Los Angeles Rams

JCU in the NFL: All 8 Remaining NFL Playoff Teams Employ a Blue Streak

1/14/2025 1:53:00 PM | By: Joe Ginley '16, SID

Former JCU defensive coordinator Chris Shula guided the Rams' defense to a dominant win over the Vikings on Monday Night.

A total of 19 Blue Streaks are alive in the NFL Playoffs

The eight remaining NFL Playoff teams all share one thing in common.

Remarkably, all eight organizations employ a Blue Streak.

And so, regardless of the way the playoffs shake out, John Carroll University will be represented on both teams at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in February. This will mark the ninth straight season with at least one Blue Streak in the Super Bowl and sixth time that both teams employ a Blue Streak.

Learn more about John Carroll's legacy in the NFL here

Meet the Blue Streaks on the 8 remaining NFL Playoff teams:
(^ = Former JCU Football coach)

Los Angeles Rams: 5
Chris Shula^ – Defensive Coordinator
Nick Caley '06 – Offensive Pass Game Coordinator
Jerry Schuplinski '99, '01G^ – Senior Offensive Assistant
Mike Harris^ – Assistant Defensive Backs Coach
Dave Ragone^ – Quarterbacks Coach

Chris Shula's defense turned heads in the NFC Wild Card game on Monday night. The Rams held the Vikings to 9 points, tying a season low for Minnesota. Los Angeles sacked Sam Darnold an impressive 9 times, forcing two turnovers. Mike Harris' defensive backs did a nice job of limiting the passing attack and helping in the run game. On the flipside of the ball, Nick Caley's tight ends played a major role. Tyler Higbee led the team in receiving yards and Davis Allen hauled in a key TD. Caley's tight ends combined for 9 of the team's 19 receptions. Dave Ragone and Jerry Schuplinski directed an efficient passing attack.

Houston Texans: 4
Nick Caserio '98 – General Manager
Frank Ross '10^ – Special Teams Coordinator
D.J. Debick '13^ – Director of Pro Scouting
Nate Leopold '22 – Pro Scout

Nick Caserio has done a masterful job of assembling a talented roster that roared past the LA Chargers on Saturday. Frank Ross enjoyed some deserved air time in the Wild Card game, celebrating after a blocked PAT return for 2 points conversion. Ross' special teams scored 11 of the Texans' 32 points (including 3 field goals). Both D.J. Debick and Nate Leopold 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.

Philadelphia Eagles: 3
Dave Caldwell '96 – Senior Personnel Director / Advisor to the GM
Jarrod Kilburn '14 – College/Pro Scout
Joe Kasper^ – Safeties Coach

Dave Caldwell and the front office has kept the Eagles humming along, as the organization is in the midst of its fourth straight playoff appearance and seventh in the last eight seasons. Jarrod Kilburn has done a great job on the scouting side. Thanks in part to Mentor native Joe Kasper's safeties, the Packers threw three picks and only managed 195 yards through the air.

Buffalo Bills: 2
Joe Micca '10 – Rehabilitation Coordinator
Ashley McCall '23 – Marketing Graduate Assistant

Micca and McCall play important roles behind the scenes in different parts of the organization. Micca is crucial on the medical staff to keeping players healthy and on the field, while McCall (a Sports Information alum) is important on the marketing side of house.

Baltimore Ravens: 2
Pat Moriarty '93G – Consultant
Will Blake '19 – Director for the Baltimore Ravens Gameday Network

Pat Moriarty, a legendary capologist, transitioned into a consulting role in the offseason. Baltimore has been the definition of consistent, making a sixth playoff appearance in seven seasons. Meanwhile, Will Blake plays an important role in helping to make the radio broadcasts happen for the Ravens.

Washington Commanders: 1
London Fletcher '97 – Color Analyst, Commanders Radio Network

For the first time since 2006, Washington won a playoff football game, sneaking past the Buccaneers on Sunday night. London Fletcher's excitement in the radio broadcast booth went viral on social media, as the veteran linebacker enjoyed the team's first playoff triumph in nearly two decades.

Kansas City Chiefs: 1
Jalen Myrick '19 – College/Pro Scout

Jalen Myrick is no stranger to the postseason. The scout has earned rings in the past two years working for the Chiefs, and a third back in 2020 after Super Bowl LIV. A fourth ring sure would be welcome for the successful scout.

Detroit Lions: 1
Jahiem Peake '24 – Business Development Account Executive

One of the newest members of the pipeline, Jahiem Peake joined the Lions in the offseason with the ticket staff. The All-American linebacker and Sports Information alum is taking to the job well thus far.

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