Two former Cardinal took the field this weekend with Super Bowl LX hopes on the line, one representing each conference. By Sunday night, that group was narrowed to one, but not without meaningful contributions and moments along the way.

Colby Parkinson ’19 (TE, Los Angeles Rams)
Parkinson turned in a solid outing in the NFC Championship, hauling in three receptions on four targets for 62 yards, including a 40-yard gain in the third quarter that briefly swung momentum in favor of the Rams. The former Seahawk was involved early and often as the Rams tried to keep pace with the top-seeded Seattle offense.

Still, it was not enough to complete the upset on the road. Los Angeles fell 31–27 in Seattle, ending Parkinson’s season one win shy of a Super Bowl berth. A trip to Santa Clara would have been fitting for the six-year pro having the best season of his career.

Austin Hooper ’17 (TE, New England Patriots)
Hooper did not record a stat in the AFC Championship, but his presence was part of a New England unit that once again found a way to win when it mattered most. The Patriots stayed undefeated on the road, knocking off Denver 10–7 to punch their ticket to Super Bowl LX.

With the win, Hooper becomes the lone Stanford alum remaining this postseason — and officially, a Super Bowl participant. Hooper will make his return to The Farm in the week leading up to the Super Bowl, as the Patriots are set to practice at Stanford.

As championship weekend comes to a close, Stanford’s postseason presence now rests with a single representative. While the road ended just short of the Super Bowl for some, the Cardinal will still have a voice on football’s biggest stage.

Super Bowl LX is set:
Seattle vs. New England — a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX. Tune in as playoff coverage continues, with a full Bay Area and Stanford lens on Super Bowl LX and everything surrounding the biggest stage in the sport.