Need a team to root for in the NFL playoffs? These 10 players have Idaho ties
The NFL playoffs begin this weekend with wild-card matchups, and if you need a team to cheer for, look no further.
Of the 14 teams that qualified for the playoffs, eight feature a player with Idaho ties on their roster.
Here’s a rundown of those players, listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Ezra Cleveland, Jacksonville Jaguars
In his sixth professional season, the Boise State product has started 16 games this season at left guard, helping the Jaguars clinch their first AFC South title since 2022. Cleveland has played 1,137 total snaps this season.
Up next: Buffalo at Jacksonville, 11 a.m. Sunday (CBS)
Christian Elliss, New England Patriots
In his fourth season out of the University of Idaho, Elliss has played in 15 games this season at linebacker, making 13 starts. He’s recorded 94 tackles, ranking second on the team, with three passes defended and one forced fumble.
Up next: L.A. Chargers at New England, 6 p.m. Sunday (NBC)
George Holani, Seattle Seahawks
Signed by Seattle as an undrafted free agent in 2024 out of Boise State, Holani is on injured reserve following a hamstring injury in late November. Earlier this week, the Seahawks said there was a chance Holani could return this season. In 10 games, Holani had 22 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown, and two receptions for 15 yards.
Up next: The Seahawks clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC and have a first-round bye.
Lan Larison, New England Patriots
The Vallivue High graduate is on injured reserve after signing with the Patriots as a rookie free agent in May after four seasons at running back for UC Davis. Larison had a foot injury that required surgery; he has not played this season.
Up next: L.A. Chargers at New England, 6 p.m. Sunday (NBC)
DeMarcus Lawrence, Seattle Seahawks
The 12th-year pro out of Boise State has started all 16 games for Seattle at linebacker this season. Lawrence has racked up 53 tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one pass defended. He has 67.5 career sacks, playing the 11 previous seasons at Dallas.
Up next: The Seahawks, the NFC’s top seed, have a first-round bye.
Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears
The 6-6, 241-pound tight end from Gooding was picked 10th overall by Chicago in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s having an outstanding rookie campaign, making 11 starts in 16 games. Loveland, who played collegiately at Michigan, leads the Bears with 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns.
Up next: Green Bay at Chicago, 6 p.m. Saturday (Amazon Prime Video)
Scott Matlock, Los Angeles Chargers
Playing in all three phases of the game, including defensive line and fullback, Matlock has been on the field for 505 snaps this season. In his third pro season out of Boise State, the Homedale High graduate has four receptions for 12 yards and a touchdown.
Up next: L.A. Chargers at New England, 6 p.m. Sunday (NBC)
Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills
A fifth-round pick by the Bills in 2022, Shakir leads the team in receptions (72) and receiving yards (719), with four touchdowns. He’s added 124 yards on punt returns and ranks third among NFL wide receivers with 21 missed tackles forced, and fourth among receivers with 550 yards after catch. He’s started 10 of 16 games this season.
Up next: Buffalo at Jacksonville, 11 a.m. Sunday (CBS)
JL Skinner, Denver Broncos
A third-year safety out of Boise State, Skinner has appeared in all 17 regular-season games for Denver. A backup at safety, he has 12 total tackles, including eight solo, with one fumble recovery and one blocked kick.
Up next: The Broncos clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and have a first-round bye.
Tommy Togiai, Houston Texans
The Highland High graduate, who played college ball for Ohio State, is in his fourth season as a pro, including two seasons with Cleveland before signing with the Texans in 2024. Togiai has appeared in 15 games at defensive tackle this season, including six starts, totaling 59 tackles, four passes defended, 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery. In last week’s 38-30 win over Indianapolis, Togiai recovered a fumble and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown on the last play of the game.
Up next: Houston at Pittsburgh, 6:15 p.m. Monday (ESPN/ABC)
