Highlighting the numerous Michigan connections for Super Bowl participants
The Detroit News
Cornerback Trae Waynes, Bengals — Michigan State University (2011-14)
A first-team All-Big Ten selection and a third-team All-American in 2014 as part of Michigan State's "No Fly Zone" secondary, Waynes was selected No. 11 overall in the 2015 draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
Reed Hoffmann, APA first-team All-Big Ten selection and a third-team All-American in 2014 as part of Michigan State's "No Fly Zone" secondary, Waynes was selected No. 11 overall in the 2015 draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, Rams — Detroit Lions (2009-20)
In 11 seasons leading the Lions, Stafford was one of the most-prolific producers of the past decade, smashing nearly every meaningful franchise passing record in the process.
Jed Jacobsohn, APIn 11 seasons leading the Lions, Stafford was one of the most-prolific producers of the past decade, smashing nearly every meaningful franchise passing record in the process.
Offensive tackle Riley Reiff, Bengals —Detroit Lions (2012-16)
A first-round pick for the Lions in 2012, Reiff started three seasons at left tackle for the franchise before move to right tackle to make way for the addition of Taylor Decker in 2016.
John McCoy, APA first-round pick for the Lions in 2012, Reiff started three seasons at left tackle for the franchise before move to right tackle to make way for the addition of Taylor Decker in 2016.
Defensive tackle Mike Daniels, Bengals —Detroit Lions (2019)
The longtime Green Bay Packer and 2017 Pro Bowler was scooped up by the Lions following his release days ahead of the opening of training camp in 2019. It proved to be a highly forgettable season.
Nick Cammett, APThe longtime Green Bay Packer and 2017 Pro Bowler was scooped up by the Lions following his release days ahead of the opening of training camp in 2019. It proved to be a highly forgettable season.
Center Brian Allen, Rams — Michigan State University (2014-17)
A 38-game starter for the Spartans, Allen earned second-team all-conference honors three consecutive seasons.
Doug Benc, APA 38-game starter for the Spartans, Allen earned second-team all-conference honors three consecutive seasons.
Running back Chris Evans, Bengals —University of Michigan (2016-20)
Evans posted modest production during his Michigan career, averaging 705 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns his first three seasons before being ruled academically ineligible for the 2019 campaign.
Jeff Dean, APEvans posted modest production during his Michigan career, averaging 705 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns his first three seasons before being ruled academically ineligible for the 2019 campaign.
Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Bengals —Detroit Lions quarterbacks coach (2016-17)
Matthew Stafford's position coach for two seasons, the Lions parted ways with the well-respected assistant shortly before Matt Patricia was officially hired as the franchise's head coach.
APMatthew Stafford's position coach for two seasons, the Lions parted ways with the well-respected assistant shortly before Matt Patricia was officially hired as the franchise's head coach.
Defensive end Khalid Kareem, Bengals —Harrison High School (class of 2016)
After entertaining the idea of staying in state with U-M or MSU, the four-star recruit ended up at Notre Dame, where he racked up 20.5 tackles for a loss and 10.0 sacks his final two seasons
Jack Dempsey, APAfter entertaining the idea of staying in state with U-M or MSU, the four-star recruit ended up at Notre Dame, where he racked up 20.5 tackles for a loss and 10.0 sacks his final two seasons
Defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, Rams —Detroit Lions (2016-19)
The Lions selected Robinson in the second round of the 2016 draft. He appeared in 58 games across four seasons for the franchise, including 37 starts. His playing time and production dipped under Patricia and Robinson eventually departed in free agency.
Ralph Freso, APThe Lions selected Robinson in the second round of the 2016 draft. He appeared in 58 games across four seasons for the franchise, including 37 starts. His playing time and production dipped under Patricia and Robinson eventually departed in free agency.
Cornerback Darius Phillips, Bengals — Robichaud High School (class of 2013), Western Michigan (2013-17)
With the Broncos, Phillips was a big-time playmaker, snagging 12 interceptions his three seasons as a starter. He was also a dangerous return man for the MAC school, bringing back five kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns.
Don Wright, APWith the Broncos, Phillips was a big-time playmaker, snagging 12 interceptions his three seasons as a starter. He was also a dangerous return man for the MAC school, bringing back five kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns.
Linebackers coach Al Golden, Bengals — Detroit Lions assistant coach (2016-2019)
The former Temple and University of Miami head coach landed in Detroit after his five-year stint with the Hurricanes, joining Jim Caldwell's staff as a tight ends coach.
APThe former Temple and University of Miami head coach landed in Detroit after his five-year stint with the Hurricanes, joining Jim Caldwell's staff as a tight ends coach.
Cornerback David Long, Rams — University of Michigan (2016-18)
A two-year starter for the Wolverines, Long earned second-team all-conference honors as a junior before declaring for the draft.
John Raoux, APA two-year starter for the Wolverines, Long earned second-team all-conference honors as a junior before declaring for the draft.
Linebacker Joe Bachie, Bengals — Michigan State University (2016-19)
A two-time captain for the Spartans, Bachie twice racked up 100 tackles in a season and set personal-bests in tackles for a loss (9.5) and sacks (3.5) in 2019, before his collegiate career was cut short after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
Jeff Dean, APA two-time captain for the Spartans, Bachie twice racked up 100 tackles in a season and set personal-bests in tackles for a loss (9.5) and sacks (3.5) in 2019, before his collegiate career was cut short after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
Wide receiver Brandon Powell, Rams — Detroit Lions (2018-19)
The Lions signed Powell as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He earned a practice squad job after catching 16 passes in the preseason and ended up spending six games on the active roster.
Bruce Kluckhohn, APThe Lions signed Powell as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He earned a practice squad job after catching 16 passes in the preseason and ended up spending six games on the active roster.
Defensive quality control coach Jordan Kovacs —University of Michigan (2008-12)
A former walk-on for the Wolverines, Kovacs was named a captain and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in his final season at the school. Undrafted in 2013, he spent time on five NFL rosters, appearing in 28 games, primarily as a special teams contributor.
APA former walk-on for the Wolverines, Kovacs was named a captain and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in his final season at the school. Undrafted in 2013, he spent time on five NFL rosters, appearing in 28 games, primarily as a special teams contributor.
Senior coaching assistant John Bonamego — Detroit Lions special teams coordinator (2013-14, 2019), Central Michigan head coach (2015-18)
A longtime special teams coordinator, Bonamego worked for three different head coaches during two short stints with the Lions. During the time between, Bonamego left to become the coach of the Chippewas.
Kyusung Gong, APA longtime special teams coordinator, Bonamego worked for three different head coaches during two short stints with the Lions. During the time between, Bonamego left to become the coach of the Chippewas.
Secondary coach Steve Jackson — Detroit Lions assistant coach (2013)
A third-round draft pick in 1991, Jackson played nine seasons, all with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise. He transitioned to coaching two years after retirement, coaching safeties for the Buffalo Bills.
APA third-round draft pick in 1991, Jackson played nine seasons, all with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise. He transitioned to coaching two years after retirement, coaching safeties for the Buffalo Bills.