University of Georgia Athletics
Photo by: Getty Images
Bulldogs in the NFL Conference Championships
January 26, 2026 | Football
ATHENS, Ga. – The Conference Championships of the NFL playoffs are complete, and several former Bulldogs had exceptional performances for their respective teams.
New England Patriots offensive guard Jared Wilson and Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh have extended Georgia's streak of alumni to play in a Super Bowl to 25 consecutive seasons, a record that is tied with LSU for the best in college football.
In addition to extending the streak of players in the game, the Georgia football program will also have some of their former alumni and assistant coaches involved in the game. Former Georgia running back Thomas Brown is the Tight Ends coach and Passing Game Coordinator for the New England Patriots. Also, Doug Marrone serves as the Patriots offensive line coach. He was Georgia's offensive line coach in 2000.
Mike Macdonald, who served as a graduate assistant and quality control assistant from 2010-2013 at Georgia, is the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. At 38 years old, he's the third-youngest head coach to make it to the Super Bowl, behind Mike Tomlin with the Steelers (36) and Sean McVay with the Rams (33). The Seahawks staff includes inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti, who held the same position at Georgia from 2011-13.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford came up just short of reaching his second Super Bowl after throwing for over 350 yards and three touchdowns. Despite the loss Stafford remains in the spotlight as he is a finalist for the 2025 AP NFL MVP award as he looks to become just the third former Bulldog to earn the honor (Fran Tarkenton, 1975; Terrell Davis, 1998). The NFL Honors will take place on February 5, at 9 p.m. ET and will air on NBC.
Below is a summary of how the former Bulldogs fared for their teams in the conference championship games:
New England Patriots 10, Denver Broncos 7
Jared Wilson, OL – Started at offensive guard for New England and played 100 percent of the offensive snaps.
Seattle Seahawks 31, Los Angeles Rams 27
Matthew Stafford, QB – Started at quarterback for the Rams, completing 22 of 35 passes for 374 yards and three touchdowns.
Warren McClendon Jr., OT – Started at tackle for Los Angeles as the offense gained over 450 total yards and allowed just one sack.
Stetson Bennett IV, QB – Was listed as inactive but dressed as the emergency third quarterback for the Rams.
Derion Kendrick, CB – Was listed as inactive for Los Angeles due to a coach's decision.
Players on IR/PUP/:
Kenny McIntosh, RB Seattle Seahawks
New England Patriots offensive guard Jared Wilson and Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh have extended Georgia's streak of alumni to play in a Super Bowl to 25 consecutive seasons, a record that is tied with LSU for the best in college football.
In addition to extending the streak of players in the game, the Georgia football program will also have some of their former alumni and assistant coaches involved in the game. Former Georgia running back Thomas Brown is the Tight Ends coach and Passing Game Coordinator for the New England Patriots. Also, Doug Marrone serves as the Patriots offensive line coach. He was Georgia's offensive line coach in 2000.
Mike Macdonald, who served as a graduate assistant and quality control assistant from 2010-2013 at Georgia, is the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. At 38 years old, he's the third-youngest head coach to make it to the Super Bowl, behind Mike Tomlin with the Steelers (36) and Sean McVay with the Rams (33). The Seahawks staff includes inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti, who held the same position at Georgia from 2011-13.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford came up just short of reaching his second Super Bowl after throwing for over 350 yards and three touchdowns. Despite the loss Stafford remains in the spotlight as he is a finalist for the 2025 AP NFL MVP award as he looks to become just the third former Bulldog to earn the honor (Fran Tarkenton, 1975; Terrell Davis, 1998). The NFL Honors will take place on February 5, at 9 p.m. ET and will air on NBC.
Below is a summary of how the former Bulldogs fared for their teams in the conference championship games:
New England Patriots 10, Denver Broncos 7
Jared Wilson, OL – Started at offensive guard for New England and played 100 percent of the offensive snaps.
Seattle Seahawks 31, Los Angeles Rams 27
Matthew Stafford, QB – Started at quarterback for the Rams, completing 22 of 35 passes for 374 yards and three touchdowns.
Warren McClendon Jr., OT – Started at tackle for Los Angeles as the offense gained over 450 total yards and allowed just one sack.
Stetson Bennett IV, QB – Was listed as inactive but dressed as the emergency third quarterback for the Rams.
Derion Kendrick, CB – Was listed as inactive for Los Angeles due to a coach's decision.
Players on IR/PUP/:
Kenny McIntosh, RB Seattle Seahawks
Georgia Football - Coach Kirby Smart Sugar Bowl Postgame Press Conference
Friday, January 02
Georgia Football - Sugar Bowl TV Highlights
Friday, January 02
Georgia Football - Sugar Bowl Trailer vs Ole Miss
Wednesday, December 31
Georgia Football: Pre-Sugar Bowl - Coaches Press Conference
Wednesday, December 31