The performance of former Alabama football players in Super Bowl LIX

Super Bowl LIX, held in 2025, was a thrilling spectacle that brought the best of the NFL to the grand stage. As with every Super Bowl, it showcased not only the league’s top talent but also highlighted the enduring influence of college football powerhouses. One such powerhouse, the University of Alabama, had a notable presence in the game with a number of former players from Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide contributing to the action.

Alabama has long been known for producing NFL-ready talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. As the 2025 Super Bowl unfolded, it was clear that the Crimson Tide’s legacy continued to resonate in the professional ranks. Former Alabama players were key figures for both teams that competed in Super Bowl LIX, underscoring the program’s dominance in developing elite athletes who thrive on football’s biggest stage.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the performances of former Alabama football players in Super Bowl LIX, exploring their contributions, impact on the game, and how their time in Tuscaloosa helped shape their journey to the NFL’s grandest stage.

The Teams: A Clash of Titans

Super Bowl LIX featured two high-profile teams: the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams had featured former Alabama players on their rosters, with some players contributing at critical moments during the game. The Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and the Eagles, who boasted one of the most balanced rosters in the NFL, provided a fitting backdrop for Alabama’s elite talents to shine.

For Alabama fans, the excitement stemmed from the fact that both teams had multiple former Crimson Tide standouts, some of whom had made significant contributions throughout the season and had the opportunity to play pivotal roles in Super Bowl LIX. Here’s a closer look at those players and how they performed during the big game.

Former Alabama Players on the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs had a number of former Alabama players who were integral parts of their roster and had carved out significant roles on the team. These players included wide receiver Jameson Williams, defensive back Marlon Humphrey, and linebacker Dylan Moses. Let’s take a look at each of their performances during Super Bowl LIX.

Jameson Williams – Wide Receiver

Jameson Williams’ rapid rise in the NFL has been nothing short of spectacular. After a standout season at Alabama, where he established himself as one of the premier deep threats in college football, Williams’ transition to the NFL with the Detroit Lions was followed by a trade to the Kansas City Chiefs. In Kansas City, Williams joined one of the most explosive offenses in the league, alongside Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and fellow playmakers.

In Super Bowl LIX, Williams proved to be a critical asset for the Chiefs. His ability to stretch the field vertically and create mismatches in coverage was on full display. Williams caught 4 passes for 92 yards, including a key 43-yard reception in the third quarter that set up a touchdown. His speed and route-running ability made him a dangerous weapon in the Chiefs’ high-octane offense, especially with Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and throw deep.

One of Williams’ most memorable plays came late in the fourth quarter, when he hauled in a 25-yard pass from Mahomes that put the Chiefs in field goal range. While the Chiefs ultimately fell short in their bid to win, Williams’ presence as a deep threat kept the Eagles’ secondary on their toes throughout the game, opening up opportunities for his teammates and keeping the defense honest.

Marlon Humphrey – Cornerback

Marlon Humphrey, one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks, has always been known for his lockdown coverage and physicality. Having spent several seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Chiefs, Humphrey was a crucial member of the Chiefs’ defense in Super Bowl LIX.

Humphrey was tasked with shadowing Philadelphia’s wide receivers, including standout rookie Devonta Smith and veteran A.J. Brown. He matched up well against both, showing off his ability to win at the line of scrimmage and play tight, disciplined coverage. Though Brown was able to make a few key catches, including a critical third-quarter touchdown reception, Humphrey was largely successful in limiting big plays.

His most crucial moment came in the final minutes of the game, when he broke up a pass intended for Smith in the end zone on a critical third-and-goal play. Humphrey’s physicality at the line and ability to anticipate routes had a significant impact on the Chiefs’ defensive performance, allowing the unit to keep the game within reach despite the offensive struggles.

While the Chiefs’ defense was ultimately outmatched by the Eagles’ explosive offense, Humphrey’s performance was an example of his consistent dominance and leadership in the secondary.

