Here’s Why Lubbock Should Cheer For The Patriots This Sunday

It looks like the Red Raiders will have just one true representative on the field this Super Bowl Sunday, and that alone gives Lubbock a little something to root for. It’s always fun to see former Texas Tech players punch their ticket to the NFL, and even more fun when one of them survives the gauntlet long enough to reach the big game. That’s a huge reason why West Texans have gravitated toward the Kansas City Chiefs in recent years — that Mahomes glow is strong — at least until this absolute disaster of a season dampened the enthusiasm.

But this year is different. No Chiefs. No Raiders. No built-in rooting interest. It’s the New England Patriots vs. the Seattle Seahawks, which, around the Hub City, ranks only slightly above a “nothingburger.” The energy isn’t quite the same — except for the fact that, well, everyone loves a Super Bowl party.

Texas Tech Fans Have Only One Red Raider to Cheer for This Super Bowl Sunday

If you’re still hunting for a reason to lean one way or the other, here’s your hook: only one Red Raider is officially listed as an active player in the game, and he’s wearing Patriots colors. Kobee Minor, a standout cornerback, will take the field for New England. Minor played two seasons for Texas Tech in 2021 and 2022 before transferring to Indiana and later wrapping up his college career at Memphis.

Sure, Texas Tech has coaching ties sprinkled across both sidelines — and that’s great — but for many fans, seeing an actual player suited up is far more compelling. So if you want a little extra juice while you grab another plate of nachos, just look for #19 in Patriots blue. That’s your Red Raider on the sport’s biggest stage.