Ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, we thought we could take a trip down memory lane and look at the former Clemson Tigers who have captured a Super Bowl ring.
- Bill Mathis (RB) | SB III (1969), NY Jets: The first Tiger to win a title, Mathis was a starter in the famous "guarantee" game where the Jets upset the Colts.
- Charlie Waters (S) | SB VI (1972) & SB XII (1978), Dallas Cowboys: A legendary Cowboys defensive back who was the first former Tiger to win multiple Super Bowls.
- John McMakin (TE) | SB IX (1975), Pittsburgh Steelers: The first Clemson tight end to win a ring, helping spark the Steelers' 70s dynasty.
- Bennie Cunningham (TE) | SB XIII (1979) & SB XIV (1980), Pittsburgh Steelers: Often cited as the greatest tight end in ACC history, he was the first Tiger to win back-to-back Super Bowls.
- Dwight Clark (WR) | SB XVI (1982) & SB XIX (1985), SF 49ers: Known for "The Catch," Clark was a cornerstone of San Francisco’s high-powered West Coast offense.
- Archie Reese (DT) | SB XVI (1982), SF 49ers: A key part of the defensive rotation that helped Joe Montana win his first championship.
- Jim Stuckey (DT) | SB XVI (1982) & SB XIX (1985), SF 49ers: A physical presence on the interior line during both of the 49ers' early title runs.
- Jeff Bostic (C) | SB XVII (1983), SB XXII (1988), & SB XXVI (1992), Washington: The most decorated Tiger in NFL history with three rings, Bostic was the legendary center for the "Hogs."
- William "Refrigerator" Perry (DT) | SB XX (1986), Chicago Bears: An international icon who famously scored a rushing touchdown in the Bears' historic blowout win.
- Terry Kinard (S), Andy Headen (LB), & Ty Davis (CB) | SB XXI (1987), NY Giants: This trio anchored the defense of the first Giants team to win a Super Bowl.
- Obed Ariri (K), Dan Benish (DT), & K.D. Dunn (TE) | SB XXII (1988), Washington: These three Tigers joined Jeff Bostic to help Washington dismantle Denver in a record-breaking performance.
- Terrence Flagler (RB) | SB XXIII (1989) & SB XXIV (1990), SF 49ers: Flagler earned back-to-back rings as a reliable contributor for Bill Walsh and George Seifert.
- Wayne Simmons (LB) | SB XXXI (1997), Green Bay Packers: A starting linebacker and enforcer for the defense that brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown.
- Trevor Pryce (DT) | SB XXXII (1998) & SB XXXIII (1999), Denver Broncos: A dominant pass rusher who helped John Elway finish his career with two straight titles.
- Tony Horne (WR) & Dexter McCleon (CB) | SB XXXIV (2000), St. Louis Rams: Both were key members of the "Greatest Show on Turf" team that won a thriller over Tennessee.
- James Trapp (DB) | SB XXXV (2001), Baltimore Ravens: A special teams ace and defensive back for what is widely considered one of the best defenses in NFL history.
- Chris Gardocki (P) | SB XL (2006), Pittsburgh Steelers: After 15 seasons in the league, the veteran punter finally secured his ring with Pittsburgh.
- Nick Eason (DT) | SB XLIII (2009), Pittsburgh Steelers: Eason provided crucial veteran depth on the defensive line during the Steelers' sixth title run.
- Anthony Waters (LB) | SB XLIV (2010), New Orleans Saints: Earned his ring as a linebacker and special teams contributor during the Saints' emotional first title.
- Byron Maxwell (CB) | SB XLVIII (2014), Seattle Seahawks: A core member of the "Legion of Boom" secondary that dominated the Broncos.
- Dwayne Allen (TE) | SB LIII (2019), New England Patriots: Allen served as a premier blocking tight end for the Patriots' most recent championship.
- Sammy Watkins (WR), Bashaud Breeland (CB), & Dorian O'Daniel (LB) | SB LIV (2020), Kansas City Chiefs: Watkins had a massive 98-yard game to help Mahomes win his first ring.
- Bradley Pinion (P) | SB LV (2021), Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Handled punting and kickoff duties for the Bucs' home-turf Super Bowl victory.
- Tremayne Anchrum Jr. (OL) | SB LVI (2022), LA Rams: Served as a versatile backup on the offensive line during the Rams' championship run.
- Cornell Powell (WR) & Justyn Ross (WR) | SB LVII (2023) & SB LVIII (2024), Kansas City Chiefs: This duo became back-to-back champions as members of the Chiefs' deep roster.
- Will Shipley (RB), Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB), & K.J. Henry (DE) | SB LIX (2025), Philadelphia Eagles: The most recent Tiger champions, winning rings in their rookie or early breakout seasons with the Eagles.
- DeAndre Hopkins (WR) | SB LIX (2025), Philadelphia Eagles: After a mid-season trade from Kansas City, the legendary Tiger receiver finally captured the elusive ring.