From Wisconsin to the NFL: Tracking Badger alumni in the playoffs

Pittsburgh Steelers v Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh Steelers v Philadelphia Eagles | Mitchell Leff/GettyImages

The Wisconsin Badgers have produced incredible NFL talent and are still one of the top universities represented in the NFL. This year there are 26 players in the NFL that came out of Wisconsin, and of those 26 players, there are 13 on NFL playoff teams. Even for those of us who struggle with math, we can tell that 50% of the Badgers in the NFL are on 2025 playoff teams.

There are actually only five playoff teams that don't feature at least one Wisconsin Badger. Ironically, the Green Bay Packers are one of those five teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers boast the most with four players. Most teams only have one player besides the Steelers the only other team with more than one is the Washington Commanders, who have two former Badgers.

Here's a breakdown of all the Badgers in the NFL Playoffs, what team they play for, and what position they play. You'll see a lot of former Wisconsin defensive stars with a few offensive stars sprinkled in.

Badgers in the 2025 NFL Playoffs

-NFC-

#1 Seed - Detroit Lions

Kevin Zeitler - Guard

#2 Seed - Philadelphia Eagles

Zack Baun - Linebacker

#3 Seed - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

N/A

#4 Seed - L.A. Rams

Rob Havenstein - Offensive Tackle

#5 Seed - Minnesota Vikings

Andrew Van Ginkel - Linebacker

#6 Seed - Washington Commanders

Tyler Biadasz - Center
Michael Deiter - Guard

#7 Seed - Green Bay Packers

N/A

-AFC-

#1 Seed - Kansas City Chiefs

Leo Chenal - Linebacker

#2 Seed - Buffalo Bills

David Edwards - Guard

#3 Seed - Baltimore Ravens

N/A

#4 Seed - Houston Texans

Dare Ogunbowale - Running back

#5 Seed - L.A. Chargers

N/A

#6 Seed - Pittsburgh Steelers

Nick Herbig - Linebacker
Isaiahh Loudermilk - Defensive Tackle
T.J. Watt - Linebacker
Russell Wilson - Quarterback

#7 Seed - Denver Broncos

N/A

Schedule

Schedule