NFL Cougs Update: Two Headed to Super Bowl 60, Others Wrap Up Strong Seasons
As the NFL season barrels toward its grand finale in Santa Clara, a pair of Washington State alums are gearing up for the biggest stage in football - Super Bowl 60. Offensive tackle Abraham Lucas of the Seattle Seahawks and rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams of the New England Patriots will square off on February 8, representing the Cougars in the league’s biggest game.
But they’re far from the only Wazzu products making noise across the league. Let’s take a closer look at how the NFL Cougs performed in the conference championship round and throughout the 2025 season.
Abraham Lucas | OT | Seattle Seahawks
Lucas has been a rock on the right side of Seattle’s offensive line. In the NFC Championship win over the Rams, he was on the field for all 67 offensive snaps and added five more on special teams - a testament to his durability and value.
Now in his fourth NFL season, Lucas hasn’t missed a beat, starting every one of the Seahawks' 19 games this year. His consistency has been a key factor in Seattle’s postseason push, and he’ll be anchoring that line once again in the Super Bowl.
Kyle Williams | WR | New England Patriots
Williams' rookie campaign has been all about making the most of his opportunities. He logged 15 offensive snaps and two on special teams in the AFC title game win over Denver.
On the year, the first-year wideout has appeared in 18 games, tallying 10 receptions for 209 yards and three touchdowns. With the Patriots heading to Santa Clara, Williams has a chance to cap off his debut season with a ring - not a bad way to start your NFL journey.
NFL Cougs: Full 2025 Season Recap
River Cracraft | WR | Washington Commanders
A veteran presence in his eighth NFL season, Cracraft suited up for two games and contributed on special teams with a pair of punt returns. While his role was limited, his experience continues to provide depth and leadership in Washington’s receiver room.
Daniel Ekuale | DL | Pittsburgh Steelers
Before a season-ending injury cut his year short, Ekuale appeared in seven games for the Steelers. He registered six tackles and knocked down a pass at the line - a reminder of the disruptive force he can be when healthy. Now in his seventh season, Ekuale remains a steady presence in the trenches when available.
Daiyan Henley | LB | Los Angeles Chargers
Henley was a tackling machine for the Chargers this season. Starting all 17 games he played, the third-year linebacker led the team with 103 tackles. He added 3.5 sacks, five pass breakups, and two interceptions - a breakout season that showcased his range, instincts, and ability to impact the game at every level of the defense.
Jaden Hicks | S | Kansas City Chiefs
Hicks made a solid leap in his second NFL season. He played in all 17 games, including three starts, and recorded 49 tackles.
He also shared a sack and broke up four passes, showing flashes of the physical, playmaking safety he was in Pullman. With Kansas City still in the mix late into the postseason, Hicks continues to gain valuable experience.
Brennan Jackson | DE | Las Vegas Raiders
Jackson’s second season was unfortunately cut short after just three games due to injury. He managed three tackles in limited action. While the year didn’t go as planned, Jackson will look to bounce back healthy and hungry in 2026.
Cam Lampkin | CB | Los Angeles Rams
Lampkin spent the season on the Rams’ practice squad and did not appear in a regular-season game. While he didn’t see the field in the NFC Championship loss to Seattle, the second-year corner remains in the developmental pipeline, working toward earning his shot on Sundays.
Frankie Luvu | LB | Washington Commanders
Luvu continues to be one of the most productive and underrated linebackers in the league. In his eighth NFL season, he started all 17 games and racked up 86 tackles, three sacks, six pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He’s the kind of player who shows up on every down - whether he’s blowing up a run, dropping into coverage, or forcing a turnover.
Gardner Minshew II | QB | Kansas City Chiefs
Minshew’s seventh NFL season was a quiet one. He appeared in four games, including one start, before an injury sidelined him.
He completed 6-of-13 passes for 37 yards. While the numbers aren’t eye-popping, Minshew remains a reliable veteran option in the quarterback room - and a fan favorite wherever he goes.
Esa Pole | OL | Kansas City Chiefs
Pole got his first taste of NFL action this year, appearing in three games and making two starts at left tackle. For a rookie, that’s a solid foundation to build on - especially on a team with championship aspirations. Pole’s development will be worth watching as he continues to grow into a starting-caliber lineman.
Chau Smith-Wade | CB | Carolina Panthers
Smith-Wade took a big step forward in year two, playing in 16 games and starting six. He made 56 tackles, broke up two passes, and returned an interception for a touchdown - a highlight moment in a season that showed he’s ready for a bigger role in the Panthers’ secondary.
Jalen Thompson | S | Arizona Cardinals
Thompson remains a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ defense. In his seventh season, he started all 15 games he played in and posted 95 tackles, one sack, six pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He continues to be one of the most dependable safeties in the league - a steady presence on the back end who rarely misses an assignment.
Jaylen Watson | CB | Kansas City Chiefs
Watson had another strong campaign in Kansas City, starting all 15 games he played before missing the final two due to injury. He totaled 64 tackles, two sacks, six pass breakups, and two interceptions. Watson’s physical style and nose for the ball make him a key piece of the Chiefs’ defense - and he’s proven he can hold his own in big moments.
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl 60
With Abraham Lucas and Kyle Williams set to represent Washington State in Super Bowl 60, Cougar fans have plenty to cheer for as the NFL season wraps up. Whether it’s veterans like Jalen Thompson and Frankie Luvu continuing to anchor their defenses or rising stars like Daiyan Henley and Chau Smith-Wade making their mark, the Cougs are showing up all over the league - and making a serious impact.