Vols in the NFL Playoffs: Former Tennessee Athletes Set to Compete in Divisional Round
As the NFL playoffs continue to unfold, the excitement around Tennessee football fans grows as former Tennessee Volunteers players make their mark on the professional stage. Several former Vols, both on offense and defense, are preparing to compete in the highly anticipated Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, with their eyes set on advancing further toward a potential Super Bowl berth. For these players, the path to the NFL playoffs is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and talent they exhibited while playing at the University of Tennessee, and their presence in the playoffs is a proud moment for Vols fans everywhere.
The Tennessee Volunteers football program has historically produced some of the most talented athletes to ever play in the NFL, and this year’s playoff run features a group of former Vols who have showcased their abilities in significant ways. Whether it’s a standout receiver like Jauan Jennings, a hard-hitting safety such as Adrian Amos, or a dynamic running back like Alvin Kamara, Tennessee’s legacy in the NFL continues to thrive. As the NFL enters the Divisional Round, these former Vols are poised to leave their mark on the biggest stage of professional football.
The Vols in the NFL Playoffs: A Strong Representation
The 2024 NFL season has brought great attention to the number of Tennessee alumni actively contributing to NFL teams across the league. From young stars making an immediate impact to veteran leaders continuing to perform at a high level, these former Vols are not only playing in the NFL playoffs but are also helping their respective teams contend for a championship.
The Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs is always filled with drama and excitement, and with several former Tennessee players taking center stage, the passion among Vols fans is at an all-time high. The list of Tennessee alumni in this year’s playoffs reflects the versatility and skill the university has produced over the years.
Jauan Jennings: San Francisco 49ers’ Emerging Star
One of the most exciting former Tennessee players currently competing in the NFL playoffs is Jauan Jennings, wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers. Jennings has steadily built a reputation for himself in the NFL, emerging as a key piece in the 49ers’ dynamic offense. After being drafted by San Francisco in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jennings has steadily developed into a reliable target in the 49ers’ high-powered passing game, contributing to their success in the postseason.
Jennings is known for his physicality and ability to make clutch catches in critical situations. His tenacity and size make him a nightmare for defenders, especially when the game is on the line. During the regular season, Jennings recorded solid numbers, showcasing his growth as a dependable wideout. His ability to make tough catches in tight spaces and excel in the red zone will be a crucial asset for the 49ers as they take on their next opponent in the Divisional Round. Jennings’ performance on the biggest stage will be key as the 49ers look to make a deep run in the playoffs.
In San Francisco’s Divisional Round matchup, Jennings will likely have the opportunity to face off against some of the top cornerbacks in the league, and he will need to use his experience at Tennessee to help his team stay competitive. For Vols fans, watching Jennings in action will be a thrilling experience as he continues to carve out a role for himself as a trusted weapon for the 49ers.
Alvin Kamara: New Orleans Saints’ Superstar Running Back
Another former Tennessee Volunteer making waves in the NFL is Alvin Kamara, the star running back for the New Orleans Saints. Kamara is widely regarded as one of the most versatile players in the NFL, excelling as both a rusher and a receiver. Since entering the NFL in 2017, Kamara has been one of the top offensive players in the league, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as one of the best all-around running backs in football.
Kamara’s performance has been instrumental in the Saints’ success, and he has been one of the league’s most dangerous weapons, known for his elusiveness, speed, and ability to break tackles. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and contribute to the Saints’ high-powered offense has made him a central figure in New Orleans’ offensive game plan.
While the Saints did not advance far into the playoffs this season, Kamara’s leadership and playmaking ability cannot be overlooked. Vols fans continue to follow Kamara’s progress, knowing that his versatility and high football IQ are what made him such a standout player at Tennessee and continue to drive his success at the professional level. His electric style of play reminds fans of his incredible career with the Tennessee Volunteers, and they continue to root for him as he competes for a future Super Bowl appearance.
