Iowa NFL Playoffs: Former Hawkeyes Ready for Wild Card Weekend Spotlight
The Iowa NFL Playoffs presence is once again impossible to ignore as the league shifts from the grind of the regular season to the pressure-packed postseason. When the NFL playoffs arrive, everything changes. Every snap matters. Every mistake can end a season. And for Iowa football fans, this time of year always brings a familiar sense of pride as former Hawkeyes take center stage on the sport’s biggest stage.
As Wild Card weekend approaches, 15 former Iowa football players find themselves on NFL playoff rosters. Many are expected to see meaningful action, while others are preparing for deeper runs after earning first-round byes. Nearly every Wild Card matchup features at least one former Hawkeye, a testament to Iowa’s long-standing reputation for developing NFL-ready talent.
Iowa NFL Playoffs: Hawkeyes With a First-Round Bye
Before Wild Card weekend even kicks off, two former Hawkeyes already have something invaluable: rest. The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos secured the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences, giving their rosters a week off to prepare for the Divisional Round.
Seattle Seahawks guard Mason Richman will benefit from the bye as the Seahawks gear up for a potential deep postseason run. Richman has quietly carved out a role in Seattle’s offensive line rotation, continuing Iowa’s tradition of producing reliable, physical linemen.
In Denver, cornerback Riley Moss is heading into January with momentum. Moss was all smiles after the Broncos’ regular-season finale win over the Los Angeles Chargers, a result that locked up the top seed. His versatility and instincts in the secondary have made him a valuable piece of Denver’s defense, and the extra week of preparation could prove crucial as competition stiffens.
Bills vs. Jaguars: One Hawk in Action
The Buffalo Bills will travel to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars on Sunday, January 11, with kickoff set for noon CST on CBS. While the Jaguars won’t feature any former Hawkeyes on their roster for this matchup, Buffalo will.
Defensive end AJ Epenesa continues to be a steady contributor for the Bills. Known for his power and discipline up front, Epenesa brings postseason experience and physicality to a Buffalo defense built for playoff football. Iowa fans will recognize his ability to impact games even when he’s not filling the stat sheet.
Texans vs. Steelers: Hawkeyes Everywhere in Primetime
Monday Night Football closes out Wild Card weekend with a heavyweight matchup between the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers. The game will kick off at 7:15 p.m. CST on Monday, January 12, and will be broadcast on ESPN.
This game is loaded with Iowa connections.
Houston safety Kaevon Merriweather represents the Hawkeyes on the Texans’ side. His range and awareness have earned him opportunities in Houston’s secondary, and playoff football often rewards defensive backs who can stay composed under pressure.
Pittsburgh’s roster reads like an Iowa reunion. Defensive end Yahya Black and defensive tackle Logan Lee anchor the defensive front, bringing size and toughness that translate well to cold-weather playoff football. Safety Sebastian Castro adds versatility in the back end, while running back Kaleb Johnson gives the Steelers a physical presence in the backfield. Few teams showcase Iowa’s defensive and developmental pipeline quite like Pittsburgh does this weekend.
Rams vs. Panthers: Kicking Off Wild Card Weekend
Wild Card weekend begins Saturday, January 10, at 3:30 p.m. CST, when the Los Angeles Rams travel east to face the Carolina Panthers. Fans can catch the game on FOX.
Carolina won’t feature any former Hawkeyes in this matchup, but the Rams will showcase two. Offensive tackle Alaric Jackson has become a dependable presence along Los Angeles’ offensive line, protecting the quarterback and setting the tone up front. On the defensive side, Jack Heflin provides depth and energy, embodying the effort-first mentality that Iowa defenders are known for.
Packers vs. Bears: Rivalry Football With Hawkeye Flavor
Saturday night brings one of football’s most iconic rivalries as the Green Bay Packers head to Chicago to take on the Bears. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CST on January 10, with the game airing on Amazon Prime Video.
Green Bay defensive end Lukas Van Ness will look to make his presence felt off the edge. His blend of size and athleticism has flashed throughout the season, and playoff games often come down to pass rushers who can disrupt timing.
On the Chicago sideline, punter Tory Taylor represents Iowa in a role that often gets overlooked but becomes critical in postseason football. Field position can decide playoff games, and Taylor’s leg has the potential to swing momentum in tight situations.
49ers vs. Eagles: Star Power and Iowa Pride
Perhaps the most anticipated matchup of the weekend features the San Francisco 49ers traveling to Philadelphia to face the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. CST on Sunday, January 11, and will air on FOX.
San Francisco’s roster includes guard Connor Colby and superstar tight end George Kittle. Kittle remains one of the NFL’s premier playmakers, capable of taking over a game with his physicality and energy. His postseason performances have already become part of league lore, and another deep run would only add to his legacy.
Philadelphia counters with cornerback Cooper DeJean, whose versatility and confidence have fit seamlessly into the Eagles’ defensive scheme. Playing against an offense loaded with talent, DeJean’s ability to hold up in high-pressure moments will be tested immediately.
What It All Says About Iowa Football
The Iowa NFL Playoffs representation isn’t a coincidence. It’s the result of years of development, attention to detail, and a culture that prepares players for the physical and mental demands of professional football.
From stars like George Kittle to role players grinding for snaps, former Hawkeyes continue to show they belong when the lights shine brightest. As Wild Card weekend unfolds, Iowa fans won’t just be watching games. They’ll be watching familiar names, familiar styles, and familiar toughness make an impact on football’s biggest stage.
January football is unforgiving. But if history is any indication, Iowa’s imprint on the NFL postseason is just getting started.
