Five football players with Syracuse ties advanced to the next round of the 2024 NFL playoffs.
The Buffalo Bills beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday with a roster that includes former Syracuse University defensive end Kingsley Jonathan and former Onondaga Central High School running back Latavius Murray. Murray caught two passes for 13 yards and helped Bills quarterback Josh Allen on short runs against Pittsburgh, much to the chagrin of defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, also an SU alum.
The Bills will next host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday for a chance to reach the AFC championship game.
Former Syracuse cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu recorded three tackles for the Lions in Detroit’s first NFL playoff win in 32 years. The Lions, who beat the Los Angeles Rams 24-23, will next face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday for the NFC divisional round.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose lineup includes former SU running back Sean Tucker and former Christian Brothers Academy linebacker SirVocea Dennis, advanced out of the wild card round with a 32-9 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, which featured CNY native and former Syracuse University assistant Matt Patricia as senior defensive assistant coach. Facing the Lions means at least one Syracuse alum will appear in the NFC championship next week.
Here’s how football players with Syracuse and Central New York ties did in the first round of the 2024 NFL playoffs:
Latavius Murray, RB, Buffalo Bills
The former Onondaga Central High School football star caught two passes for 13 yards and helped QB Josh Allen on short runs.
Last game: Bills 31, Steelers 17
Next game: Chiefs at Bills, Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
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Kingsley Jonathan, DE, Buffalo Bills
Jonathan, a second-year defensive lineman out of Syracuse University, saw limited action on defense this season and was inactive for Buffalo’s playoff win over Pittsburgh.
Last game: Bills 31, Steelers 17
Next game: Chiefs at Bills, Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
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Ifeatu Melifonwu, S, Detroit Lions
The former SU cornerback, who moved to the safety position last year, recorded 3 tackles in the Lions’ first NFL playoffs win in more than three decades.
Last game: Lions 24, Rams 23
Next game: Bucs at Lions, Sunday at 3 p.m.
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Sean Tucker, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The running back out of Syracuse has seen limited action on offense in his rookie season.
Last game: Bucs 32, Eagles 9
Next game: Bucs at Lions, Sunday at 3 p.m.
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SirVocea Dennis, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The former Christian Brothers Academy football player recorded one tackle against Philadelphia.
Last game: Bucs 32, Eagles 9
Next game: Bucs at Lions, Sunday at 3 p.m.
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