When it comes to NFL conference championship games, the Sooners have the most active players.

As the NFL gears up for its conference championship games every January, a familiar theme emerges: the dominance of former Oklahoma Sooners players on the league’s biggest stage. From the AFC to the NFC, Sooners players are regularly featured in high-stakes matchups, especially during the conference championships, which are a direct path to the Super Bowl.

Oklahoma has long been a pipeline to the NFL, with a history of developing elite athletes who go on to achieve tremendous success at the professional level. As the Sooners continue to produce standout talent, it comes as no surprise that many of their former players play pivotal roles in the NFL’s postseason picture.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why the Sooners consistently have the most active players during the NFL conference championship games, how Oklahoma’s football program has created such a strong connection to the professional league, and the notable contributions of these players in recent years.

The Oklahoma-to-NFL Pipeline: A Legacy of Excellence

Oklahoma has always been a program that prioritizes player development, and its relationship with the NFL goes far beyond just a handful of standout players each season. For decades, OU football has consistently produced future NFL stars, and this success isn’t just a recent trend—it’s been ongoing for nearly half a century.

From BARRY SWITZER’s era in the 1970s and 1980s to BOB STOOPS’s time leading the team in the 2000s, Oklahoma has produced a steady stream of NFL-caliber talent. The key to the Sooners’ success in transitioning players to the NFL can be attributed to several factors:

1. Elite Coaching: Oklahoma has been home to some of the best football minds in the game, including legendary coaches like Bud Wilkinson, Barry Switzer, and Bob Stoops, who all established a culture of excellence. These coaches provided the players with the technical skills, mental toughness, and football IQ required to excel in the professional ranks.
2. Winning Culture: The Sooners are one of the most successful programs in college football history, with multiple national championships and conference titles. The winning culture that has been cultivated in Norman sets the foundation for players to experience success at the next level. This environment encourages players to push themselves beyond their limits, creating future NFL talent.
3. Exposure: As a member of the Big 12, Oklahoma is regularly on national television and plays in high-profile games, including major bowl appearances. This consistent exposure allows Sooners players to showcase their skills to NFL scouts and coaches, creating a clear pathway to the professional ranks.
4. Top-tier Facilities and Resources: Oklahoma has invested heavily in its football program’s facilities, ensuring that its players have access to the best coaching, training, and rehabilitation resources. This support system is crucial for developing athletes who can compete at the highest level, both physically and mentally.

The Rise of the Oklahoma Players in NFL Postseason Play

The NFL postseason is one of the most intense and competitive environments in all of professional sports, and it’s here that the elite level of Oklahoma’s talent pool truly shines. Every January, former Sooners emerge as key contributors on both offense and defense, helping to guide their respective teams through the brutal playoff gauntlet.

Conference championships—the final round before the Super Bowl—are especially significant because they are a true test of a team’s mettle. Players who step up during this stage often find themselves etched in the league’s record books and become household names.

In recent years, Oklahoma players have had an outsized impact on NFL conference championships. The trend isn’t just one or two players making a difference; it’s the consistent presence of a large contingent of former Sooners competing in these high-stakes games. So, what accounts for this level of success?

