In Super Bowl LIX, seven Sooners vie for rings.

In Super Bowl LIX, Seven Sooners Vie for Rings: A Look at Oklahoma’s Impact on the NFL Stage

As the excitement for Super Bowl LIX builds, one of the most intriguing aspects of the matchup will be the presence of seven former University of Oklahoma (OU) players who are vying for Super Bowl rings. This represents a significant achievement for the Oklahoma Sooners football program, which has a rich history of developing NFL talent. The impact of OU on the NFL has been well-documented, with players from the program going on to successful careers at the professional level. But when it comes to the Super Bowl, the stakes are at their highest, and for these Sooners, the opportunity to win the most coveted prize in football is a momentous occasion.

The seven Sooners competing for the ring in Super Bowl LIX represent not only individual achievements but also the enduring legacy of OU football and its ability to prepare players for success at the highest level. This article will explore the journeys of these seven Sooners, the contributions they have made to their respective teams, and the significance of their presence in the big game.

The Legacy of Oklahoma Football in the NFL

Oklahoma has long been a powerhouse in college football, producing top-tier talent that has transitioned seamlessly into the NFL. Over the years, the program has consistently ranked among the best in terms of NFL draft selections and pro bowl appearances. OU’s emphasis on developing both the physical and mental aspects of the game has contributed to its success in sending players to the next level.

OU’s players have found success in a variety of positions, from quarterbacks and running backs to wide receivers and defensive players. Notable alumni include Adrian Peterson, a legendary running back who played for the Minnesota Vikings and several other NFL teams, Baker Mayfield, the former Heisman-winning quarterback who has made a strong impact in the NFL, and Lane Johnson, a dominant offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles. Their success stories represent just a small sample of the many Sooners who have gone on to excel in the NFL.

The program’s success is no accident. Under head coaches like Bob Stoops and Lincoln Riley, OU has developed a reputation for grooming players who are ready to contribute immediately in the NFL. The development of both physical skills and football IQ, along with a culture that fosters competitiveness and leadership, has made Oklahoma a consistent producer of NFL talent.

As the 2024 season culminates in Super Bowl LIX, the presence of seven Sooners on the field is a testament to the program’s continued dominance in the professional ranks.

The Seven Sooners Competing in Super Bowl LIX

Super Bowl LIX features a faceoff between two powerhouse teams vying for the ultimate NFL glory: one from the AFC and one from the NFC. For these seven Sooners, this is the pinnacle of their careers. Each one has had a unique journey, but all share the goal of bringing a Super Bowl championship to their respective teams.

1. Baker Mayfield – Quarterback

Baker Mayfield is arguably one of the most high-profile former Sooners to make it to the NFL in recent years. A Heisman Trophy winner at OU and a first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield has had an interesting career path thus far. After starting with the Cleveland Browns, where he led the team to their first playoff appearance in decades, Mayfield has bounced around to other teams, including the Los Angeles Rams.

Mayfield’s leadership, competitiveness, and strong arm have kept him in the league, and he has provided invaluable depth to the Rams’ quarterback room. His presence in Super Bowl LIX speaks to the level of talent and resilience he has exhibited throughout his career, and should the Rams win, Mayfield would cement his status as a key contributor to their success.

2. CeeDee Lamb – Wide Receiver

CeeDee Lamb has quickly emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. After a stellar career at OU, where he was a standout in both the receiving game and in making clutch plays, Lamb was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His ability to make explosive plays and be a key target for the Cowboys’ offense has propelled him to the forefront of the NFL wide receiver ranks.

Lamb’s performance in Super Bowl LIX will be a critical factor for the Cowboys, as they will lean on his playmaking ability to stretch the field and create mismatches in the secondary. His chemistry with Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been a driving force in the team’s offense, and Lamb will be tasked with making big plays when his team needs him most.

3. Marquise Brown – Wide Receiver

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is another OU alum whose professional career has been marked by speed, agility, and the ability to make big plays down the field. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, Brown has had a productive career, and his unique combination of speed and route-running ability has made him a threat in the NFL. He now plays for the Arizona Cardinals, where he remains one of their top receiving threats.

In Super Bowl LIX, Brown’s ability to stretch the field and create separation will be pivotal for the Cardinals. His deep-threat potential has the ability to shift defensive coverage, opening up opportunities for other players to make plays. Whether he is able to contribute to Arizona’s success in the Super Bowl will largely depend on his ability to make crucial catches in high-pressure situations.

4. Kenneth Murray – Linebacker

Kenneth Murray was a standout linebacker at Oklahoma, known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and his ability to read the offense. After being selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Murray quickly became one of the team’s most reliable defensive players. His work ethic and leadership on the field have made him a key part of the Chargers’ defensive schemes.

As a linebacker, Murray’s role in Super Bowl LIX will be to stifle the opposing offense, make open-field tackles, and serve as a leader in the locker room. His ability to communicate effectively with his defensive teammates will be critical as he looks to help his team secure a victory. For Murray, winning a Super Bowl would mark the pinnacle of a rising career.

5. Creed Humphrey – Center

Creed Humphrey has become one of the NFL’s best centers since being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. A key player on an offensive line that has been central to the Chiefs’ success, Humphrey has excelled at protecting quarterbacks and opening up running lanes for ball carriers. His skill set makes him one of the most underrated players in the NFL, but his value to the Chiefs’ offense cannot be overstated.

In Super Bowl LIX, Humphrey’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and protect his quarterback will be essential for Kansas City’s offensive game plan. His physicality and intelligence on the field make him one of the anchors of the Chiefs’ offensive line, and his performance will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.

6. Jeremiah Hall – Fullback

Jeremiah Hall was a versatile player during his time at OU, known for his ability to block effectively and contribute in the passing game as well. After joining the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent, Hall found a role as a fullback and special teams contributor. His physicality and toughness are his trademarks, and his role in Super Bowl LIX will be to create space for running backs and provide valuable blocking support for the offense.

Hall’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations, as he has done throughout his career, will be crucial in the big game. If the Vikings win the Super Bowl, Hall’s contributions—albeit often in a quieter, supporting role—will have played a crucial part in the success of his team.

7. Ronnie Perkins – Defensive End

Ronnie Perkins was a standout pass rusher at OU, and his ability to disrupt the pocket and create havoc in the backfield earned him a spot in the New England Patriots defense. Perkins has worked his way into the starting rotation, contributing to the Patriots’ defensive line with his explosive speed and tenacity. His role in Super Bowl LIX will be to apply pressure on the opposing quarterback and help control the line of scrimmage.

For a player like Perkins, who thrives in high-pressure situations, the Super Bowl is the ultimate stage to showcase his skills. His performance could be the difference between a defensive stand or allowing crucial points to be scored.

The Significance of the Sooners in Super Bowl LIX

The seven Sooners competing in Super Bowl LIX represent not only individual success but also the broader impact that Oklahoma football has had on the NFL. These athletes were not only stars in Norman but have carried that success into the professional ranks, where they continue to shine.

For fans of OU football, seeing these athletes take the field in the Super Bowl is a source of immense pride. It speaks to the quality of the program and the culture of excellence that has been cultivated over the years. These players have worked hard to get to this point, and regardless of which team wins the Super Bowl, the Sooners will be well-represented on the biggest stage in professional football.