’Noles in the NFL: Conference Championships

The Seminoles were well represented during the NFL’s Conference Championships on Sunday with former players competing on all four of the remaining rosters.

Let’s take a look at which former players prevailed on Sunday and will play in the Big Game in two week’s time:

Los Angeles Rams 26, New Orleans Saints 23 (OT)

Rams:

S Lamarcus Joyner: recorded three tackles (two solo) in his team’s victory. An otherwise decent outing almost turned disastrous for the hard-hitting safety as he gave up what was almost the most talked about play of the game:

This should have been, at the very least, a batted down pass from Joyner. Instead, Ted Ginn came down with it and New Orleans looked as if they were about to put the game on ice. Luckily for Joyner, a ridiculous no-call two plays later would become the most controversial play of the weekend:

Joyner’s squad would go on to win in overtime, and the safety who helped lead FSU’s loaded 2013 defense to a National Championship will get a chance to play for the Lombardi Trophy.

Saints:

CB P.J. Williams: recorded eight tackles (seven solo) and a pass defended in his team’s heartbreaking loss. Williams was easily one of the most improved players on New Orleans’ defense after a difficult start to the season and shared some encouraging words despite being robbed of a Super Bowl berth:

CB: Patrick Robinson: (Injured Reserve)

New England Patriots 37, Kansas City Chiefs 31 (OT)

Chiefs:

DT Derrick Nnadi: A fantastic rookie season for Nnadi came to a close just shy of the Super Bowl. Nnadi had a monster day in the trenches, recording six tackles and a crucial stop on third down.

OL Cam Erving: Erving and the Chief’s offensive line struggled against the Patriots’ pass rush, giving up four sacks for 46-yards throughout the game.

WR: Kelvin Benjamin: (Inactive)

LB: Terrance Smith: (Injured Reserve)

Patriots:

TE: Ryan Izzo: (Injured Reserve)

Next stop: Atlanta

With Ryan Izzo on injured reserve in New England, Lamarcus Joyner will be the lone Seminole taking the field in Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII.

In the event of a Patriots win, Izzo would still earn a ring for being with the organization, however. So, regardless of the outcome, FSU will add to the list of former players with Super Bowl rings for the third straight year.