Santa Clara, CA (CHAMBANA TODAY) – From Memorial Stadium to the Super Bowl, Devon Witherspoon’s rise has become a point of pride in Champaign.

The former Illinois All-American and Champaign fan favorite helped lead the Seattle Seahawks to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Sunday in Santa Clara, California, earning his first Super Bowl championship.

Witherspoon, who served as a team captain, was one of the most impactful players on the field and the Seahawks’ defensive tone-setter. His first-quarter sack helped establish control early, and his fourth-quarter strip sack — recovered for a touchdown — sealed the win and capped one of the most dominant defensive performances in Super Bowl history.

A consensus All-American in 2022, Witherspoon was the highest-drafted defensive back in Illinois history when Seattle selected him No. 5 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

During his final season in Champaign, Witherspoon allowed just 3.3 yards per pass attempt and did not surrender a touchdown in coverage, according to ESPN. His play earned him national recognition and helped elevate Illinois football on the national stage.

In December, Witherspoon joined Illini legend Dick Butkus as the only players in program history to earn Pro Bowl selections in each of their first three NFL seasons.

Witherspoon’s championship continues a recent trend of Illini success at the highest level. An Illinois alumnus has now won a Super Bowl ring in four consecutive seasons, the second-longest streak in program history. Witherspoon joins Nick Allegretti and Sydney Brown among recent Illini champions.

Overall, Witherspoon becomes the 28th former Illinois player to win a Super Bowl title.