These former Boise State, Idaho standouts will play for a Super Bowl ring
Super Bowl LX will feature the New England Patriots (17-3) and Seattle Seahawks (16-3) on Sunday in Santa Clara, California, at Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. Mountain time, and the game will be televised on NBC.
There are four players with Idaho ties on the two rosters. The Seahawks opened as 3.5-point favorites and that line has since moved to 4.5.
Christian Elliss, New England Patriots
The former University of Idaho linebacker is headed to the Super Bowl for the second time in his career. Elliss was on the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster when they lost to Kansas City in 2023.
In the Patriots’ AFC Championship win over the Denver Broncos, Elliss totaled four tackles, one sack, one QB hurry and a forced fumble near the end of the first half that led to a New England touchdown two plays later. Elliss was playing against his brother, Jonah Elliss, a linebacker for the Broncos who graduated from Moscow High.
“Holding my brother after the game, that’s not a feeling I ever want to replicate,” Christian said in an on-field NFL Network interview. “I’m fine with winning. I’m so happy we did. But I know what he’s feeling. It’s bittersweet, for sure.”
Elliss has started 15 of the 18 games he’s appeared in for New England this season, making a career high 94 total tackles during the regular season. In three playoff games, he has 16 total tackles.
Elliss will be the 16th Idaho Vandal to appear on a Super Bowl roster, joining the likes of Jerry Kramer, Mark Schlereth, Mike Iupati and Shiloh Keo.
George Holani, Seattle Seahawks
Holani was activated for the Seahawks’ NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Seahawks’ Week 12 win over the Tennessee Titans. Serving as the backup for Kenneth Walker III, the Boise State alum had three receptions for 27 yards and three carries for four yards as Seattle topped the Rams 31-27.
The Seahawks lost running back Zach Charbonnet to an ACL injury in the divisional round of the playoffs, opening the door for Holani to get playing time.
“It was remarkable,” Seattle coach Mike Macdonald said of Holani’s performance. “He hasn’t played in how many weeks? Normally, when you got a guy coming off IR, they need some time to get ready to go, but tribute to him and our training staff for having him in shape. It just shows you just got to stay ready. All 70 guys, we need everybody, because you never know what’s going to happen.
“When the opportunity presents itself, and you’re ready, something great can happen.”
Before his injury, Holani totaled 22 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown, and also had two receptions for 15 yards during the regular season. As a kick returner, he gained 387 yards on 16 returns, and he scored a touchdown on a recovery of a kickoff in the end zone in Seattle’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.
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 suffered a broken foot in the Patriots’ preseason opener against the Washington Commanders that required surgery; he has not played this season.
In his lone preseason game, Larison totaled seven carries for 35 yards and a touchdown, caught two passes for nine yards, and ran a kickoff back 25 yards.
Players on injured reserve generally do get a Super Bowl ring if their team wins.
DeMarcus Lawrence, Seattle Seahawks
After 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, the Boise State alum is about to reach a new milestone. Lawrence will make his first Super Bowl appearance in his first season with the Seahawks after recording two tackles and a sack of quarterback Matthew Stafford in a 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship game.
In all of his time in Dallas, the Cowboys went 3-6 in the postseason and never even reached the NFC title game.
“I’m truly blessed and thankful to be a part of this great organization, this great team that we’ve put together, man,” Lawrence told CBS sideline reporter Melanie Collins after the win. “The words can’t even explain this moment.”
During the regular season, Lawrence recorded 53 total tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, two of which he returned for touchdowns. In two playoff games, Lawrence has five tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles, four QB hits and one pass defended.
