How former Penn State players performed in the NFL playoffs

Penn State alumni Nick Scott and Grant Haley became the 45th and 46th Nittany Lions to earn Super Bowl rings.

The Los Angeles Rams’ 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals concluded a thrilling NFL Postseason that involved more than a dozen former Nittany Lions.

Here’s how each of them performed throughout the postseason:

Nick Scott, Safety, LA Rams

Having started just once during the regular season, Scott got the starting nod in all four playoff games for the Rams on their championship run.

He made two tackles in the Super Bowl, finishing with a total of 14 in the postseason.

But Scott’s biggest moment came in the divisional round, when he intercepted Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady.

That was a huge play for the Rams, and, as it turns out, the final interception Brady will ever throw after he announced his retirement.

Grant Haley, CB, LA Rams

A midseason free-agent pickup, Haley contributed primarily on special teams for the Rams down the stretch and into the postseason.

The former Penn State cornerback made three tackles in the playoffs — all of which came in the divisional round win over Tampa Bay.

The Super Bowl victory was an emotional moment for Haley, who lost his father in an accident in July.

“He’s the reason I’m here today,” Haley told WSB-TV in Atlanta before the game. “I’m in this situation, in this position, because of the lessons and values my father taught me.”

Daddy we did it! 💍🖤 https://t.co/7lsd9Rd4cw

— Grant Haley (@haleyboy10) February 14, 2022

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Robbie Gould, CB, San Francisco 49ers

Robbie Gould’s playoff perfection continued this postseason.

The former Penn State kicker made it 21 career field goal attempts without a miss in the playoffs, which is an NFL record.

He made all six of his attempts this time around, including a game-winner to lock down the 49ers’ upset of Green Bay in the divisional round.

San Francisco was knocked out by the Rams in the NFC title game.

Kevin Givens, DT, San Francisco 49ers

Kevin Givens played 59 snaps total across three playoff games for San Francisco.

His best game came in the wild card round against Dallas, when he picked up four total tackles and half a sack.

In total, Givens finished the playoffs with six tackles, two QB hits and a pass break-up.

Donovan Smith, OL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Veteran offensive tackle Donovan Smith played every offensive snap in the playoffs for the Bucs, who were upset by the Rams in the divisional round.

Adrian Amos, S, Green Bay Packers

Former Penn State defensive back Adrian Amos and the Packers also suffered an upset defeat in the divisional round against the 49ers.

Amos and the Green Bay defense did their job, though, holding the visitors to 13 points. Amos came down with an interception, and also made five tackles.

Ryan Bates, OL, Buffalo Bills

Ryan Bates was another former Penn State player to enjoy a late-season emergence that rolled over into the playoffs.

Bates played every offensive snap for the Bills in the playoffs, as they combined to score 83 points in two postseason games, falling to Kansas City in an overtime thriller.

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Carl Nassib, DE, Las Vegas Raiders

Carl Nassib made three tackles in Las Vegas’s wild card round defeat to the Bengals.

Nick Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders

Nick Bowers was inactive for the Raiders in their loss to Cincinnati.

Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Penn State rookie standout caught four of his five targets for 25 yards in a playoff loss to Kansas City in the opening round.

Marcus Allen, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Marcus Allen played 14 snaps on defense and made a pair of tackles for the Steelers in their loss to Kansas City.

Trace McSorley, QB, Arizona Cardinals

Penn State great Trace McSorley did not play for Arizona in its loss to the Rams on wild card weekend.

Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons became the fourth Penn State player to take home rookie of the year honors at the NFL’s award show last week.

His Cowboys suffered opening-round playoff disappointment, though, falling to the 49ers at home in the opening game.

Parsons made nine tackles in that game, including one tackle for loss.

Connor McGovern, OL, Dallas Cowboys

Connor McGovern played eight snaps on the offensive line and three snaps on special teams in Dallas’s only playoff game.

Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Miles Sanders rushed seven times for 16 yards in an opening round defeat to Tampa Bay, also catching three passes for 12 yards.