Six former Bulldogs from Georgia win Super Bowl LIX

Super Bowl LIX: A Landmark Victory for Six Former Bulldogs

On February 9, 2025, Super Bowl LIX was held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the Philadelphia Eagles triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 40-22. This victory not only secured the Eagles’ second championship title but also made history for the University of Georgia football program. Six former Bulldogs contributed to the Eagles’ success, each playing pivotal roles in a dominant performance.

The six former Georgia Bulldogs who earned Super Bowl rings with the Eagles were Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Jordan Davis, Lewis Cine, Kelee Ringo, and E.J. Jenkins. These players were part of Georgia’s formidable defense during their college years, and their transition to the NFL showcased the program’s continued dominance in developing top-tier talent.

In this article, we will explore the key moments and performances of these players, how their individual journeys shaped the Eagles’ victory, and the broader impact of Georgia football on the NFL.

The Rise of the Bulldogs: Georgia Football in the NFL

The University of Georgia has long been recognized as one of the premier programs in college football. Year after year, the Bulldogs produce athletes who transition seamlessly into the NFL. The legacy of Georgia football has been cemented through the success of former players who have become stars in the professional league, and Super Bowl LIX served as another example of the Bulldogs’ strong presence in the NFL.

In recent years, Georgia has been a powerhouse of defensive talent. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the Bulldogs’ defense was lauded for its depth, versatility, and dominance, with many of its key players—like those in the Super Bowl LIX matchup—getting drafted early in the NFL draft. This influx of talent has translated into substantial success in the NFL, particularly with the Philadelphia Eagles, who have benefitted greatly from Georgia’s strong defensive players.

The Six Former Bulldogs of Super Bowl LIX

1. Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle

Jalen Carter was one of the standout players for Georgia during his time in college. As a defensive tackle, he was a disruptive force on the field, known for his combination of size, strength, and agility. Carter’s ability to collapse the pocket and wreak havoc in the backfield made him a highly coveted prospect, and he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Carter’s rookie season was one of immediate impact. He was a key component of the Eagles’ defensive line, contributing to the team’s success with his ability to anchor the line and stop the run. In Super Bowl LIX, Carter’s presence was felt early and often. He played a significant role in disrupting Patrick Mahomes’ pocket and limiting the Chiefs’ rushing attack. His stout defense in the trenches allowed the Eagles’ pass rush to pressure Mahomes and force multiple errant throws.

His performance in Super Bowl LIX was a culmination of his hard work throughout the season, solidifying his place as one of the league’s top defensive tackles.

2. Nolan Smith – Edge Rusher

Nolan Smith was a dynamic pass rusher for Georgia, and his speed and explosiveness off the edge were unmatched in college football. After being drafted by the Eagles in the first round of the 2024 draft, Smith quickly became a key piece of their defense.

In Super Bowl LIX, Smith’s ability to pressure Patrick Mahomes was evident. His quickness and agility allowed him to disrupt the Chiefs’ offensive rhythm, forcing Mahomes into uncomfortable situations. Although Smith did not record a sack in the game, his consistent pressure and ability to disrupt the Chiefs’ passing attack were crucial in the Eagles’ defensive game plan.

Smith’s performance was a testament to his work ethic and ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.

3. Jordan Davis – Defensive Tackle

Jordan Davis, another standout from Georgia’s 2021 National Championship-winning defense, made an immediate impact in the NFL as a defensive tackle for the Eagles. Known for his size and strength, Davis is a massive presence on the defensive line, often requiring multiple blockers to contain him.

In Super Bowl LIX, Davis’ role was pivotal in controlling the line of scrimmage. His ability to clog up running lanes and provide pressure on Mahomes allowed the Eagles’ defense to dominate. Davis’ imposing frame and relentless work ethic were critical in limiting the Chiefs’ ability to establish any sort of ground game. He was a crucial factor in ensuring that the Chiefs’ offense never found a rhythm, especially in the first half.

