There’s no shortage of former Texas players in the National Football League. As we approach Wild Card weekend, eight of the remaining teams are home to at least one former Longhorn.
The Seattle Seahawks currently employ the highest number of players who have had successful collegiate careers in Austin. Punter Michael Dickson, safety Quandre Diggs, defensive tackle Poona Ford, and tight end Tyrone Swoops have never played in the Super Bowl.
Arguably the best overall team in the league, the Baltimore Ravens secured the No. 1 seed with impressive seasons from kicker Justin Tucker and safety Earl Thomas. Former Texas safety DeShon Elliott is also on the roster, but unfortunately suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey and defensive tackle Malcom Brown are among the New Orleans Saints exciting 13-3 record in 2019. In Minnesota, cornerbacks Holton Hill and Kris Boyd are expected to receive more playing time as the Vikings defensive back room has suffered numerous injuries.
The horns don’t stop there.
Houston Texans: Defensive end Charles Omenihu
Philadelphia Eagles: Defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway
Tennessee Titans: Safety Kenny Vaccaro
San Francisco 49’ers: Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin
Whether these former Longhorns are their teams best player or simply cheering their teammates on from injured reserve, they’ve contributed in some way to their organization’s successful season thus far.
Any of the remaining twelve teams have a legitimate chance at hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. We’ve witnessed the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers both win a Super Bowl as the lowest No. 6 seed.
Regardless of which team comes out on top, odds are high that a former Longhorn will be among them.