The Seattle Seahawks announced their roster for the upcoming Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. Four former Big Ten stars will take the field in what could be one of the most competitive championship games in recent years.
Kenneth Walker III, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Devon Witherspoon and Sam Darnold each took different paths to reach football’s biggest stage.
Smith-Njigba dominated at Ohio State during his breakout 2021 season. He recorded 1,606 receiving yards and nine touchdowns for the Buckeyes that year.
The wide receiver brought his college production to the NFL seamlessly.
Walker III spent just one season at Michigan State before declaring for the NFL. He scored 19 total touchdowns during that campaign with the Spartans.
The running back scored a touchdown in Sunday’s NFC Championship game. The Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 to advance to the Super Bowl.
Darnold’s journey represents one of the NFL’s most notable comeback stories. The quarterback will become the first former USC player to start a Super Bowl.
Witherspoon developed under Illinois coach Bret Bielema’s program. The cornerback’s path from the Fighting Illini to All-Pro status with Seattle showcases the coach’s developmental approach.
His defensive play helped position the Seahawks for their championship run.
The four players join a select group of Big Ten alumni competing for NFL championship rings.
The Super Bowl kicks off in 12 days.
