The Los Angeles Chargers hold a press conference on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.

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JCU in the NFL: 19 Teams Employ a Blue Streak Heading into 2025 Season

9/5/2025 12:39:00 PM | By: Joe Ginley '16, SID

Greg Roman '94 is in his second season as the Chargers' Offensive Coordinator

Several Blue Streaks entered the NFL pipeline over the offseason

One of the most wonderful times of the year has arrived: Football season.

John Carroll University has a close connection with the National Football League traditionally, and this year particularly so.

Nineteen of the NFL's 32 teams will have a Blue Streak working in their employ to begin the 2025 season, with a total of 43 Blue Streaks working for an NFL team this year. JCU expanded its reach by one team and by one Blue Streak.

Cleveland Connection Continues

Clevelanders love to joke about needing a passport when going from the East Side to the West Side and vice versa, but the Browns have had no problems with the pipeline from University Heights to Berea. The Browns lead the league in Blue Streaks.

At the top of the list is Chris Polian '93, who serves as Senior Advisor to the General Manager, aiding Andrew Berry. Tyler Habursky '24 also works in personnel, serving as a Scouting Assistant for the team.

In the front office, Lizzie Heidenreich (Trathen) '13, '18G plays a key role as the Manager of Cleveland Browns Foundation, spearheading key initiatives. Monica McKie '23 works as the Coordinator for Community & Alumni Relations, also doing great things for the Northeast Ohio community. John Frain '86 is the long-serving Director of Security for the Browns. Allison Likar '00 is an Executive Assistant with the Browns, doing strong work. Finally, if you follow the Browns on social media, you're seeing the great work of Brenan Betro '19, who works as Social Media Manager for the club.

Talented Team in H-Town

The next epicenter of the JCU to NFL pipeline seems to be based in Houston.

Under the direction of General Manager Nick Caserio '98, the Texans are trending upwards, making the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, winning the Wild Card game both times. Houston has accomplished that feat only one other time in franchise history. With the success, Caserio & Co. have continued to add JCU talent, as two of the team's three coordinators are Streaks.

This year, Nick Caley '06 arrived in Houston as the team's new Offensive Coordinator. Caley enjoyed success in both Los Angeles and New England, learning from some of the game's best offensive minds at both stops. With budding star CJ Stroud at his disposal, Caley's offense should be fun to watch this year.

Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross '10 continues to be a sparkplug for the Texans, often seen leaping on the sidelines during the team's frequent brilliant special teams plays. Ross enjoyed a decorated offseason, winning the Houston Sports Awards' Community Impact Award. Ross was selected for induction into the John Carroll Athletics Hall of Fame, set to be enshrined on October 24.

On the scouting side of the ledger, D.J. Debick '13 plays an important role as the Director of Pro Scouting. Nate Leopold '22 is a Pro Scout for the team, doing great work in finding talent.

5 in the City of Angels

Los Angeles' two NFL teams employ a total of six Blue Streaks: Four with the Rams and one with the Chargers.

For the Rams, former JCU coach Chris Shula is in an important leadership role as the Defensive Coordinator. A season ago, the Rams nearly upended the Eagles in the NFC Divisional Round, but then Philadelphia survived and eventually won the Super Bowl. Fellow former JCU coach Mike Harris will work under him for a third straight season as Assistant Defensive Backs Coach. On the offensive side of the ball, Jerry Schuplinski '99, '01G and Dave Ragone are back. Schuplinski returns for his second year as a Senior Offensive Assistant. Ragone joined the team also in 2024 as Quarterbacks Coach following a stint as Offensive Coordinator for the Falcons.

Greg Roman '94 begins his second season at the helm of the Chargers' attack as Offensive Coordinator. The veteran coach will look to lead the Chargers back to the playoffs, guiding a potent offense once again, one with flashy new weapons at his disposal. Two of his sons are set to play for JCU Football this season.

The Super Bowl Champs

Three Blue Streaks earned Super Bowl rings a year ago with the Philadelphia Eagles on an incredibly well-built and coached team.

Dave Caldwell '96 aided greatly in finding the right talent to bring the Lombardi Trophy home. He returns in his role as Senior Personnel Director / Advisor to the General Manager. Jarrod Kilburn '14 received a promotion in the offseason, upgrading his title to Assistant Director of Pro Scouting, one of three assistant directors.

