Sooners Lead the Way with Most Active Players in NFL Conference Championship Games
As the NFL playoffs roll into the most critical weekend of the season—the conference championships—the spotlight shines on the players whose talent, hard work, and determination have carried them to the cusp of the Super Bowl. These players come from all walks of life, many of them starting their journeys at the collegiate level, where they honed their skills and laid the foundation for professional careers. Among the players competing in the 2025 NFL conference championship games, one college program stands out for its contributions to the league: the Oklahoma Sooners.
With a long history of producing NFL-caliber talent, the Sooners have consistently sent a significant number of players to the professional ranks. This year, however, the Sooners have achieved a remarkable feat by leading all college programs in the number of active players appearing in the NFL’s conference championship games. This accomplishment is not only a testament to the strength of Oklahoma’s football program but also highlights the lasting impact the university has had on the NFL and its role as a pipeline to the professional game.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the impact the Oklahoma Sooners have had on the NFL conference championships, explore the individual players who are leading the way, and delve into the broader implications of the Sooners’ dominance in the professional ranks. From legendary coaches to star players, Oklahoma’s football program has played a key role in shaping the NFL landscape.
The Legacy of Oklahoma Football in the NFL
The Oklahoma Sooners’ dominance in the NFL is rooted in decades of success at the college level. From the 1950s, when the Sooners began their run of dominance under head coach Bud Wilkinson, to the modern era of Lincoln Riley and Brent Venables, Oklahoma has consistently produced elite talent that goes on to succeed at the highest level of football. The program’s emphasis on producing well-rounded athletes, strong character, and high football IQ has made its players highly sought after by NFL teams.
While Oklahoma’s reputation for developing quarterbacks is well-known—producing players like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts—the program has been just as effective in sending a diverse array of talent to the NFL. From wide receivers to running backs, defensive linemen to linebackers, Oklahoma players have found success across all positions. This diversity of talent has contributed to the program’s reputation as one of the most successful in terms of NFL representation.
Over the years, Oklahoma has had its fair share of stars in the NFL, but the number of Sooners who have reached the NFL Conference Championship Games is a particularly notable achievement. These games represent the pinnacle of the NFL postseason, with only two teams from each conference advancing to the Super Bowl. Having multiple players from the same program on the verge of a Super Bowl appearance speaks volumes about the continued success of Oklahoma’s football program and its ability to develop future NFL stars.
The Active Players from Oklahoma in the 2025 NFL Conference Championship Games
As of the 2025 NFL season, several former Oklahoma Sooners are playing pivotal roles on the teams competing in the NFL’s conference championship games. These players have not only made their mark in the league but have become integral pieces of their respective teams. Let’s take a closer look at the most notable Sooners who will be playing in the 2025 NFL Conference Championship Games:
1. Kyler Murray (Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals)
One of the most recognizable names in the NFL, Kyler Murray has become a leader on the field for the Arizona Cardinals. Drafted No. 1 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, Murray has lived up to the hype with his combination of speed, athleticism, and arm strength. A former Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma, Murray’s ability to read defenses and make plays both in the pocket and on the run has made him a dynamic quarterback in the NFL.
In the 2025 season, Murray has led the Cardinals to the NFC Championship Game, where they will square off against one of the NFC’s best teams. His leadership and poise in critical situations have been key to Arizona’s success. With his dual-threat capabilities and uncanny ability to extend plays, Murray has become one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league and is now just one win away from making his first Super Bowl appearance.
2. CeeDee Lamb (Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys)
Another standout former Sooner, CeeDee Lamb has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers. Drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Lamb’s combination of speed, route running, and hands has made him a favorite target of quarterback Dak Prescott. After a standout career at Oklahoma, where he was a consensus All-American and one of the top wideouts in college football, Lamb has continued to excel at the professional level.
