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Tigers In the Pros: 3 Former Clemson Players Set For Super Bowl

Former Clemson players Sammy Watkins, Dorian O'Daniel and Bashaud Breeland will play for the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Brad Senkiw

Three former Clemson players are playing in the biggest game of their careers today.

Sammy Watkins, Bashaun Breeland and Dorian O’Daniel will suit up for the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV in Miami Gardens, Fla., when they take on the San Francisco 49ers at 6:30 p.m.

Watkins, the former Clemson star receiver and 2014 first-round draft pick signed with Kansas City in 2018 after spending three years in Buffalo and one with the Rams.

Watkins, the former Clemson star receiver and 2014 first-round draft pick signed with Kansas City in 2018 after spending three years in Buffalo and one with the Rams.

In 2019, Watkins saw the third most targets (90) and produced the third most receiving yards (673) and catches (50) of his career. He’s caught four touchdowns, including his playoff numbers.

“One of the best decisions of my life was coming to this team,” Watkins said.

Watkins made headlines this week when he talked about sitting out the 2020 season.

"I don't know what I'm going to do," Watkins said in Miami. "If we win it, I might chill out. I might sit out a year. You just never know."

Breeland, who played cornerback for the Tigers and joined the Chiefs in 2019, had four tackles against the Titans and nearly came up with an interception that was overturned on replay.

Dorian O'Daniel
Dorian O'Daniel

Breeland recorded two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and 48 tackles in 15 starts in the 2019 regular season.

O’Daniel, who starred at the linebacker/safety hybrid position under Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, didn’t record a tackle in Sunday’s game. He has been used primarily on special teams, although he did play 12 snaps on defense in the AFC Divisional playoff win over the Houston Texans.

O'Daniel and teammate Kendall Fuller have a Maryland town pulling for them today.

Bashaud Breeland
Bashaud Breeland

The Chiefs got here when they knocked off the Tennessee Titans 35-24 to win the AFC Championship. Watkins caught a 60-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and finished with 114 yards on seven catches to help the Chiefs reach their first Super Bowl in 50 years.

The former Clemson players are going up against a pair of college rivals in receiver Deebo Samuel and defensive back Rashad Fenton, who both played at South Carolina. 

The 49ers reached the final game by beating the Green Bay Packers 37-20 to win the NFC Championship. 

The Chiefs last won the AFC in 1969, and they went on to win Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings. 

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Brad Senkiw
BRAD SENKIW

Brad Senkiw has been covering the college football for more than 15 years on multiple platforms. He's been on the Clemson beat for the entire College Football Playoff streak and has been featured in books, newspapers and websites. A sports talk radio host on 105.5 The Roar, Senkiw brings news from sources close to the programs and analysis as an award-winning columnist. (edited) 

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