Key Former Alabama Cornerbacks to Watch in the NFL Championship Games

When it comes to the upcoming AFC and NFC Championship Games, one position that stands out is the cornerback. Two former Alabama Crimson Tide players are expected to play pivotal roles in these games, making them must-watch players for fans and analysts alike.

Patrick Surtain II – Denver Broncos

Patrick Surtain II has been a standout performer for the Denver Broncos this season. The 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year was the second player in Broncos history to receive the honor, following Randy Gradishar in 1978. Many experts consider him the best corner in the league. During the regular season, Surtain was among the leaders in fewest yards allowed per coverage snap. This performance makes it unlikely that New England will target him heavily in the passing game.

Josh Jobe – Seattle Seahawks

Josh Jobe’s journey from an undrafted player to a starter on Seattle’s elite defense is one of the most inspiring stories in the NFL Championship Games. Although he only recorded one interception during the regular season, Jobe tallied 54 tackles (39 solo) and 12 passes defensed. His role in the game against the Rams will be crucial, especially in covering Puka Nacua, who had a significant impact in their previous matchup.

AFC Championship Game: New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos

The AFC Championship Game features the No. 2 New England Patriots (16-3) against the No. 1 Denver Broncos (15-3). Both teams have strong ties to Alabama, with several former Crimson Tide players on their rosters.

Former Alabama Players on Broncos:

– #51 Que Robinson, OLB

– #2 Pat Surtain II, CB

Former Crimson Tide Players on Patriots:

– #90 Christian Barmore, DT

– #33 Anfernee Jennings, LB

– #82 CJ Dippre, TE

Historically, the Patriots have a strong record in conference championship games, with 11 wins in 16 appearances. The Broncos have an even better record, with 8 wins in 10 appearances. In the postseason, Denver has a 4-1 record against New England, including home Conference Championship wins in 2013 and 2015.

New England is aiming to become the fifth team since 2003 to go from “worst to first” and make the Super Bowl in the same season. Meanwhile, Denver has eight Super Bowl appearances, tied for the second-most among all teams.

NFC Championship Game: Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks

In the NFC Championship Game, the No. 5 Los Angeles Rams (14-5) face the No. 1 Seattle Seahawks (15-3). While the Rams do not have any former Alabama players on their roster, the Seahawks have several key contributors from the Crimson Tide.

Former Alabama Players on Seahawks:

– #29 Josh Jobe, CB

– #6 Jalen Milroe, QB

– #40 Robbie Ouzts, TE

– #90 Jarran Reed, DT

The Rams have a 2-0 record against the Seahawks in the postseason, with both victories coming in the Wild Card round. However, the Seahawks have a strong history in conference championship games, with three wins in four appearances.

The Rams and Seahawks split their regular-season meetings this season, with each team winning at home. The Rams won 21-19 in Week 11, while the Seahawks came back to win 38-37 in overtime in Week 16.

Notable NFL Notes

Both the Rams and Seahawks had strong performances in the playoffs. The Rams defeated Carolina 34-31 and Chicago 20-17 in overtime, while the Seahawks beat San Francisco 41-6. The Rams led the NFL in scoring offense, and the Seahawks led in scoring defense during the 2025 regular season.

With head coaches Mike Macdonald and Sean McVay, this will be the second Championship game ever to feature two head coaches aged 40 or younger. Additionally, Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp will face the team he won Super Bowl MVP with in the postseason, marking a unique moment in NFL history.

Bama in the NFL Championship Round Tracker

For a comprehensive look at how former Alabama players performed in the Championship Round, check out the Bama in the NFL Championship Round Tracker. It will be updated throughout the weekend until every game is concluded.

Additional Notes

Will Anderson Jr., a former Crimson Tide player, is the only Alabama player up for an NFL Honors award, Defensive Player of the Year. The other finalists include Nik Bonitto, Myles Garrett, Aidan Hutchinson, and Micah Parsons. Anderson had impressive stats, including 54 tackles, 20 for loss, 12 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Patrick Surtain II continues to shine, with 47 tackles, 12 passes defended, and one interception this season. He is one of just five players since 2010 with 45-plus tackles and at least 10 passes defended in each of his first five seasons in the NFL.

Derrick Henry, despite being 32, shows no signs of slowing down. In an interview, he expressed his motivation to continue playing and improve in the offseason. With 307 carries for 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns, Henry just missed another rushing title.