Syracuse will be well-represented when the 2021 NFL Playoffs kick off this weekend.
Players, coaches, scouts and trainers who passed through Central New York or Syracuse University during their football career arcs account for those competing to advance to Super Bowl LV on Feb. 7 in Tampa, Florida.
Here’s the list:
Players
Alton Robinson, DL, Seattle Seahawks
Robinson is a rookie defensive end out of Syracuse University who was drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round last spring. He appeared in 14 games, with one start, and racked up 22 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble in the regular season.
Next game: vs. Los Angeles Rams (4:40 p.m., Saturday, FOX)
Zaire Franklin, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Franklin is one of the youngest captains in the NFL, stepping into a leadership role amid a summer of social unrest across the country.
He appeared in all 16 games this season, primarily contributing on special teams, and made 19 tackles.
Next game: at Buffalo Bills (1:05 p.m., Saturday, CBS)
Trishton Jackson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Another rookie, Jackson has stuck with the Rams after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent last April.
He has not appeared in a game this season.
Next game: at Seattle Seahawks (4:40 p.m., Saturday, FOX)
Latavius Murray, RB, New Orleans Saints
The Onondaga Central High School alumnus is among the city’s longest-tenured active players. He continues to be a dependable change-of-pace option for the Saints, capable of catching the ball out of the backfield.
Next game: vs. Chicago Bears (4:40 p.m., Sunday, CBS)
Coaches
Rob Moore, wide receivers coach, Tennessee Titans
Moore, a member of Syracuse football’s All-Century team, is in his third season with the Titans as wide receivers coach and 12th overall in coaching.
He joined Syracuse’s coaching staff under Doug Marrone in 2010 after a year at Phoenix Junior College in Arizona. Moore remained on SU’s staff under former coach Scott Shafer in 2013 before leaving for Marrone’s staff in Buffalo.
Next game: vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:05 p.m., Sunday, ABC/ESPN)
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].