NJCAA Alumni to Compete in Super Bowl LX
Charlotte, NC – Eight NJCAA football alumni will be a part of Super Bowl LX, representing the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. The group includes seven former NJCAA student-athletes and one coach who utilized the junior college pathway on their journey to football's biggest stage.
The NJCAA continues to serve as a proven pipeline for player and coach development, with alumni competing at the highest level of the sport.
NJCAA Alumni in Super Bowl LX
DeMarcus Lawrence – DL, Seattle Seahawks
Lawrence earned NJCAA Second Team All-America honors in 2011 at Butler Community College (KS) and helped lead the Grizzlies to KJCCC and Region VI Championships. During his standout junior college season, Lawrence posted 69 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks, establishing himself as one of the nation's top junior college defensive linemen.
He transferred to Boise State, where he became one of the nation's elite pass rushers before being selected in the second round of the NFL Draft. Lawrence has since built a Pro Bowl-caliber NFL career, becoming one of the league's most consistent edge defenders.
D'Anthony Bell – S, Seattle Seahawks
Bell developed through two NJCAA programs, gaining valuable experience and exposure at both Iowa Central and Butler (KS). Bell's junior college career provided critical game reps and development that helped him refine his coverage skills and versatility at the defensive back position.
His progression through the junior college ranks helped position him for an opportunity with West Florida and ultimately a professional career in the NFL.
Jarran Reed – DT, Seattle Seahawks
Reed starred at East Mississippi Community College, helping lead the Lions to an NJCAA National Championship. While full individual stat totals from his JUCO career are limited in public records, Reed was recognized as one of the top interior defensive linemen in the junior college ranks during his time at EMCC.
His NJCAA success led to a transfer to Alabama, where he earned First Team All-SEC honors and won a national championship before establishing a long NFL career as a dominant interior presence.
Tyrice Knight – LB, Seattle Seahawks
At Independence Community College (KS), Knight developed into one of the program's top defensive players. During his NJCAA career, Knight notched 58 tackles with four being for a loss, two fumble recoveries, four pass deflections, and five interceptions.
His standout tackling numbers and leadership helped elevate his recruiting profile and paved the way to the four-year level at UTEP and eventually the NFL.
Terrell Williams – Defensive Coordinator, New England Patriots
Williams began his coaching career at Fort Scott Community College (KS) as a Defensive Line Coach for one season. After his lone season at Fort Scott, Terrell made multiple stops at the four-year level before joining the NFL coaching ranks in 2012 with the Raiders.
Williams has gone through a tough year during the Patriots' Super Bowl run as he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September. After a four-month battle, Williams has been cleared to return to calling the defensive plays.
Thomas Odukoya – TE, New England Patriots
Odukoya played for one year at Garden City Community College (KS), where he broke his foot in the second game of the season and redshirted.
His NJCAA foundation helped prepare him for four-year college football at Eastern Michigan and his transition to the NFL.
Antonio Gibson – RB, New England Patriots
At East Central Community College (MS), Gibson earned All-Conference honors both seasons, including First Team All-Conference at wide receiver and Second Team All-Conference as a return specialist. His junior college career highlighted his elite versatility as a receiver, runner, and special teams threat.
His performance at East Central led to a transfer to Memphis, where he became one of college football's most explosive playmakers before building a productive NFL career as a dual-threat running back.
Marcellas Dial – CB, New England Patriots
As a freshman at Georgia Military College in 2019, Dial recorded 41 tackles and three interceptions, making an immediate impact in the secondary. His ball production and physical coverage ability established him as one of the program's top defensive backs.
His success at Georgia Military helped launch his path to the four-year level with South Carolina and ultimately to the NFL.
NJCAA's Super Bowl Footprint
With representation from Butler, Iowa Central, East Mississippi, Independence, Fort Scott, Garden City, East Central, and Georgia Military, this year's Super Bowl reflects the national reach and competitive strength of NJCAA football.
These players and coach represent different positions, backgrounds, and journeys — but all share a common foundation in junior college football. Their careers reinforce the NJCAA's role as a proven pathway to championships, professional success, and football's biggest stage.