Reasons for the Oklahoma Sooners’ Dominance in NFL Conference Championships

1. Depth of Talent: Oklahoma has a large number of players who make it to the NFL every year, often contributing to multiple teams. This depth translates to consistent representation in postseason games, especially during the conference championship rounds. Unlike many programs, which see only a few players make it to the NFL each season, Oklahoma’s pipeline produces players at almost every position—offensive line, wide receiver, defensive back, and even special teams—who are able to contribute to NFL success.
2. Versatility of Players: Another factor that sets Sooners apart in the NFL is their versatility. Players who come from Oklahoma are often capable of playing multiple positions or excelling in various facets of the game, which increases their value in the NFL. For example, former Sooners wide receivers can contribute as return men, or defensive backs can be used as cornerbacks or safeties. This versatility makes them invaluable in postseason matchups where adaptability is crucial.
3. Experienced Playmakers: The Sooners have a history of producing playmakers in the NFL who have the ability to shine on the big stage. These players are often key contributors on offense or defense, and many have a knack for rising to the occasion in big games. Whether it’s Kyler Murray making plays with his legs and arm, or Baker Mayfield delivering clutch throws under pressure, the Sooners’ offensive stars often show their true colors in the postseason.
4. Defensive Stalwarts: While Oklahoma is known for producing offensive talent, the program has also excelled at developing defensive players who become stalwarts in the NFL. From linebackers to cornerbacks, Oklahoma’s defense has helped propel many players into key roles on NFL rosters. Players like Kenneth Murray (Los Angeles Chargers) and Ogbah Emmanuel (Miami Dolphins) are examples of Sooners who have become defensive leaders for their respective teams, contributing heavily during postseason runs.
5. NFL Experience and Familiarity with High Stakes: Another reason for Oklahoma’s high representation in the conference championship games is the large number of former Sooners with experience in big games. These players are used to the pressure and intensity of major contests, which translates well into NFL playoff scenarios. Players who have been to multiple bowl games or college football playoffs bring a level of poise and mental toughness that can be critical in tight games. This past experience often gives Sooners a competitive edge when facing off in the NFL postseason.

Notable Oklahoma Players in Recent NFL Conference Championships

Over the last several years, several former Sooners have made significant impacts during NFL conference championships, helping to elevate their teams to the Super Bowl stage. Let’s take a look at some of the top Oklahoma players who have either participated in or contributed to their teams’ success during this crucial playoff round:

1. Kyler Murray (QB, Arizona Cardinals)

While Murray and the Cardinals have yet to reach a conference championship game, he remains one of the most exciting and talented quarterbacks in the NFL. Having led his team to the playoffs, Murray’s ability to create plays with both his legs and his arm has made him a household name. As a former Heisman Trophy winner and a pivotal figure in Oklahoma’s offensive juggernaut, Murray’s ability to play under pressure is something that will surely shine through in future conference championship appearances.

2. Baker Mayfield (QB, Los Angeles Rams)

Baker Mayfield’s journey in the NFL has had its ups and downs, but the Rams’ quarterback has still proven to be a clutch performer in key moments. As a former Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma, Mayfield was used to performing on big stages, and that experience has served him well in the NFL. While he has yet to reach a Super Bowl, his contributions in previous postseason games helped solidify his reputation as a reliable quarterback capable of managing high-pressure situations.

3. Kenneth Murray (LB, Los Angeles Chargers)

Kenneth Murray is one of the top defensive players in the NFL and a key figure for the Los Angeles Chargers. As a linebacker, Murray has the ability to cover ground quickly, and his speed and football IQ make him a dangerous playmaker. He was a key contributor to the Chargers’ defense during the 2022-2023 season and could be a critical piece for them in the years to come.

4. Ogbah Emmanuel (DE, Miami Dolphins)

Emmanuel Ogbah is a defensive end with a penchant for disrupting opposing offenses. Ogbah played an important role for the Dolphins during their playoff push and was instrumental in Miami’s defensive game plan. His ability to rush the passer and stop the run was crucial in the Dolphins’ conference championship bid, and his contribution didn’t go unnoticed.

5. CeeDee Lamb (WR, Dallas Cowboys)

As one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, CeeDee Lamb has become a crucial playmaker for the Dallas Cowboys. He has already had a strong impact on Dallas’s offense in the postseason, with several clutch performances in the playoffs. With his speed, agility, and route running, Lamb is poised to continue making waves in future conference championships, helping the Cowboys make deep playoff runs.

The Future of Oklahoma Players in NFL Conference Championships

Looking ahead, the Sooners’ future in the NFL is bright, with even more talent expected to emerge in the coming seasons. Oklahoma continues to recruit some of the most promising players in college football, and many of them are projected to be first-round NFL draft picks. As these players develop and make their way to the league, we can expect more Oklahoma alumni to make their mark on the NFL’s biggest stage, including conference championships.

The Sooners’ dominance in the NFL will only grow as new players like Marvin Mims (WR), Anton Harrison (OT), Jalen Redmond (DT), and others enter the league and begin their own professional journeys. As the Sooners’ NFL pipeline continues to flourish, it’s safe to say that we’ll see many more of them playing in conference championship games and helping their teams contend for Super Bowl titles.