It’s no surprise that HBCU athletes have excelled on the field and made it to the NFL. However, we are proud to say that 5 former HBCU athletes are heading to the Super Bowl! We’re happy to announce that former athletes from South Carolina State University, Prairie View A&M University, and North Carolina Central University are making the cut.
Super Bowl LV is set for Sunday, February 7, 2021 in Tampa, Florida at Raymond Jones Stadium. Since both the AFC and NFC championships have finally shown us the 2 top teams, the players for this year’s Super Bowl will hail from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs! Find out which players are making it to the big game below!
Antonio Hamilton, Formerly of South Carolina State University
As a South Carolina State University graduate, Hamilton entered the league as an undrafted free agent with Oakland in 2016 from South Carolina State. He’s emerged as a valuable special teams contributor, earning a grade of 80.2 from Pro Football Focus last season as a five-phase player. His 373 special teams snaps ranked seventh in the NFL in 2019.
As a cornerback, Hamilton played a career-best 132 snaps last season while starting two games for the Giants. He collected a career-high 17 combined tackles last season while breaking up for passes.
Alex Brown, Formerly of South Carolina State University
First-year defensive back enters his first NFL season with the Chiefs in 2020.
Originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the 49ers in 2019.
Signed to Kansas City’s practice squad (9/2/19) … Released by the New York Jets (8/31/19) … Acquired via waivers by the New York Jets (8/5/19) … Released by Philadelphia (8/4/19) … Acquired via waivers by Philadelphia (7/26/19) … Released by San Francisco (7/25/19) … Originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with San Francisco in 2019
Quinton Bell, Formerly Of Prairie View A&M University
Originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick (230th overall) of the Oakland Raiders in the 2019 NFL Draft. Waived on August 31, 2019.
Signed to the Oakland Raiders practice squad on September 2, 2019. Released from the practice squad on October 15, 2019.
Signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on November 5, 2019. Signed a reserve/futures contract on December 30, 2019.
Nick Leverett, Formerly of North Carolina Central University
Originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick (230th overall) of the Oakland Raiders in the 2019 NFL Draft. Waived on August 31, 2019.
Signed to the Oakland Raiders practice squad on September 2, 2019. Released from the practice squad on October 15, 2019.
Signed to Tampa Bay’s practice squad on November 5, 2019. Signed a reserve/futures contract on December 30, 2019.
Ryan Smith, Formerly of North Carolina Central University
Has played in 57 career games, with 16 starts, recording 98 tackles, one interception, 12 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
On special teams, has returned 10 kickoffs for 169 yards (16.9 avg.) with a long of 24, and added 12 tackles and two forced fumbles.
Snagged first career interception (Nick Mullens) in win vs. San Francisco (11/25/18).
Recorded first career fumble recovery, which he also forced, in win at Miami (11/19/17).
Blocked a PAT at New Orleans (11/5/17).
Made first NFL start at Minnesota (9/24/17).
Registered first career forced fumble in win vs. Chicago (9/17/17).
With Buccaneers leading 16-11 in the fourth quarter vs. New Orleans (12/11/16), kept a Tampa Bay punt from going into the end zone with a leaning save at the goal line, which was downed at the one-yard line.
Made NFL debut vs. Los Angeles Rams (9/25/16).