In the 2025 NFL season, Lamb has been a key contributor for the Cowboys, helping them secure a spot in the NFC Championship Game. His ability to make plays in critical moments has been instrumental in the Cowboys’ success, and he will be counted on to provide big plays against one of the league’s top defenses in the upcoming championship game. A Super Bowl appearance would cement Lamb’s status as one of the NFL’s elite wide receivers.
3. Orlando Brown Jr. (Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs)
Orlando Brown Jr. is another Oklahoma product who has become a staple in the NFL. A dominant offensive tackle known for his physicality and pass protection, Brown was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 and has quickly become one of the cornerstones of their offensive line. As a member of the Chiefs’ offensive line, Brown has played a key role in protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and helping the Chiefs’ high-powered offense remain one of the most dangerous in the league.
Brown’s performance in the 2025 season has been nothing short of impressive, and his leadership in the trenches will be critical as the Chiefs look to return to the Super Bowl. With Brown’s protection up front, Mahomes has been able to do what he does best—extend plays and create opportunities for his playmakers. Brown’s success in the NFL is a testament to his development at Oklahoma, where he was a dominant force on the offensive line.
4. Kenneth Murray Jr. (Linebacker, Los Angeles Chargers)
A key member of the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense, Kenneth Murray Jr. has been a standout linebacker since entering the NFL. Known for his speed, tackling ability, and leadership on the field, Murray has emerged as one of the NFL’s top young linebackers. A former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year at Oklahoma, Murray’s ability to read offenses and make plays all over the field has made him a central figure in the Chargers’ defense.
In the 2025 season, Murray’s contributions were vital to the Chargers’ success, and now he finds himself playing in the AFC Championship Game. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses, especially in the run game and in coverage, will be crucial for the Chargers as they face off against one of the top teams in the AFC. Murray’s rise to prominence in the NFL is a reflection of the strong linebacker tradition at Oklahoma, where he was developed into one of the top defensive players in college football.
5. Marquise Brown (Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens)
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, a speedster who terrorized defenses at Oklahoma, has continued to shine in the NFL. After being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Brown has become one of the top deep threats in the league. His ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays has made him a favorite target of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
In the 2025 season, Brown has continued his strong play, helping the Ravens reach the AFC Championship Game. With his elite speed and ability to make defenders miss, Brown is a constant threat to break off long touchdowns. His presence in the game is a significant advantage for Baltimore, and his playmaking ability will be crucial if the Ravens hope to advance to the Super Bowl.
The Impact of Oklahoma’s NFL Talent on the League
The fact that Oklahoma leads all college programs in terms of the number of active players in the NFL conference championship games is a reflection of the program’s commitment to developing high-level talent. The Sooners have consistently been able to produce players who are ready to step into the NFL and contribute immediately, whether it be as starters or key rotational players.
Beyond individual success, the sheer number of Sooners competing in the NFL playoffs speaks to the program’s overall strength and the culture of excellence that has been established over the years. Oklahoma’s ability to recruit and develop talent across all positions has allowed the program to produce a well-rounded group of NFL stars who can compete at the highest level.
For the Sooners, having so many players involved in the NFL conference championships is a point of pride, and it serves as a reminder of the program’s ongoing legacy of success. As these players continue to shine in the NFL, they will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Sooners to pursue greatness both at the college and professional levels.
Conclusion
As the 2025 NFL conference championships unfold, it is clear that the Oklahoma Sooners have once again established themselves as one of the most successful programs when it comes to producing NFL talent. With a large number of active players competing for a chance to play in the Super Bowl, Oklahoma’s impact on the league is undeniable. From quarterbacks like Kyler Murray to defensive stars like Kenneth Murray Jr., the Sooners have contributed a wide range of players who are ready to leave their mark on the biggest stage in professional football.
For Oklahoma fans, the presence of so many former players in the conference championship games is a source of immense pride and excitement. As the Sooners continue to send top-tier talent to the NFL, it is clear that their legacy in the professional ranks is far from over. With more players set to make an impact in the NFL’s biggest games, the Sooners’ presence in the league is only going to grow stronger in the years to come.
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