San Francisco 49ers Randy Gregory (5) - Scot Tucker/AP Photo
Just one former Nebraska is participating in the 2024 Super Bowl. The big game will be between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. On the 49ers, former Nebraska Cornhusker defensive end, Randy Gregory will compete for the Lombardi Trophy. Here is a look at Gregory’s time at Nebraska, his 2023 season, and what he will bring to the big game.
Randy Gregory the Nebraska Player
Randy Gregory is the lone former Nebraska player who will have a role in this year’s Super Bowl. Gregory’s first year playing for Nebraska was 2013 his Sophomore season. In that year, he earned the 2013 First-Team All-Big Ten by the coaches, media, and Big Ten Network, according to Nebraska Athletics. Gregory only played for two seasons with Nebraska. In the two years, he totaled 119 combined tackles, 62 solo, 26.5 tackles for loss, and 16.5 sacks, according to Sports Reference. He also had four passes defended. When it comes to turnovers, Gregory forced two fumbles, recovering one, and had two interceptions. In 2013, Gregory returned one of these interceptions for a touchdown. Gregory was drafted in the second round with the 60th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
Gregory’s 2023 Season
The former Nebraska player began the 2023 season on the Denver Broncos. The 49ers ended up making the trade for him to build up depth on the defensive line. While with the 49ers, Gregory played in 12 regular season games. In those games, he had eight quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks, according to Pro Football Reference. He also had 11 combined tackles, ten solo. Gregory mainly is a rotational piece on the defensive line, but he gives it his all when on the field. With Clelin Ferrell sustaining an injury late in the season, more opportunities for Gregory to be on the field opened up. So far in the postseason, Gregory has four combined tackles, two solo, and one tackle for loss.
Role in the Super Bowl
The San Francisco 49ers defense was under fire for lack of effort in the first half of the NFC Championship. All eyes will be on this defensive line going up against Patrick Mahomes. Gregory may not be in the game often, but when he is, he will need to give it his all. One of the reasons the 49ers traded for him was for the strong depth. This is the game where the team will need him to step up the most.
The Super Bowl will take place on February 11th between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Be sure to watch this former Nebraska player fight for the Lombardi Trophy.
For a look at other former Big Ten players competing in the Super Bowl, see below:
Iowa players competing, click here.
Michigan players competing, click here.
Michigan State players competing, click here.
Ohio State players competing, click here.
Penn State players competing, click here.
Purdue players competing, click here.
Rutgers players competing, click here.
Wisconsin players competing, click here.
