago, where he logged five tackles and a quarterback hit. On the year, he’s racked up 82 tackles and 12 sacks - both career highs - and added a forced fumble for good measure.
That kind of production off the edge is exactly what you want in January.
McCollough, meanwhile, has quietly carved out a solid role in the Rams’ secondary. He notched one tackle in that same win over the Bears and has totaled 51 tackles and two sacks across 17 games this season. He’s not always the flashiest player on the field, but he’s been consistent - and that’s gold in the postseason.
On the other side of the NFC bracket, Velus Jones Jr. has found a new role in Seattle. Originally a wide receiver, Jones has transitioned into a running back role and was elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Seahawks’ dominant 41-6 playoff win over the 49ers.
He saw action in that game, carrying the ball six times for 10 yards. It’s been a winding road for Jones - he started the season with the Saints, bounced between the active roster and practice squad, then landed with the Seahawks after being waived in late October.
But now, he’s suiting up for a conference title game. That’s the kind of perseverance that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet.
Over in the AFC, Joshua Dobbs is holding down the backup quarterback spot for the New England Patriots behind rookie starter Drake Maye. Dobbs didn’t play in last week’s win over the Texans, but he’s been active in four games this season, completing 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards and adding 10 rushing yards on four carries.
While his number hasn’t been called often, the Patriots know how quickly things can change - especially with the quarterback carousel we’ve seen this postseason. Just ask Denver, who’s navigating the playoffs without Bo Nix due to injury.
In games like these, depth at quarterback isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity.
All four former Vols - Young, McCollough, Jones, and Dobbs - are still chasing their first Super Bowl appearance. And with kickoff looming, they’re just one win away.
Here’s what’s on deck:
- AFC Championship: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos, 3:00 p.m. ET on CBS
- NFC Championship: Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks, 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX
Two games. Four former Vols.
One shot at the Super Bowl. Let’s see who punches their ticket.