Los Angeles Rams

24 Blue Streaks Ready to Represent JCU in NFL Playoffs

1/8/2026 8:00:00 PM | By: Joe Ginley '16, SID

Panthers assistant Jonathan Cooley '11, '14G is set to coach against the Rams, his former team

10 of the 14 NFL playoff teams employ a Blue Streak

Following a remarkable season on the field for John Carroll Football, Blue Streaks fans have reason to continue following football in January.

For the second straight season, an impressive 24 Blue Streaks are poised to represent John Carroll University. Of the 14 NFL teams in the playoffs, 10 employ one or more Blue Streaks. The 10 teams are evenly split in the AFC and NFC.

Looking at the Wild Card round, four of the six games feature a Blue Streak on both sides. The other two games also have Blue Streaks on one of the sidelines.

Two streaks are on the line this year. For nine straight seasons, a Blue Streak has represented in the Super Bowl. In seven straight seasons, a Blue Streak has won a Super Bowl ring.

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

Six Streaks in Panthers/Rams
The leadoff game of the NFL Playoffs is a mammoth matchup for JCU fans with stars on both sidelines.

The Los Angeles Rams have a strong defense guided by former JCU defensive coordinator Chris Shula. The grandson of the legendary Don Shula '51, Chris has garnered attention in NFL coaching circles and is expected to get interview requests once allowed next week.

The Rams employ three other all-star former JCU coaches. Dave Ragone, formerly on the JCU offensive staff, mentors the LA quarterbacks, including the exceptional Matt Stafford. Jerry Schuplinski '99, '01G serves as a Senior Offensive Assistant. Joining Shula on the defensive side of the ball is Mike Harris, an Assistant Defensive Backs Coach after spending a stint at JCU as safeties coach.

Meanwhile, the Panthers are thrilled to be in the playoffs, marking the organization's first postseason appearance since 2017 and first playoff home game since 2015. Jonathan Cooley '11, '14G is the Defensive Pass Game Coordinator for a much-improved Carolina defense. Cooley formerly coached for the Rams. On the flip side, Keyshawn Colmon '22 is an offensive assistant for the club just a few years removed from an impressive career as a JCU wideout.

Teammates Square off in Bears/Packers
Not only is Saturday night's Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears showdown an NFC North rivalry game, but the matchup features a pair of college teammates.

Both Rob Grosso '15 and Danny Markino '18 were members of the 2014 Blue Streaks team that finished with an 11-2 record and an appearance in the NCAA Quarterfinals. This game will mean plenty to the former college teammates (Grosso was a senior while Markino was a freshman).

Markino has enjoyed a renaissance season with the Bears. The team's Manager of Football Communications has helped to promote a team that's winning the hearts of Chicagoans. The Bears are set to host their first home playoff game since 2018 and are aiming to reach the divisional round for the first time since 2010.

On the opposing side, Grosso is with the Packers, a club that's experienced ups and downs due to injuries but is still very much a dangerous team. An Offensive Quality Control Coach working with the tight ends, Grosso coaches a unit that's been strong despite injuries.

Blue Streak Trio in Buffalo
The Buffalo Bills find themselves in unfamiliar territory this season, set to travel for the Wild Card round. Three Blue Streaks will be hoping for a cold front in Jacksonville.

Joe Micca '10 and Michael Micca '12 both work on the medical staff for the Bills. Joe is a veteran member of the crew, now serving as the Senior Director of Rehabilitation and Player Health. Michael is set for his playoff debut with the Bills in his role as Director of Rehab/Senior Assistant. Meanwhile, working in the front office is the talented Ashley McCall '23. The JCU Sports Information alum proudly serves as the Youth Football & Programs Coordinator for the Bills following a stint as a graduate assistant for the club.

The Bills-Jaguars game is set for 1 pm on CBS on Sunday.

Philly Pair Aiming for Repeat
The Sunday afternoon game on FOX features two Blue Streaks looking to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.

Jarrod Kilburn '14 has dutifully served as a College/Pro Scout for the Eagles after moving his way up the ranks. Philadelphia has enjoyed continued success thanks to excellent drafting and wise trades in the last few years. On the sidelines, Joe Kasper – a former JCU coach – reprises his role as a safeties coach for the organization.

JCU Offensive Coordinators Square off on Sunday Night
One of the most fascinating matchups of the playoffs pits two JCU alumni Offensive Coordinators against each other.

On the Patriots' side is Josh McDaniels '99, who has helped Drake Maye soar in his second season in New England. McDaniels guides an offense that rips through opposing defenses with a variety of weapons. Alongside him is Riley Larkin '19, in his first season as an offensive assistant with the team following a National Championship run with Ohio State a year ago. Former JCU coach Alex Brooks is also with the club as a Southwest Area Scout.

The Los Angeles Chargers are back in the playoffs thanks in part to Greg Roman '94. Like McDaniels, Roman is one of the most well-regarded coordinators in the game in recent memory. The former JCU lineman has helped the Chargers return to the playoffs for a second straight season.

Kickoff in New England is set for 8 pm on Sunday on NBC/Peacock.

Seven Streaks Set for Monday Night Football
The top game in terms of number of Blue Streaks will be on Monday evening on ESPN with an impressive seven Streaks between the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Nick Caserio '98 has constructed an outstanding team in Houston, as the Texans make a third straight NFL Playoff appearance, the longest stretch for the club. Houston is perhaps the hottest team coming into the postseason, winners of an NFL-best 9 consecutive games. The Texans' defense is its calling card, with just 295 points allowed in the regular season, second best in the league.

The offense has pulled its weight, too, thanks to the first-year Offensive Coordinator Nick Caley '06. The Texans have scored 20 or more points in eight of the nine games during the winning streak, despite star QB C.J. Stroud missing time. Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross '10, a recent inductee into the JCU Athletic Hall of Fame, has the team ranked in the top 10 of several categories, such as field goal percentage, punts downed inside the 20-yard line, and punt returns of 20+ yards.

Alongside Caserio in the front office are a pair of indispensable Men of Carroll. D.J. Debick '13 works as the team's Director of Pro Scouting, quite an important role in an organization. Nate Leopold '22 works as a talented Pro Scout for the club, and actually grew up as a Steelers fan as a native of Murrysville, Pennsylvania (TribLive story here). Interestingly enough, both Steelers coaches know these two Streaks.

Tom Arth '03 serves as the Steelers' Quarterbacks Coach. Debick coached under Arth for several seasons. Arth and the Steelers beat the Ravens to secure the AFC North title. Former JCU coach Matt Baker works for Pittsburgh as an Offensive Assistant. Baker was on the staff when Leopold was starring as a safety for JCU.

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