Brown, Givens, Smith to Represent Penn State Football in Super Bowl LVIII

UNIVERSITY PARK – A total of 43 Penn State Football alumni are populating the rosters of 25 National Football League organizations. The Nittany Lions annually rank among the top 20 programs nationally in producing players in the NFL.

Following the Conference Championships, Penn State has three players set to represent both squads in this year’s Super Bowl. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown and defensive tackle Kevin Givens will take the field for the San Francisco 49ers while offensive tackle Donovan Smith does so for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Additionally, former Penn State linebacker Terry Killens will be officiating this year’s Super Bowl. Killens, a member of the Nittany Lions from 1992-95, will serve as the umpire of the Super Bowl LVIII officials crew. During his professional playing career, Killens suited up for the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV. On Feb. 11 when the big game kicks off, Killens will become the first person to ever play and officiate in a Super Bowl.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY
 
Sunday, Feb. 11 (6:30 p.m. – CBS): San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Nittany Lions featured: S Ji’Ayir Brown (49ers), DT Kevin Givens (49ers), OT Donovan Smith (Chiefs)

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS RECAP

Three Nittany Lions advanced to Super Bowl 58 following the NFL Conference Championship games. 49ers rookie safety Ji’Ayir Brown is set to play in the big game in his first professional season while veterans Kevin Givens (DT, 49ers) and Donovan Smith (OT, Chiefs) are no strangers to the league’s biggest stage.

Here’s how these former Nittany Lion greats fared during the penultimate weekend of NFL postseason action.

Ji’Ayir Brown (2020-22) S, San Francisco 49ers
49ers 34, Lions 31

• Brown made his first career playoff start and played every defensive snap for the 49ers.

Jason Cabinda (2014-17) FB, Detroit Lions
49ers 34, Lions 31

• Cabinda saw action on offense and special teams.

Dan Chisena (2015-19) WR, Baltimore Ravens
Chiefs 17, Ravens 10

• Chisena was activated from Baltimore’s practice squad for Sunday’s AFC Championship and made two tackles (1 solo), primarily as a special teams contributor.

Kevin Givens (2016-18) DT, San Francisco 49ers
49ers 34, Lions 31

• Givens saw action on defense and special teams in San Francisco’s win.

Odafe Oweh (2019-20) DE, Baltimore Ravens
Chiefs 17, Ravens 10

• Oweh assisted on one tackle.

Donovan Smith (2012-14) OT, Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs 17, Ravens 10

• Smith made his third-straight start and played 100 percent of the offensive snaps in Kansas City’s win over Baltimore.

Jordan Stout (2019-21) P, Baltimore Ravens
Chiefs 17, Ravens 10

• Stout punted five times for 251 yards, averaging 50.2 yards-per-punt.
• Launched a 66-yard rocket for his longest punt of the game.
• Dropped three punts inside the 20-yard line.

The 2024 Penn State football season is presented by PSECU.