Alex Austin prepared for Super Bowl 60 with the Patriots

Long Beach Poly’s NFL Pipeline Continues with Alex Austin in Super Bowl

The connection between Long Beach Poly and the NFL remains strong, almost mythical. This Sunday, Alex Austin, a cornerback for the Patriots and a Poly alum, is set to make his mark in Super Bowl 60, playing against the Seahawks. This participation adds to a stunning statistic: players from Poly have been featured in 15 out of 60 Super Bowls. That’s a staggering 25% of the entire history of the Super Bowl tied to a single public high school in downtown Long Beach.

“It’s definitely a blessing to have this opportunity,” Austin shared. “It feels cool and is like a dream come true.”

Austin was recognized as the Moore League Player of the Year during his time at Poly before leaving Oregon State early to chase an NFL career. He was drafted in the seventh round by Buffalo but was claimed by Houston, where he found himself on the practice squad. Eventually, he found stability with the New England Patriots. Under new head coach Mike Vrabel, he became a key player on the defense after three seasons.

This year, Austin appeared in 12 games for the Patriots, starting in two and amassing 25 tackles.

Joining a long line of Poly graduates who have reached the Super Bowl seems almost like a rite of passage. The names are legendary: Willie McGinest, DeSean Jackson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and others, covering different generations, positions, franchises, and championships.

McGinest, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, often connects with Austin, serving as a mentor. Austin expressed, “He’s like an uncle to me.”

Smith-Schuster, who played in last year’s Super Bowl with the Chiefs, also reached out to offer Austin some encouragement after the Patriots won the AFC Championship. “He told me to bring home a trophy for the city,” Austin recalled.

If the Patriots secure a win on Sunday, it would mark the ninth Super Bowl title for a team with Poly alumni.

The odds favor Long Beach because of its culture—one of hunger, resilience, and survival. As Austin put it, “A lot of kids in Long Beach are talented and just need a chance.”

Additionally, Austin comes from a notable family. His father, Al Austin, has served on the Long Beach City Council, while his mother, Deisha, plays a key role in youth soccer. Their community ties represent more than just athletic achievements; they signify deep roots in the area.