Former Alabama Defensive End Isaiah Buggs Wins Super Bowl With Kansas City Chiefs

A second-team All-SEC selection in 2018, Buggs secures his first championship ring at the NFL level.

For former Alabama defensive end Isaiah Buggs, the Kansas City Chiefs' 25-22 overtime victory against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday marked the pinnacle of a winding journey spanning nearly a decade.

Buggs initially made his mark at Alabama in 2017, transferring in from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. In his first year, he started 13 of 14 games, notching 51 tackles and 1.5 sacks as a junior. Returning as a senior in 2018, Buggs continued his impressive performance, tallying 52 tackles and 9.5 sacks, earning him a second-team All-SEC selection.

Despite his college success, Buggs' NFL journey has presented numerous challenges. Drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round in 2019, Buggs navigated three seasons in Pittsburgh before stints with the Las Vegas Raiders and the Detroit Lions. His time in the league involved a rollercoaster ride between practice squads and active rosters over the course of five years. 

Over the past two seasons with the Lions, Buggs played in 27 games, accumulating 58 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Released by Detroit last month, Buggs found a new opportunity in Kansas City, signing a practice squad deal in January.

While Buggs did not see action on the field during the Chiefs' playoff run, he etched his name in Crimson Tide history as the 48th player in program history to secure a Super Bowl championship. 

World Champion 🏆💍 pic.twitter.com/7yIZd7CtpS

— Isaiah D. Buggs (@BigPooh_91) February 12, 2024

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