Several former Eastern Illinois football players will continue their seasons this weekend as the NFL playoffs begin on Saturday. Six former Panthers have ties to teams that are in the post-season.
Jimmy Garoppolo led the San Francisco 49ers to the best record in the NFC and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. The 49ers received a bye on the opening weekend and will play on Saturday, Jan. 11 against the lowest remaining NFC seeded team. Former EIU defensive lineman Nick Kray currently serves as the assistant to the head coach for the 49ers.
One of the possible opponents could be either the New Orleans Saints or Minnesota Vikings. The two teams meet on Sunday afternoon. The Saints are coached by Sean Payton and won the NFC South this season. They will host the Vikings, one of two NFC wildcard teams.
Alexander Hollins was added to the Vikings roster as a wide receiver and has played in two games this year.
The other NFC team with an EIU connection is the Philadelphia Eagles with linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill. He will miss the post-season due to injury as the Eagles host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Tim Kelly, a former defensive lineman at EIU, is the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans as they won the AFC South title. The Texans will host the Buffalo Bills on Saturday afternoon.
The Bills and the New England Patriots coaching staffs both feature former EIU football assistant coaches on their staffs. Bobby Babich and Matt Smiley work on the Bills staff. Nick Caley and DeMarcus Covington work on the Patriots staff as New England hosts the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night.