Davis’ performance in the Super Bowl only enhanced his reputation as one of the premier defensive tackles in the NFL.

4. Lewis Cine – Safety

Lewis Cine was known for his hard-hitting style and ability to cover the deep ball during his time at Georgia. After being selected by the Eagles in the 2024 NFL Draft, Cine became a key contributor to their secondary. His ability to read the quarterback and his excellent coverage skills made him a standout in the defensive backfield.

In Super Bowl LIX, Cine was a steady presence in the secondary. He played a crucial role in limiting the Chiefs’ explosive plays downfield, especially against wide receivers like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Cine’s ability to break up passes and his intelligence on the field helped neutralize Mahomes’ passing attack.

His performance in the Super Bowl demonstrated not only his talent but also his ability to shine in high-pressure situations.

5. Kelee Ringo – Cornerback

Kelee Ringo’s speed, size, and coverage skills were vital to Georgia’s success during their National Championship runs. After being drafted by the Eagles, Ringo quickly earned a starting role in their secondary. His ability to shut down opposing wide receivers and provide support in run defense made him a valuable asset to the Eagles’ defense.

Ringo’s contribution to Super Bowl LIX was crucial in limiting the Chiefs’ ability to exploit the Eagles’ defense. His coverage of Kansas City’s wide receivers was exceptional, with Ringo often matched up against star players like Hill and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. His physicality and ability to read Mahomes’ eyes helped disrupt the Chiefs’ passing game, ensuring that they were unable to establish a rhythm.

Ringo’s performance was a clear testament to the depth of talent that Georgia produced and his ability to perform under pressure.

6. E.J. Jenkins – Wide Receiver

While E.J. Jenkins might not have been as heavily featured as the other Bulldogs in Super Bowl LIX, his presence on the Eagles’ roster as a wide receiver is significant. Jenkins was a reliable target for the Bulldogs during his college years, and his size and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.

In his limited role during Super Bowl LIX, Jenkins contributed to the Eagles’ offensive success by providing depth at the wide receiver position. Though he did not record any major statistics during the game, his work ethic and ability to contribute in key moments helped the Eagles maintain their offensive momentum.

A Super Bowl Victory for the Ages

The performance of these six former Bulldogs was a testament to the high-level football played at the University of Georgia. Each of these players showcased the characteristics that made them stars in college—speed, strength, intelligence, and a relentless work ethic—and those same qualities helped propel the Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LIX.

The contributions of Carter, Smith, Davis, Cine, Ringo, and Jenkins were vital in securing a dominant win for the Eagles. While the team’s offense, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, certainly shone, it was the defense—anchored by these former Bulldogs—that truly set the tone for the game.

Impact on Georgia Football and the NFL

The success of these players in Super Bowl LIX only further solidifies Georgia’s place as one of the top football programs in the country. The Bulldogs’ dominance in producing NFL-caliber talent continues to be a source of pride for the school, and it’s clear that their players are making an impact at the highest level.

For the Philadelphia Eagles, the contributions of these six former Bulldogs were invaluable throughout the season, and their performances in the Super Bowl proved that Georgia is a pipeline to NFL success. As the NFL continues to evolve, it is clear that Georgia will remain a program that produces some of the league’s best players.

Super Bowl LIX was a historic moment not only for the Philadelphia Eagles but also for the University of Georgia football program. The contributions of Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Jordan Davis, Lewis Cine, Kelee Ringo, and E.J. Jenkins helped secure a dominant 40-22 victory for the Eagles over the Kansas City Chiefs. Each of these players demonstrated the skill, work ethic, and talent that have become synonymous with Georgia football, and their success on the biggest stage only reinforces the program’s reputation as a pipeline for NFL talent.

As these Bulldogs continue to thrive in the NFL, their impact will be felt for years to come, and Super Bowl LIX will be remembered as a defining moment in the legacy of Georgia football.