An image from day 7 of Training Camp at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX, on Aug. 4, 2021.

Houston Texans

24 Blue Streaks Set to Represent JCU in NFL Playoffs

1/10/2025 4:30:00 PM | By: Joe Ginley '16, SID

Frank Ross has helped the Texans return to the postseason.

Impressively, 11 of 14 NFL playoff teams employ a Blue Streak

Football season may be over in NCAA Division III, but certainly not in the National Football League.

As the NFL Playoffs begin, 24 Blue Streaks are set to represent John Carroll University. Of the 14 NFL teams bound for the playoffs, 11 employ one or more Blue Streaks.

Beginning with the Wild Card round, all six games feature a Blue Streak. Looking ahead to the Divisional round, both teams with byes employ a Blue Streak apiece. And since six of the seven AFC teams employ a Blue Streak, the chances of stretching the streak to seven Super Bowls with a Blue Streak are very high.

Let's meet the 24 Blue Streaks hoping to attain a Super Bowl ring, in order of the Wild Card playoff games.

6 Streaks in Chargers vs. Texans
The game featuring the most Blue Streaks is also the opening game of Wild Card weekend.

A total of six Blue Streaks will help kickoff the playoffs, as the Los Angeles Chargers head to the Houston Texans for Saturday's 4:30 pm kickoff live on CBS.

Houston will host a Wild Card game for the second straight season, as the Texans are on the upswing under General Manager Nick Caserio '98. The AFC South Champs notched a 10-7 record in the regular season, finishing with a road win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Frank Ross '10 has done a phenomenal job as Special Teams Coordinator this year. The Texans are in the top-5 in the league in field goals made, yards per kickoff return, net punting average, and punts inside the 20-yard line. Speaking of success, both D.J. Debick '13 and Nate Leopold '22 earned promotions in 2024. Debick moved up from assistant director to Director of Pro Scouting, while Leopold moved up from personnel assistant to Pro Scout.

On the Los Angeles sideline, Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman '94 has been a big part of the Chargers' return to the postseason. The Chargers rank top-10 in the NFL in yards per pass attempt, fewest interceptions (first), fewest rushing fumbles, and rushes of 40+ yards. Quarterback Justin Herbert sports career bests in yards per attempt, interception rate, and passer rating. Former JCU coach Kevin Kelly has also done a nice job as Senior Director of College Scouting. Top draft picks Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey have both been key for LA.

2v2 in an AFC North Showdown
Four Blue Streaks, two on each side, will be a part of the Steelers at Ravens game on Saturday night. The AFC North rivalry matchup is set to air at 8 pm on Saturday on Prime Video.

For the Steelers, two Blue Streaks have been key to helping Pittsburgh find an offensive identity with quarterback Russell Wilson. Quarterbacks Coach Tom Arth '03 has been vital in opening things up for Wilson, as Pittsburgh ranks 8th in the NFL in pass plays over 20 yards. Former JCU coach Matt Baker has also aided the effort as an Offensive Assistant this year.

On the Ravens side, legendary capologist Pat Moriarty '93G has transitioned into a consulting role. Baltimore has been the definition of consistent, with Moriarty playing a major role over the years. And in the press box, Will Blake '19 will be present. The WJCU alum serves as the Director for the Baltimore Ravens Gameday Network, helping to make the radio broadcasts happen for the Ravens.

Hopes High in Buffalo
For a sixth straight year, the Bills are in the NFL Playoffs. Feelings are particularly high in Buffalo following an MVP-caliber season by QB Josh Allen. Buffalo hosts the Denver Broncos on Sunday at 1 pm on CBS.

Joe Micca '10 has enjoyed a successful stint with the Bills as Rehabilitation Coordinator. Micca and the Bills' medical team has garnered many awards for its excellent work. Ashley McCall '23 is also making a name for herself in the organization. The JCU Sports Information alum is in her second year as a graduate assistant for the Bills.

Green Bay vs. Kelly Green
In a rematch from the opening weekend of the season, the Green Bay Packers will face off with the Philadelphia Eagles. JCU will be represented on both sides in Sunday's 4:30 pm showdown on FOX.

For the Eagles, Dave Caldwell '96 has played an important role this season. The veteran executive has served as Senior Personnel Director/Advisor to the General Manager for the club. Also in the front office, Jarrod Kilburn '14 has been hard at work finding talent and eyeing the opposition as a College/Pro Scout. On the coaching staff, former JCU assistant Joe Kasper is the Safeties Coach, working with talented players such as C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship.

On the Packers' side, Rob Grosso '15 has worked hard this season as an Offensive Quality Control Coach. Grosso works especially with the tight ends, such as emerging star Tucker Kraft.

Taking Command of Sunday Spotlight
For the first time since 2020, Washington is back in the playoffs. The Commanders have enjoyed a breakout season, with rookie sensation Jayden Daniels at the controls on offense. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will welcome Washington on Sunday night at 8 pm on NBC and Peacock.

London Fletcher '97 has enjoyed a front-row seat to the fun season for the Commanders. The College Football Hall of Famer serves as the color analyst for the Commanders' radio broadcast. Fletcher has been on the call for many thrilling finishes for Washington this season.

Rooting for the Rams on Monday Night
After losing to the Lions, the Minnesota Vikings will head to Los Angeles to face the Rams on Monday Night Football on ESPN and ABC. JCU fans will be cheering for the Rams in the final game of the Wild Card round.

Five Blue Streaks have helped the Rams return to the playoffs for a second straight season. After a 1-4 start, the Rams rolled down the stretch, finishing with a 10-7 mark and allowing just 19.7 points per game during that run. Chris Shula has been the brains of that strong Rams defense. The former JCU coach has been great as the team's Defensive Coordinator. A talented, young pass rush has keyed a strong finish to the season for the Rams. Helping the effort on defense has been fellow former JCU coach Mike Harris, who has worked with the defensive backs this year as a Defensive Assistant.

On the offensive side of the ball, Nick Caley '06 has played an increased role as Pass Game Coordinator. Caley has continued to work with the tight ends as well, helping the Rams develop down the stretch. Former JCU coach Dave Ragone has been key in guiding star QB Matthew Stafford in his role as Quarterbacks Coach. Jerry Schuplinski '99, '01G has been vital in his role as Senior Offensive Assistant, too.

Enjoying the Weekend Off
Two Blue Streaks will be enjoying the playoff action from home, prepping for the Divisional round.

Once again, Jalen Myrick '19 is in the playoffs with the Kansas City Chiefs. Myrick has garnered rings in the past two years working for the Chiefs, and a third back in 2020 after Super Bowl LIV. Myrick has become a successful member of the front office as a College & Pro Scout.

Jahiem Peake '24 has certainly enjoyed his first season working in the NFL. The All-American linebacker joined the Detroit Lions as a Business Development Account Executive. In this role, Peake has helped the Lions fill Ford Field this season, growing into his new gig well.

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