The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will face off Sunday in Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, with the Lombardi Trophy on the line.
It marks a rematch more than a decade in the making. The last time these franchises met in the Super Bowl, the Patriots emerged victorious. Now, both teams return with new rosters but familiar identities built on defense, toughness, and situational football.
While the Detroit Lions continue their pursuit of a first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, Lions fans still have reason to watch. Several former Detroit Lions players will suit up in Super Bowl LX, each hoping to win a championship away from Detroit.
Here are five former Lions competing for a Super Bowl ring.
Seattle Seahawks
S Quandre Diggs
Quandre Diggs’ path is well known to Lions fans.
Drafted by Detroit in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Diggs quickly developed into one of the team’s most productive defensive backs. He posted back-to-back seasons with three interceptions, showcasing range, instincts, and leadership in the secondary.
Despite his growth, Detroit traded Diggs to Seattle in 2019. Since then, he has become a key veteran in the Seahawks’ defensive backfield.
Now, Diggs is one win away from earning a Super Bowl ring after beginning his career with the Lions.
New England Patriots
CB Carlton Davis
Carlton Davis’ tenure in Detroit was brief but impactful.
The Lions acquired Davis before the 2024 season in a trade with Tampa Bay. He immediately became Detroit’s top cornerback, adding physicality and experience to a young defense.
In his lone season with Detroit, Davis:
Started 13 games
Recorded 2 interceptions
Added 2 fumble recoveries
His season ended early due to a broken jaw, preventing a possible postseason run. Davis later signed a three-year contract with New England and now finds himself playing in Super Bowl LX.
QB Joshua Dobbs
Joshua Dobbs’ connection to Detroit was short, but it still counts.
Dobbs spent time on the Lions’ practice squad in 2022 before joining the Tennessee Titans’ active roster. Though he never appeared in a game for Detroit, his career has become one of the league’s most unusual quarterback journeys.
Now a depth quarterback for New England, Dobbs is part of a Super Bowl roster after stops with multiple NFL teams, including his brief stint with the Lions.
RB Craig Reynolds
Craig Reynolds remains a fan favorite in Detroit.
Signed as a camp addition in 2021, Reynolds earned respect with his tough running style and clutch performances. He carved out a consistent role as a backup running back during difficult seasons for the Lions.
By the 2025 season, Reynolds had fallen behind:
Jahmyr Gibbs
David Montgomery
Jacob Saylors
Sione Vaki
He was waived in November and later joined the Patriots’ practice squad. Now, Reynolds is just one game away from earning a Super Bowl ring.
LB Jahlani Tavai
Jahlani Tavai’s career changed dramatically after leaving Detroit.
Drafted in the second round in 2019, Tavai struggled to meet expectations and was waived before his third season. His time with the Lions never matched his draft status.
Since joining New England, Tavai has reinvented himself as a reliable linebacker, thriving in a system built on discipline and versatility.
Now, Tavai’s journey has come full circle, from early struggles in Detroit to a Super Bowl LX roster spot with the Patriots.
Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions may not be playing in Super Bowl LX, but their influence is still present.
From former starters like Carlton Davis and Quandre Diggs to redemption stories like Craig Reynolds and Jahlani Tavai, Detroit’s past is well represented on football’s biggest stage.
It’s a reminder that NFL careers are rarely linear — and sometimes, former Lions find their championship moment somewhere else.
