The Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, both with impressive records of 15-3 and 15-4, respectively, will face off in a highly-anticipated championship game on Sunday. The Eagles are a 2.5-point favorite at home, and both teams are considered to be among the best in the NFL's final four.
One of the many storylines to watch is the Louisiana flavor on the Philadelphia side. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith, known as the "Slim Reaper," is a Louisiana native who helped his high school team win the Class 3A state football championship in 2016. He went on to win the 2020 Heisman trophy, becoming the first receiver to win the award since 1991.
Another Louisiana product, running back Boston Scott, has had a successful NFL career despite being overlooked due to his size. He captivated the Louisiana state powerlifting championship while in high school and rushed for 1,840 yards and 14 touchdowns at Louisiana Tech.
Linebacker Patrick Johnson, a former seventh-round pick, set the all-time sack record at Tulane and has shown his versatility as a valuable player for the Eagles. Defensive tackle Milton Williams, a former LA Tech teammate of Scott, has also made an impact with 66 tackles and 6.0 sacks.
Quarterback Ian Book, the winningest QB in Notre Dame history, was a fourth-round pick by the Saints in 2021 and has not yet played since joining the Eagles. Versatile offensive lineman Cameron Tom, who won the state shot put title in high school, has spent time with the Saints, Dolphins, and now the Eagles.
Starting strong safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Eagles in August 2021 and has been a standout player for the team's secondary with 61 tackles, six interceptions, and eight pass breakups.
Lastly, Eagles receivers coach Aaron Morehead is one of only three father/son tandems to have both won Super Bowls as players, with Aaron winning in 2007 with the Colts and his father winning with the Chicago Bears.
All eyes will be on these Louisiana natives as they try to help the Eagles secure a win against the 49ers in what promises to be an exciting championship game.
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