The NFL playoffs are here once again and fans across the country are hoping that this is the year for their teams. HBCU products have had a tremendous impact on the teams in the NFL playoffs and will certainly play a major part in who makes it to Las Vegas for the big game. Former HBCU Players and coaches are on every level for the remaining playoff teams from the front office, coaching staffs, and on the field.
The Detroit Lions may be the story of the 2024 NFL playoffs. The team is a perennial bottom feeder who hasn't found much success over the past 50 years. A big part of Detroit's success is attributed to their Executive VP and General Manager Brad Holmes , who is a product of North Carolina A&T. Before becoming one of the most respected GMs in pro football, Holmes was a four-year letterman at North Carolina A&T and was a captain on the 1999 team that won the MEAC conference title and HBCU Football National Title.
On the field for the Lions, James Houston of Jackson State University is in his 2nd season as an edge rusher and has already recorded 8 sacks in his young career. At Jackson State, Houston recorded 16.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss during the 2021 season on his was to SWAC Newcomer of The Year honors to go along with his 1st team All-SWAC selection.
America's Team is well represented by its share of HBCU products. Tight Ends coach Lunda Wells is a former captain and All-SWAC offensive lineman from Southern University. He played a key role in bringing the 2003 SWAC Championship and HBCU National Title to The Bluff. The Cowboys assistant offensive line coach Ramon Chinyoung is also a product of Southern University, lettering for the Jags from 2007-2010. On the field the Cowboys have Markquese Bell of Florida A&M who starts at linebacker and has been an impact player all year. Bell was an All-MEAC performer in 2019 and was 1st team All-SWAC in 2021.
Up in Baltimore, the HBCU products have been instrumental in the success of the Ravens. Team President Sashi Brown is a 1998 graduate of Hampton University and Quarterbacks Coach Kerry Dixon played for the Pirates from 2002-2004. Dixon also coached at Morgan State in 2007 as a Quarterbacks Coach. In addition, he also coached quarterbacks at Texas Southern in 2008 before becoming an offensive coordinator at Stillman College in 2009.
Joshua Williams out of Fayetteville State was the 1st HBCU player taken in the 2022 NFL draft and already he has made an impact for the Kansas City Chiefs. Williams was able to win a Super Bowl during his rookie season and is hoping to bring another Lombardi Trophy to Kansas City this year. His collegiate teammate Kion Smith became his opponent during Wilcard Weekend as the Chiefs and Dolphins faced off putting the two former Broncos against each other. The D2 HBCU flavor is also present in Green Bay as former Fort Valley State Wildcat Emanuel Wilson suits up as a running back for the Packers.
2021 Celebration Bowl Defensive MVP Decobie Durrant has become a mainstay in the secondary of the Los Angeles Rams. Currant and the Rams made the trip to face off against the Lions during Wildcard weekend in an exciting 1-point win by the Lions.
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