6 former Lions to play in the Super Bowl, including up and comer everyone in Detroit wanted to keep

It’s too bad these guys aren’t getting a ring in Detroit

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Dec 1, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Cory Durden (94) celebrates after a play during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and sadly for Detroit Lions fans, their team will not be playing in it.

But, if you’re one of those fans who likes to cheer for former Lions to go get their ring, you’ll have the opportunity to do that on Sunday when the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks take the field. Here are six former Detroit guys playing in the game:

Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis

The Lions could have used him in 2025 when they were dealing with injuries. Turns out he was down to stay, but he didn’t like the deal he was offered. Davis had a good season for the Patriots and has played really well in the playoffs.

Patriots defensive lineman Cory Durden

The Lions had him in the building as an undrafted free agent in 2023, and everyone thought there was some upside with him. He was cut at the final cutdowns, then spent a little time with the Rams and Giants before getting a real opportunity in New England when he connected with former Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams.

He’s started multiple games this year, including the Patriots’ wild-card win over the Chargers. Sometimes you just miss on a guy. The Lions might have done that here.

Patriots running back Craig Reynolds

A beloved Lions player for many years, until the Lions chose to go with Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors this year. Reynolds sadly won’t get to play in the game because he’s injured, but he still has a chance to get a ring this year. Nothing wrong with that.

Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai

If there were a team made up only of guys whom Bob Quinn drafted and that Matt Patricia didn’t know how to use, Tavai is probably the captain of that team. He looked like a bust under Patricia. In New England, he’s been a starter for the past four seasons and fits really well in their system.

Patriots quarterback Josh Dobbs

You might not remember it, but Dobbs was on this Lions team during the Dan Campbell era. He was on the practice squad for a month in 2022.

Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs

As we found out earlier this week, the Lions had a shot to bring Diggs back, but he shut them down. Diggs was a fan favorite in Detroit, and if there’s a guy you hope gets a ring on the way out, it’s him.

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