Multiple Illinois football players don coveted Super Bowl roster spots

The New England Patriots will be taking on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60 with some familiar faces suiting up for both squads.

It will be a special moment for the Illini, as three of Illinois' finest will be walking into Levi's Stadium to take part in the biggest NFL game on the calendar. These three men have played in a total of 102 games during their professional careers, with one cementing himself as one of the best at his position.

Our 'famILLy' will be represented well on February 8. But before we get to that point, let's take a look back at the young careers of these former Illini to see how they all got to this moment.

1. Devon Witherspoon

Former Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon is easily the most accomplished member of these three men; there's no question about it. The Pensacola, Florida, product has been named to a Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons and has started in all but one game in his professional career.

Witherspoon has been one of the best cornerbacks in the league for Pete Carroll and Mike Macdonald. In just 43 games, the budding star has compiled a stat line of 249 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

Witherspoon will have his work cut out for him in two weeks, as he will line up against New England Patriots' wideouts Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Bouttee. But under the bright lights of Santa Clara, expect him to have the night of his life against second-year quarterback Drake Maye.

2. Tommy DeVito

Patriots backup quarterback Tommy DeVito's professional resumé is a short one. He has only started in eight games since he entered the league, with his most noteworthy moments coming in 2023 with the New York Giants, and when the world found out who his agent is.

DeVito did have a very impressive career in his lone season with the Illini, recording 2,650 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and only four interceptions on a 69.6% completion percentage. But since being claimed by New England in August of 2025, he has yet to play a snap under head coach Mike Vrabel.

It will hopefully be an easy day for 'Tommy Cutlets' in two weeks, as he will be sitting behind both Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs on New England's depth chart. But if the Pats can pull out the win, the Italian sensation will become another former Illini to bring home some hardware.

3. Vederian Lowe

During his tenure at Illinois, former offensive lineman Vederian Lowe was one of the more trustworthy names to don the blue and orange. In five seasons with the program, the Rockford, Illinois, product was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2020 and 2021.

Lowe started in 25 games throughout his collegiate career and became the No. 31-rated tackle by Pro Football Focus in 2021. But just like DeVito, he may also not have a lot to do on Super Bowl Sunday, as he also sits low on the depth chart behind star rookie Will Campbell.