NFL Playoff Remaining Auburn Tigers Football Alumni
NFL Playoff Impact of Auburn Tigers Football Alumni: 2025
As the NFL playoffs unfold, the role of alumni from college football programs, especially powerhouses like Auburn University, continues to be a significant factor. Auburn’s football program has a rich history of producing top-tier talent who have gone on to achieve great success in the NFL. With the 2025 NFL postseason heating up, a number of Auburn Tigers football alumni are making their mark, contributing to teams competing for the ultimate prize—the Super Bowl championship. This article explores the key Auburn Tigers in the NFL playoffs, their contributions to their respective teams, and the lasting impact of the Auburn football program on the NFL.
Auburn’s Legacy in the NFL Playoffs
Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama, has long been known for producing top-tier athletes, particularly in football. The university has a proud football tradition that stretches back decades, and its alumni have had a significant presence in the NFL. Players such as Bo Jackson, Cam Newton, and Charles Barkley (in basketball) have set the stage for future Auburn athletes to succeed in professional sports, but football players from Auburn have stood out most in the NFL.
The Auburn Tigers’ football team has consistently developed talent capable of making an impact at the next level. Many of these players go on to have long and successful careers in the NFL, with some playing pivotal roles on playoff-caliber teams. In the 2025 NFL playoffs, Auburn alumni are once again showcasing their talent on the league’s biggest stage.
Auburn Alumni Making Playoff Waves
Several Auburn Tigers football alumni have contributed to teams making deep runs in the playoffs, and these players have been instrumental in their team’s success. Whether as key starters or role players, Auburn’s presence in the NFL postseason is felt across the league. Here are a few notable Auburn alumni who have played important roles in the 2025 NFL playoffs.
1. Cam Newton (Quarterback, Free Agent)
While Cam Newton may not be currently on a roster, his legacy looms large in the NFL and continues to inspire Auburn fans. Newton’s historic career, especially his MVP season in 2015 and his Super Bowl appearance, left an indelible mark on the NFL. His combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength revolutionized the quarterback position and influenced the next generation of dual-threat quarterbacks.
While Newton isn’t actively playing in the 2025 playoffs, his influence is still strongly felt in the league. The evolution of mobile quarterbacks and the spread offense in the NFL is often traced back to Newton’s success at Auburn, where he was the engine behind the Tigers’ national championship in 2010. His leadership, athleticism, and playmaking ability helped lay the groundwork for the current generation of quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts.
2. Derrick Brown (Defensive Tackle, Carolina Panthers)
Derrick Brown, the imposing defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers, has been a standout player since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 325 pounds, Brown’s presence on the defensive line is felt every time he steps onto the field. Although the Panthers didn’t make the playoffs in 2025, Brown’s individual performance continues to be recognized league-wide.
Brown’s time at Auburn was marked by his dominant play on the defensive line, where he was known for his ability to disrupt offenses and stop the run. His tenacity and leadership were key for Auburn’s defense during his college years, and he has since become a foundational piece of the Panthers’ defense. His ability to clog up running lanes and create pressure on quarterbacks has made him a key player in the NFL, and he remains a vital asset for any future playoff-caliber team he might join.
3. Greg Robinson (Offensive Tackle, Los Angeles Chargers)
Greg Robinson, a former first-round pick of the St. Louis Rams (now Los Angeles Rams), has been one of the most significant offensive linemen to come out of Auburn in recent years. Known for his power and athleticism on the offensive line, Robinson has become a key component of his NFL teams’ success. Although Robinson’s journey has included some challenges in terms of consistency, his talents have not gone unnoticed.
In the 2025 NFL playoffs, Robinson’s experience and leadership were critical in helping the Los Angeles Chargers maintain a solid offensive line, allowing quarterback Justin Herbert to excel. Robinson was a crucial part of the line in the Chargers’ quest for a playoff berth, and his playoff experience has helped stabilize their offense when the stakes are highest. Though not often in the limelight like his quarterback counterpart, Robinson’s contributions were essential in the team’s strong run.
4. Carl Lawson (Defensive End, New York Jets)
Carl Lawson, a standout defensive end for the New York Jets, has had a remarkable journey since leaving Auburn. Lawson, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017 before joining the Jets in 2021, has established himself as one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the NFL. Lawson’s combination of speed, power, and relentless energy allows him to terrorize quarterbacks, and his impact is particularly felt in high-stakes games, such as playoff matchups.
In the 2025 playoffs, Lawson’s presence on the Jets’ defensive line has been crucial. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt offensive schemes has been vital in the Jets’ deep postseason run. Lawson’s performance exemplifies the grit and work ethic that Auburn’s football program instilled in him, and his clutch plays in critical moments have helped propel the Jets toward a potential Super Bowl berth.
5. Chandler Cox (Fullback, Miami Dolphins)
Chandler Cox, a versatile fullback and special teams contributor, has been a key player for the Miami Dolphins. Known for his blocking ability, leadership, and unselfish play, Cox has had an understated but important role in helping his team reach the 2025 NFL playoffs. Fullbacks like Cox are often underappreciated in the modern NFL, but their role in opening up running lanes and providing support in the passing game is essential to a team’s success.
Cox, who played a key role in Auburn’s ground game during his time with the Tigers, has carried those skills into the professional ranks. As part of a playoff-bound Dolphins team, Cox’s impact is felt every time the Dolphins establish the run or use him as a key blocker on passing plays. His contributions to the success of the Dolphins’ offense and special teams make him a valuable asset for the team as they push for a playoff victory.
Key Auburn Alumni in the NFL Playoffs by Position
Auburn has produced football talent across all positions, and the NFL playoff rosters are a testament to the program’s ability to develop players for the highest level. Below, we’ll take a look at a few other notable Auburn alumni in the 2025 NFL playoffs, organized by position.
Quarterbacks
While Cam Newton is no longer active in the playoffs, Auburn’s quarterback legacy is evident in the league. New Auburn product, Bo Nix, who has enjoyed a successful NFL career, might be seen as a future candidate for playoff contention as well. Though Nix wasn’t active in 2025, his career is on the rise and may eventually lead to playoff appearances in the future.
Running Backs
Auburn’s running back tradition is also well-represented in the NFL. Roc Thomas, formerly of Auburn, continues to make waves as a role player for various teams. While not currently in the 2025 postseason, his earlier contributions serve as a reminder of Auburn’s impact on the NFL running back landscape. Likewise, Kerryon Johnson has had his moments in the league and is always a threat as a versatile back when healthy.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Auburn has produced several notable wide receivers, and Darius Slayton, a speedy wideout for the New York Giants, continues to be a significant contributor. Slayton’s ability to stretch the field with his speed and deep-ball capability makes him a key player for any team, and he has the potential to contribute in future playoff runs.
Additionally, Jalen Harris, known for his athleticism and strong blocking, has played an important role in his NFL team’s success and could contribute to the postseason in the near future.
