As you watch the Super Bowl this Sunday, you may spot some familiar faces out on the field, all chasing their ultimate dream. Five former Clemson Tigers will be traveling to New Orleans in a couple of weeks, ready to compete on the grandest stage in all of football: Super Bowl LIX.
From the Philadelphia Eagles, rookies Will Shipley and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. will be competing for the Lombardi on Feb. 9. The Eagles crushed the Washington Commanders 55-23 on Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl, with both former Tigers playing a part in the victory.
Trotter Jr., the eldest son of Eagles Hall of Famer Jeremiah Trotter, played at Clemson from 2021 to 2023. He recorded two tackles against the Commanders, helping minimize the impact of Rookie of the Year candidate Jayden Daniels.
Trotter played in all 17 games this season and has recorded 25 tackles in the playoffs.
Shipley, a Tiger from 2021 to 2023, checked into the game in the fourth quarter and made an immediate impact. The running back opened the drive with a quick 16-yard rush and followed up with a huge 57-yard rush to push the Eagles close to the goal line. Two plays later, Shipley powered through for a two-yard touchdown, the first in his professional career.
Eagles’ star running back Saquon Barkley was the first to celebrate with Shipley, even giving him a shoutout after the game. “Will stepped up big for us,” Barkley said.
“It’s just a dream come true,” Shipley said of his first NFL touchdown. “And to do it in the NFC Championship with just my teammates and guys that I love, and you know, you see Saquon (Barkley) right there, come grab me and celebrate.”
Will Shipley
Shipley became the first player since 2000 to record both a rushing touchdown and a forced fumble in an NFL playoff game.
Meanwhile, veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will make his Super Bowl debut with Kansas City as they aim to three-peat for the first time in the Super Bowl era. The Chiefs secured their spot following a thrilling 32-29 win over MVP candidate Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.
Acquired from the Tennessee Titans before the trade deadline, the five-time Pro Bowler was brought in to fill the injury-riddled wide receiver hole left by Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice.
In his first AFC Championship game, Hopkins recorded one catch for 11 yards, but beyond the numbers was his ability to step up when the team needed him most and ultimately propel them to the Super Bowl. In 10 regular-season games with Kansas City, Hopkins had 41 receptions, 437 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
“I’ve been doubted, a lot of people wrote me off,” an emotional Hopkins said. “You know, 12 years in the league, man, I got traded for some pennies in my prime. I want to thank the organizations that gave me a shot. No one knew I could still go out here, make plays when I need to, draw double teams and play meaningful football.”
DeAndre Hopkins
With a highly decorated career spanning Clemson, Houston, Arizona, Tennessee and now Kansas City, Hopkins looks to cap it all off and raise the Lombardi in just a couple of weeks.
Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross and Eagles defensive end KJ Henry have both been assigned to their respective teams’ practice squads. Ross may be elevated if the Chiefs need additional depth.
Whether you’re cheering for the Chiefs, the Eagles, or maybe just hoping for nobody to win, remember you can always root for your fellow Tigers on Feb. 9 in what’s sure to be a great game.