On the coaching staff, former JCU coach Joe Kasper returns as Safeties Coach for Philly.

Bros in Buffalo

We've written plenty in the past about Joe Micca '10, a key part of the Bills' medical staff. Now the Senior Director of Rehabilitation and Player Health, Micca is in a higher leadership role. Alongside him now is his talented brother.

Likely much to the delight of parents John and Margaret Micca, Michael Micca '12 moved from Tennessee to Buffalo. The younger Micca brother is now the Director of Rehab/Senior Assistant. Without a doubt, it's a cause for much celebration in the Micca family.

Also in Buffalo is Ashley McCall '23. In the offseason, the WJCU and JCU Sports Information alum garnered a promotion to a full-time role as Youth Football & Programs Coordinator. A great advocate for JCU, McCall certainly has a bright future in the league.

New & Returning Talent in New England

One of the legendary members of the JCU to New England pipeline returned home in the offseason, with a new member following.

Josh McDaniels '99 returned to his roots with the Patriots, back with a new regime and exciting young talent at his command. The brilliant mind is set to lead as the Offensive Coordinator. Following him to New England is Riley Larkin '19. A key face in the Ohio State quarterback room during the National Championship run, Larkin impressed Mike Vrabel and McDaniels enough to earn an Offensive Assistant gig. Larkin and McDaniels both appeared in a Patriots documentary repping JCU.

Former JCU coach Alex Brooks is back this year as Southwest Area Scout, the lone JCU holdover from last year.

New Blood in Tennessee

The Tennessee Titans might have lost Micca, but they picked up two Blue Streaks in the offseason.

Dave Ziegler '00, '07G joined the Titans in January as Assistant General Manager. The veteran executive arrived in Tennessee with 15 years of NFL personnel experience, including 2 seasons as the GM of the Raiders and last season as Senior Personnel Advisor for the New Orleans Saints.

Alex Kline '14 arrives with the organization following a stint in the college ranks at Pitt as the program's director of college scouting. He will serve as Scouting Assistant.

Blue Streak Pairs

In Carolina, Jonathan Cooley '11, '14G continues his NFL ascent this season, set to help guide the Panthers defense. The two-time JCU grad will serve as Defensive Pass Game Coordinator. Meanwhile, Keyshawn Colmon '22 arrives with the organization this season as an Offensive Assistant.

In Pittsburgh, Tom Arth '03 will continue to play a critical role. Arth serves as Quarterbacks Coach for the Steelers, set to guide the veteran Aaron Rodgers and a talented Pittsburgh team. Former JCU coach Matt Baker will serve as an Offensive Assistant working with the quarterbacks.

In Baltimore, Pat Moriarty '93G has moved to a consultant role, but will still assist the Ravens with capology. Will Blake '19 is back as Director for the Baltimore Ravens Gameday Network, making the magic happen behind the scenes for the Ravens' radio broadcast.

Lone Blue Streaks

In New Orleans, former JCU coach Brandon Staley is set to serve as Defensive Coordinator for the Saints. The brilliant defensive mind will look to mold a Saints unit with plenty of potential.

In Kansas City, Jalen Myrick '19 is coming off of another successful season for the Chiefs. While his team didn't win the Super Bowl, Myrick played a key role in finding talent as a College/Pro Scout. His arrow continues to point upwards.

In Washington, the legendary London Fletcher '97 is on the mic following a sterling career on the field. Fletcher serves as Color Analyst for the Commanders Radio Network.

In Chicago, Danny Markino '18 embarks on his second season with the Bears. Optimism is high in Chicago with a new regime in place, so here's hoping it's a fun season for Markino in the Windy City.

In Arizona, Matt Feeney '15 joined the Cardinals in the offseason. Feeney joined the club as Outside Linebackers Coach after a stint with the Raiders.

In Las Vegas, former JCU coach Ryan Gravel is set to start his third season as an area scout with the Raiders.

In Atlanta, Patrick Kramer '16 is back as an Offensive Assistant. Plenty of fun weapons are in place on the offensive side of the ball, hopefully making for a fun fifth season for Kramer with the Falcons.

In Green Bay, Rob Grosso '15 is set to begin his third year with the Packers. Grosso serves as an offensive quality control coach for the organization.

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