Super Bowl LX takes place Sunday in Santa Clara, California, as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots face off with the Lombardi Trophy at stake.
The matchup carries some history. These two franchises last met on the NFL’s biggest stage 12 years ago, when New England emerged victorious. This time around, the rosters look very different, but both teams still reflect familiar traits—defensive toughness, physical play, and an emphasis on winning critical moments.
While the Detroit Lions are still searching for their first-ever Super Bowl appearance, their presence will still be felt. Several former Lions are part of the Super Bowl LX rosters, giving Detroit fans a few extra storylines to follow on Sunday.
Below are five ex-Lions competing for a championship—just not in Honolulu blue.
Seattle Seahawks
S Quandre Diggs
Quandre Diggs’ path is a familiar one for Lions fans.
Detroit originally selected Diggs in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he quickly proved himself as a dependable playmaker in the secondary. During his time with the Lions, Diggs produced multiple interception-filled seasons, showcasing his ball skills, awareness, and leadership.
Despite his growth, Detroit ultimately chose to trade him to Seattle in 2019. With the Seahawks, Diggs established himself as a long-term starter and veteran anchor in the defensive backfield. Now, he’s just one win away from earning a Super Bowl ring—something that never came during his Lions tenure.
New England Patriots
CB Carlton Davis
Carlton Davis’ stay in Detroit was brief but meaningful.
Acquired via trade from Tampa Bay ahead of the 2024 season, Davis immediately became the Lions’ top cornerback. His physical style and experience provided stability to a young defensive unit.
During his lone season with Detroit, Davis:
Started 13 games
Recorded two interceptions
Forced and recovered two fumbles
Unfortunately, a broken jaw late in the season cut his year short, ending any chance at a playoff push. Davis later signed a three-year contract with New England, where he now finds himself playing on football’s grandest stage.
QB Joshua Dobbs
Joshua Dobbs’ connection to Detroit was short-lived, but it still counts.
Dobbs spent time on the Lions’ practice squad in 2022 before being signed to Tennessee’s active roster. While he never appeared in a game for Detroit, his career has since become one of the league’s most unconventional quarterback journeys.
Now serving as a reserve quarterback for the Patriots, Dobbs is part of a Super Bowl roster after stops with multiple teams—including his brief stint in Detroit.
RB Craig Reynolds
Few former Lions are remembered as warmly as Craig Reynolds.
Initially brought in as a training camp addition in 2021, Reynolds quickly won over fans with his tough running style and timely performances during lean years for the franchise. He carved out a steady role as a complementary back over multiple seasons.
However, during the 2025 campaign, Reynolds slipped down the depth chart behind:
Jahmyr Gibbs
David Montgomery
Jacob Saylors
Sione Vaki
Waived in November, Reynolds later joined New England’s practice squad and is now one game away from a Super Bowl ring.
LB Jahlani Tavai
Jahlani Tavai’s career arc changed dramatically after leaving Detroit.A second-round pick in the 2019 draft, Tavai struggled to find his footing with the Lions and was released before reaching his third season. His early years in Detroit failed to meet expectations.
In New England, however, Tavai rebuilt his career. He developed into a dependable linebacker within the Patriots’ system, thriving in a role centered on discipline, versatility, and situational awareness. His journey has come full circle with a spot on the Super Bowl LX roster.
Detroit won’t be on the field for Super Bowl LX, but former Lions will still play meaningful roles in the outcome.
From established starters like Carlton Davis and Quandre Diggs to redemption stories and fan favorites such as Craig Reynolds and Jahlani Tavai, Detroit’s past is well represented on Sunday. It’s a reminder that NFL careers rarely follow a straight line—and sometimes, a championship opportunity comes after leaving home.