Dylan Moses – Linebacker

Dylan Moses was one of the top linebackers to come out of Alabama in recent years, and his speed, athleticism, and football IQ made him a key contributor for the Chiefs. After recovering from an injury-riddled college career, Moses found his niche in Kansas City, where his versatility and sideline-to-sideline range helped strengthen the Chiefs’ linebacker corps.

In Super Bowl LIX, Moses made his presence felt early in the game with a crucial stop on third down, preventing a potential first down by stopping an Eagles running back in his tracks. Moses also had several key tackles in the open field, preventing big gains from Philadelphia’s running back duo of Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell. He finished the game with 6 tackles and was instrumental in limiting the Eagles’ rushing attack, although the Chiefs struggled to contain the Eagles’ high-powered passing game.

Moses’ performance was emblematic of his entire career: steady, reliable, and always around the ball. While the Chiefs were unable to claim victory, Moses’ play was a bright spot for their defense.

Former Alabama Players on the Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles, who ultimately won Super Bowl LIX, featured a number of Alabama alumni who were crucial in their victory. These included standout quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receiver Devonta Smith, defensive back Eddie Jackson, and offensive lineman Landon Dickerson. Each of these players played a significant role in securing the Eagles’ victory and demonstrated the talent that has been developed in Tuscaloosa.

Jalen Hurts – Quarterback

The most high-profile Alabama alum in Super Bowl LIX was undoubtedly Jalen Hurts. After transferring from Alabama to Oklahoma for his senior year of college, Hurts had an extraordinary career with the Eagles, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance as the starting quarterback.

Hurts’ performance in Super Bowl LIX was nothing short of legendary. He passed for 304 yards and 3 touchdowns while also adding 70 rushing yards and 3 more touchdowns on the ground. His dual-threat ability was on full display, as Hurts not only orchestrated the Eagles’ high-powered offense but also delivered under pressure. In a back-and-forth contest, Hurts ran for a critical 1-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter that tied the game and set the stage for the Eagles’ eventual victory.

His composure, leadership, and ability to perform in clutch moments—traits he showcased during his time at Alabama—were central to the Eagles’ success. Hurts finished the game with a quarterback rating of 115.7 and earned the title of Super Bowl MVP for his remarkable performance.

Hurts’ journey from a highly touted recruit at Alabama to a Super Bowl-winning quarterback was a story of perseverance, and his play in Super Bowl LIX validated his status as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. His performance was a testament to the excellent coaching and development he received at Alabama, where his leadership and work ethic were honed under Nick Saban.

Devonta Smith – Wide Receiver

Devonta Smith, known for his historic Heisman Trophy-winning season at Alabama, was another standout for the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. As the Eagles’ primary receiving target, Smith showed his ability to make crucial catches in high-pressure moments.

Smith finished the game with 7 catches for 112 yards and 1 touchdown. His ability to get open on intermediate routes, combined with his exceptional route-running and hands, made him a constant threat. Smith’s touchdown came in the first half, where he made a spectacular catch in the corner of the end zone while evading tight coverage.

Smith’s contribution to the Eagles’ offense cannot be overstated. His versatility as a route runner, his physicality at the catch point, and his ability to create separation made him one of Hurts’ favorite targets throughout the game. While Smith’s role on the Eagles was somewhat different than his days at Alabama, where he was the undisputed No. 1 receiver, his chemistry with Hurts was clear and helped propel the Eagles’ offensive attack.

Eddie Jackson – Safety

Eddie Jackson, who has established himself as one of the NFL’s top safeties, played an integral role in the Eagles’ defense. Known for his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and create turnovers, Jackson’s ball-hawking skills were critical in neutralizing the Chiefs’ explosive passing attack.

In Super Bowl LIX, Jackson had an interception that set the Eagles up for a touchdown drive in the second half, swinging momentum in their favor. Jackson also made several key stops in the secondary, helping to limit big plays from Kansas City’s wide receivers. His leadership on the back end was crucial in keeping the Chiefs’ offense from gaining any rhythm.

While Jackson was not as flashy as some of the other players on the Eagles’ defense, his steady play in the backfield and ability to make timely plays made him an indispensable part of the Super Bowl-winning effort.