Adrian Amos: Green Bay Packers’ Defensive Leader
On the defensive side of the ball, former Tennessee standout Adrian Amos has made his mark as a key piece of the Green Bay Packers’ defense. Amos, a safety, has long been known for his ability to play both the run and pass, and he’s one of the most consistent defensive players in the league. Since entering the NFL in 2015, Amos has been a stalwart in the Packers’ secondary, providing veteran leadership and making plays when his team needs it most.
During his time at Tennessee, Amos developed a reputation for being a hard-hitting and smart defensive player, and he carried those qualities into his NFL career. Known for his ability to read the quarterback and make timely interceptions, Amos has solidified himself as one of the top safeties in the league. His impact on the Green Bay defense cannot be understated, and he will look to bring his experience and skillset to the table in the Divisional Round as the Packers aim for a deep playoff run.
Bryce Thompson: Kansas City Chiefs’ Rising Star
Another former Volunteer who has made an impact in the NFL is Bryce Thompson, a cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Thompson, who made a name for himself at Tennessee with his ball skills and defensive awareness, has shown tremendous growth in the NFL since being picked up by the Chiefs. While Thompson is still finding his place on the Chiefs’ defense, his ability to shut down wide receivers and play tight coverage in crucial moments could play a key role for Kansas City as they look to advance further in the playoffs.
Although Thompson may not be as high-profile as some of his counterparts, his development as a cornerback has been notable, and the Chiefs are happy to have a player of his caliber contributing to their defense. As the team moves into the Divisional Round, Thompson’s ability to lock down receivers and help Kansas City get the ball back will be key. For Vols fans, watching Thompson in the playoffs is another reason to feel pride in the program’s growing success in the NFL.
The Importance of Former Vols in the NFL Playoffs
Tennessee has a long and storied history of producing NFL talent, and this year’s NFL playoffs are no exception. The success of former Vols like Jauan Jennings, Alvin Kamara, Adrian Amos, and Bryce Thompson is a testament to the strength and depth of the Tennessee football program. These players have taken the lessons learned during their time at Tennessee and translated them into success at the professional level.
For Tennessee fans, it’s exciting to see former Vols thriving on the NFL’s biggest stage, representing the university with pride and determination. The NFL Playoffs give these players the chance to showcase their abilities in front of a global audience, and the Divisional Round is the ultimate proving ground for these athletes to show what they are capable of when the stakes are at their highest.
Moreover, the fact that former Tennessee players are contributing at a high level to successful NFL teams underscores the quality of coaching, development, and competition that exists within the Tennessee Volunteers program. It also reinforces the strong connection between college football and the professional ranks, with Tennessee serving as a pipeline for talent that consistently produces top-tier athletes.
What’s Next for These Players?
As the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs approaches, each of these former Tennessee players is focused on helping their team take the next step toward the Super Bowl. Jauan Jennings will be a key target for the 49ers as they aim to advance further, while Alvin Kamara continues to show his incredible versatility and ability to make game-changing plays for New Orleans. On the defensive side, Adrian Amos will be leading Green Bay’s secondary, looking to disrupt opposing offenses, and Bryce Thompson will be contributing to Kansas City’s defense with his exceptional coverage skills.
While the Vols may not have a team directly competing for the Super Bowl this season, their representation in the NFL playoffs is a sign of Tennessee’s enduring legacy and success. As these players continue to make their mark in the professional ranks, the Vols‘ impact on the NFL will only continue to grow, and their success in the Divisional Round will be a point of pride for Tennessee fans everywhere.
Conclusion
The Tennessee Volunteers may not have a team in the NFL Playoffs this season, but the performances of former Vols players in the postseason are a source of pride for fans of the program. As Jauan Jennings, Alvin Kamara, Adrian Amos, and Bryce Thompson continue to shine for their respective NFL teams, the Tennessee football program’s influence on the NFL is clear. With these players competing at the highest level, Vols fans can expect even more success from Tennessee alumni in the future. As the Divisional Round unfolds, the eyes of Tennessee fans will be watching their former stars, hoping to see them take the next step toward a Super Bowl victory.
