Pitt in the Pros
Pitt in the Playoffs: Playing for a Super Bowl Berth

It’s Championship Sunday, and there’s a berth in the Super Bowl on the line. It’s now or never for the four NFL teams still in contention. And the Pitt players on their rosters.
Pitt is represented in both conference championship games today, starting with the Washington Commanders playing the Philadelphia Eagles. And while there aren’t any “star” players on the rosters this weekend, there could be some very impactful players on the field.
So, here are the Pitt in the Pros this weekend:
Good luck to the Panthers in today’s @NFL Conference Championship Games‼️
🔵 @Eagles: Avonte Maddox, Kenny Pickett & AJ Woods
🟡 @BuffaloBills: Damar Hamlin pic.twitter.com/BafM7TOmwW— Pitt Panthers (@Pitt_ATHLETICS) January 26, 2025
No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles — Sunday at 3 p.m. on Fox
Eagles: quarterback Kenny Pickett, cornerback Avonte Maddox
Two NFL East teams, who split the season series, will clash for a Super Bowl berth in Philly. A couple of former Panthers are waiting in the wings for an opportunity to help the Eagles advance.
Kenny Pickett is healthy, after dealing with a rib injury that sidelined him in the Eagles’ regular-season finale, but he won’t see the field unless starter Jalen Hurts goes down. He completed 25-of-42 pass attempts for 291 yards with three total touchdowns (two passing) and an interception this season.
With Hurts’ uncertain health status, starting but unlikely 100%, Pickett has the chance to be thrust into an important moment.
Avonte Maddox played in all 17 games during the regular season, serving primarily as a reserve corner. He recorded 20 tackles (nine solo) and five pass breakups. He’s an experienced playoff performer, playing in both games this postseason and recording one solo tackle.
No. 2 Buffalo Bills at No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs — Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on CBS
Bills: safety Damar Hamlin
While the Bills vs. Chiefs is dominated by the Allen vs. Mahomes narrative, Damar Hamlin is quietly having a very strong postseason for the Bills — with the chance to help his team advance to the Super Bowl.
Damar Hamlin started all 14 regular games he played this season, bouncing back in a major way following the scary on-field incident that occurred two years ago this month. He racked up 89 tackles (62 solo), two tackles for loss, two interceptions, five pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
In the Bills’ two playoff games, Hamlin has recorded 12 tackles (six solo), two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and had an interception called back after an official review.
