Championship weekend has come and gone, meaning the NFL season is that much closer to ending. And while we saw the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles win their respective games to advance to the Super Bowl, we also saw a few former Gamecocks making the plays that changed the course of the games.
Stephon Gilmore, cornerback, New England Patriots
Gilmore had five tackles and two passes defended in Sunday's win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Patriots trailed for most of the game, but when they started their comeback in the fourth quarter, Gilmore made not only his biggest play, but the Patriots' biggest play of the game.
The Jaguars had the ball on fourth down trailing by just four, meaning the Patriots needed a huge stop. Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles sent a pass down the field intended for receiver Dede Westbrook, when Gilmore reached up, blocked the pass and sealed the victory to send the Patriots to Super Bowl LII.
This will be Gilmore's first Super Bowl appearance of his career.
A.J. Cann, offensive guard, Jacksonville Jaguars
Cann started at right guard for the third consecutive playoff game, and helped lead the Jaguars to their strong first half. Unfortunately for him, the Patriots did what they do best and made the comeback, causing the Jaguars to miss out on the Super Bowl.
In just his third year playing in the NFL, this was the furthest Cann has played in the playoffs.
Alshon Jeffery, wide receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles had a huge win over the Minnesota Vikings Sunday night, 38-7. Even though the Eagles flew past the Vikings, Jeffery had a huge night of his own to help the team.
Jeffery had five receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Late in the second half, Eagles quarterback Nick Foles launched a rocket to Jeffery who found the end zone for the 53-yard touchdown.
This will be Jeffery's first Super Bowl appearance of his career. Last year after the 3-13 season he had with the Chicago Bears, he made a promise that we would see him in the Super Bowl the following year. He held on to that promise.
Now, Super Bowl LII will be the Eagles against the Patriots on Feb. 4. And while these two teams face each other for the title, these two former Gamecocks will line up against each other as it looks like Gilmore will be covering Jeffery.