Three Former Clemson Tigers Make It to New Orleans for Super Bowl 59
As Super Bowl 59 rapidly approaches, the excitement surrounding the big game is growing, and for Clemson football fans, there’s an added layer of excitement: three former Tigers will be making the trip to New Orleans to compete for the coveted championship ring. These athletes, who once donned the orange and purple of Clemson, have since made their mark in the NFL, and now they stand on the brink of history, hoping to add a Super Bowl title to their already impressive resumes.
The Super Bowl is a stage unlike any other, and for these former Clemson Tigers, it’s a moment they’ve worked their entire careers for. Each of them has contributed to their respective teams’ success throughout the season, and now they have the opportunity to showcase their skills on football’s grandest stage. For Clemson fans, it’s a chance to see the legacy of the school’s football program continue to shine on the national stage.
In this article, we take a closer look at the three former Clemson Tigers who have earned a spot in Super Bowl 59, how they’ve impacted their teams, and what their presence in the big game means for Clemson football and its ever-growing legacy in the NFL.
1. Christian Wilkins – Defensive Force for the Miami Dolphins
The first of the three former Tigers headed to Super Bowl 59 is none other than defensive lineman Christian Wilkins. Wilkins, who was a key player for Clemson’s 2016 and 2018 national championship-winning teams, has firmly established himself as a force in the NFL since being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Known for his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and his ability to disrupt both the pass and the run game, Wilkins has been one of the standout performers for the Dolphins’ defense. Throughout the season, he has been a centerpiece of the Dolphins’ defensive line, wreaking havoc in the backfield and making plays that have kept Miami in games against some of the league’s top offenses.
Wilkins’ journey to Super Bowl 59 is a testament to his relentless work ethic and his ability to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NFL. At Clemson, he was known for his passion and leadership on the field, and those same traits have translated to his professional career. Wilkins has built a reputation as a locker room leader for the Dolphins, bringing the same intensity and focus to Miami that he displayed during his college days.
In Super Bowl 59, Wilkins will be expected to play a pivotal role in Miami’s defensive game plan. His ability to disrupt the opposing team’s offensive line and generate pressure on the quarterback will be crucial as Miami looks to secure the championship. Whether it’s stuffing the run or applying pressure on the quarterback in passing situations, Wilkins’ presence will be key to Miami’s defensive success in the Super Bowl.
2. Tee Higgins – Star Wide Receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals
Next on the list is wide receiver Tee Higgins, one of the most dynamic and dangerous playmakers in the NFL. Higgins was a standout wideout for Clemson, playing a crucial role in the Tigers’ 2018 national championship season alongside quarterback Trevor Lawrence. His performance in college earned him a second-round draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020, and he’s since become one of Joe Burrow’s most reliable targets.
In just a few short years, Higgins has developed into a top-tier receiver in the NFL. Known for his size, speed, and exceptional ability to make contested catches, Higgins has been a key weapon for the Bengals’ offense. In Super Bowl 59, he will be counted on to stretch the field, create mismatches against opposing defenses, and provide Burrow with a reliable option in critical moments.
Throughout the 2024 season, Higgins has shown his ability to perform in clutch situations, catching critical passes in key games that have propelled the Bengals into the Super Bowl. He’s one of the most dangerous red-zone threats in the league, thanks to his ability to outmuscle defenders and make spectacular catches in tight spaces. Higgins’ skill set makes him a nightmare for opposing secondaries, and his presence in Super Bowl 59 will be crucial to the Bengals’ chances of winning.
For Higgins, playing in the Super Bowl is the culmination of years of hard work, from his days at Clemson to his rapid rise in the NFL. His journey from a talented prospect to an established NFL star is a testament to his talent and determination. If Higgins can deliver in the big game, he’ll add a Super Bowl title to his already impressive list of accomplishments, further solidifying his status as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers.
3. Travis Etienne Jr. – Dynamic Running Back for the Jacksonville Jaguars
The final former Clemson Tiger heading to Super Bowl 59 is running back Travis Etienne Jr. Etienne, one of the most explosive and versatile running backs to ever play for Clemson, has been making waves in the NFL since being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Known for his speed, vision, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, Etienne quickly became one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the NFL.
During his time at Clemson, Etienne broke records, won accolades, and led his team to multiple playoff appearances. His ability to dominate both as a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield made him a dual-threat weapon in the Tigers’ offense. Now, in the NFL, Etienne has carried that same level of playmaking ability, helping to transform the Jaguars into a playoff contender.
In Super Bowl 59, Etienne will be counted on to be a key contributor for the Jaguars’ offense. Whether it’s picking up tough yards on the ground or making big plays in the passing game, Etienne’s ability to create explosive plays will be crucial in keeping the Jaguars’ offense balanced and unpredictable. His elusiveness and acceleration make him a serious threat every time he touches the ball, and opposing defenses will have their hands full trying to slow him down.
Etienne’s path to the Super Bowl has been filled with both triumph and adversity. After suffering a season-ending injury in his rookie year, Etienne has come back stronger and more determined, making a statement in the 2024 season as one of the NFL’s top running backs. His return to the Super Bowl is a testament to his resilience and his unwavering commitment to excellence, qualities that were instilled in him during his time at Clemson.
What This Means for Clemson Football
For Clemson football, having three former players representing the program in Super Bowl 59 is a proud moment that showcases the program’s continued success in developing NFL talent. Clemson has long been known as a pipeline to the NFL, and these three players—Christian Wilkins, Tee Higgins, and Travis Etienne Jr.—are proof of the program’s ability to produce elite players who can compete at the highest level.
The success of these former Tigers also speaks to the legacy of head coach Dabo Swinney, who has cultivated a culture of excellence and preparation at Clemson. His ability to develop players both on and off the field has been a major factor in the program’s sustained success. With Wilkins, Higgins, and Etienne now preparing for the Super Bowl, it’s clear that Clemson’s impact on the NFL will continue for years to come.
For Clemson fans, seeing these players take the field in the Super Bowl is a moment of pride and excitement. It’s a chance to celebrate the continued success of the program and the incredible contributions these former Tigers have made to the NFL. Whether they win or lose, Wilkins, Higgins, and Etienne are already champions in the eyes of Clemson fans, and their journey to the Super Bowl serves as an inspiration for the next generation of Tigers.
Looking Ahead: Future Clemson NFL Talent
As these three former Clemson players head to New Orleans, they’re not the only Tigers who will be aiming for future Super Bowl appearances. Clemson’s pipeline to the NFL remains strong, with several current players already showing potential to follow in the footsteps of Wilkins, Higgins, and Etienne. The program continues to produce top-tier talent, and with Dabo Swinney at the helm, the future looks bright for both Clemson and its players in the NFL.
Super Bowl 59 is a special moment for Clemson football, and for Wilkins, Higgins, and Etienne, it’s the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. For fans, it’s an opportunity to witness their legacy live on the biggest stage in sports. The Tigers may not be playing in the game, but their impact is certainly being felt.