Carolina Roots Run Deep in Super Bowl LIX: 16 Players with Local Ties Take Center Stage
As Super Bowl LIX approaches, football fans in North and South Carolina have plenty of reasons to tune in. The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will battle for the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday, Feb. 9, and a surprising number of players on both rosters have deep connections to the Carolinas. From high school standouts to college legends, at least 16 players with ties to the region will be taking the field in New Orleans.
Kansas City Chiefs Players with Carolina Ties
Joe Thuney – NC State Alum Turned Chiefs Star
A dominant force on the Chiefs’ offensive line, Joe Thuney honed his skills at NC State before being drafted by the New England Patriots in 2016. Now a Super Bowl champion with Kansas City, he continues to anchor their protection unit.
D.J. Humphries – Mallard Creek’s Own
A former Mallard Creek High School standout in Charlotte, D.J. Humphries played his college ball at Florida before being drafted in 2015. After years with Arizona, he signed with the Chiefs last offseason.
DeAndre Hopkins – Clemson’s Superstar Receiver
A household name, DeAndre Hopkins carved out an elite career after starring at Clemson. The five-time Pro Bowler is now looking to add a Super Bowl ring to his résumé with Kansas City.
Carson Wentz – Raleigh Native Back in the Super Bowl Mix
While he made his name in Philadelphia, Carson Wentz was actually born in Raleigh. Now serving as Patrick Mahomes’ backup, Wentz has a shot at another championship ring.
Harrison Butker – From Panthers to Chiefs Kicking Legend
The Carolina Panthers drafted Harrison Butker in 2017, but they let him slip away. Kansas City snatched him off their practice squad, and the rest is history—three Super Bowl titles and a reputation as one of the NFL’s most clutch kickers.
Keith Taylor Jr. – Former Panthers DB Now a Chief
After spending two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Keith Taylor Jr. was waived in 2023. The Chiefs scooped him up, and he’s since carved out a role in their secondary.
Joshua Williams – Fayetteville’s Rising Star
A product of Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville, Joshua Williams played his college football at Fayetteville State before the Chiefs drafted him in 2022. Now, he’s part of a championship-caliber defense.
Justyn Ross – Clemson Sensation Seeking NFL Breakthrough
A standout at Clemson, Justyn Ross has battled injuries and setbacks, but Kansas City has kept faith in his potential. He re-signed to the practice squad after being waived in 2024.
Philadelphia Eagles Players with Carolina Connections
Jordan Davis – Charlotte’s Defensive Powerhouse
A Mallard Creek High School product, Jordan Davis dominated at Georgia before becoming a first-round pick for the Eagles. Now, he’s a key piece of their defensive front.
Will Shipley – Weddington’s Playmaker Finds the End Zone
Rookie running back Will Shipley hails from Union County and starred at Clemson. He made an immediate impact, scoring his first NFL touchdown in the NFC Championship Game to help the Eagles punch their Super Bowl ticket.
James Bradberry IV – Former Panther Turned Eagles Star
Drafted by the Panthers in 2016, James Bradberry IV spent four years in Carolina before stints with the Giants and Eagles. He remains a key piece in Philly’s secondary.
Landon Dickerson – Hickory’s Finest
Born in Hickory, Landon Dickerson played at South Caldwell High School before heading to Florida State and Alabama. The Eagles selected him in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he’s become a top-tier offensive lineman.
Noah Gray – Duke’s Tight End Making an Impact
A Duke University alum, Noah Gray was drafted by the Chiefs in 2021 and has since carved out a solid role in their tight end rotation.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. – Carrying on a Family Legacy
The son of former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. played his college ball at Clemson before Philly drafted him in 2024. Now, he’s looking to make his own mark.
Charles Harris – Brief Panther, Now an Eagle
After a short stint with the Panthers in 2024, Charles Harris was waived in November—only to be picked up by the Eagles the very next day. Now, he’s part of their Super Bowl-bound defense.
Nick Muse – South Carolina Native on Eagles Practice Squad
A Belmont native and former South Carolina Gamecock, Nick Muse was drafted by the Vikings before landing on the Eagles’ practice squad in early 2025.
Carolina’s Influence on the Biggest Stage
With 16 players boasting Carolina connections, this year’s Super Bowl will feel personal for many fans in the region. Whether it’s former high school standouts, Clemson legends, or ex-Panthers, the Carolinas’ football pipeline is stronger than ever.
Come Feb. 9, one of these players will walk away a Super Bowl champion, adding another chapter to the region’s proud football history.
