Championship Sunday is in the books, marking a pivotal moment in the NFL season as the AFC and NFC teams fiercely competed for the opportunity to keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive. In a thrilling series of matchups that showcased the best of professional football, the New England Patriots, in the midst of the elements, emerged victorious in the AFC title game over Denver, securing their spot in Super Bowl LX.
Meanwhile, in the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks triumphed over the LA Rams, clinching their own championship and earning the chance to compete for glory on football’s biggest stage. With this decisive victory for both teams, anticipation builds as fans eagerly await the showdown set for February 8th at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
This year’s matchup is particularly noteworthy, as it features two former Ole Miss Rebels, Ben Brown of the New England Patriots and Jared Ivey of the Seattle Seahawks. Here is a look at their journeys in the NFL and at Ole Miss.
Ben Brown: OL, New England Patriots
As a Patriot:
Last Week: Did not play in a 28-16 win against the Texans.
On The Season: 5 GS, 17 GP
As a Rebel:
2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List member.
2021 Preseason All-SEC Team member selected by College Football News.
As a redshirt junior, played all 816 offensive snaps, starting every game at center in 2020.
Did not allow a sack in 432 pass blocks.
2019 helped Ole Miss post the fifth-most rushing yards (447) in school history and the most since 1962.
Jared Ivey: LB, Seattle Seahawks
Last Week: Was inactive for a 41-6 win against the 49ers.
On the Season: He appeared in 2 regular-season games, playing 15 defensive snaps and 10 special teams snaps. He also recorded 0.5 sacks during the 2025 preseason.
As a Rebel:
Wrapped up Ole Miss career with 125 total tackles (56 solo), 26.5 tackles for loss (153 yards), 16.0 sacks (115 yards), 17 quarterback hurries, five fumble recoveries, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown in 38 games played and 30 starts.
Finished Ole Miss career ninth in total sacks (16.0) and tied for 16th in total tackles for loss (26.5). Played in 12 games and started in 11 for the Rebels, helping anchor the best rush defense in the nation and one of the best defenses in Ole Miss history. Contributed to team school records in sacks (52) and tackles for loss (120), which both led the nation.
Congratulations to to Ben and Jared Two additional Rebels who will be on the sidelines for the Seahawks are Safety AJ Finley (Injured Reserve) and Chris Pooh Paul (Practice). I know plenty of Rebels will be cheering y’all on in the next few weeks!