Former Blue Raiders Play Roles in NFL Playoff Runs

Middle Tennessee State University has been well represented in this year’s NFL postseason.

No matter who wins Super Bowl LIV (54) there will be a former MTSU player who earns a ring. Charvarius Ward and Richie James Jr. play for the Chiefs and 49ers respectively.

Ward has earned a starting spot for Kansas City this season after being traded from Dallas in 2018. He grabbed two interceptions this season and one of them over DeAndre Hopkins.

The Blue Raiders former all-time leading receiver, Richie James Jr. caught one touchdown this year and earned the punt returner position. He averages 27 yards per return.

Another MTSU alum in this year’s playoffs is Kevin Byard. The former All-Pro safety caught five interceptions in the 2019 season. The Titans fell short in the AFC Championship game against the Chiefs, but he still was a key factor in their defense all season.

Also Darius Harris is on Kansas City's roster. He is not active though. The linebacker was signed in April after the draft and has been kept on the team since.