Two Former Houston Cougars Shine on NFL Conference Championship Weekend

Houston fans have plenty to cheer about this week, as two former University of Houston standouts are playing pivotal roles in the NFL Conference Championship round. The Cougars pipeline continues to show its strength, giving Houston football fans yet another reason to follow the postseason action closely.

On the AFC side, Cincinnati Bengals long snapper Cal Adomitis has stepped into a massive responsibility. Known for his consistency and calm presence, Adomitis has been a key contributor on special teams throughout the playoffs. With tight postseason games often coming down to field goals, his performance has real impact as the Bengals push for another Super Bowl shot.

Across the league, in the NFC, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ka'dar Hollman is helping anchor one of the toughest defenses in football. His speed and physicality have been valuable as San Francisco prepares for its conference title matchup. Hollman's journey—once fighting for roster spots, now contributing to a Super Bowl contender—resonates deeply with UH fans who watched his grit develop on campus.

Why It Matters for Houston

The University of Houston continues to strengthen its reputation as a major talent pipeline for the NFL. Seeing former Cougars succeed on championship-caliber teams energizes the fan base and highlights the city’s growing influence on football at every level. These postseason storylines also add momentum to the Coogs program as it builds its Big 12 identity.

For local fans, the conference championships offer more than high-stakes football—they’re a reminder of Houston’s deep roots in the sport. Whether you’re cheering for the Bengals, the 49ers, or just hoping to see UH alumni on the Super Bowl stage, this weekend has plenty of local pride riding on the games.

What’s Next

If either player advances to the Super Bowl, the Cougars community will have yet another chance to rally behind its former stars. Regardless of the outcomes, both Adomitis and Hollman have already showcased the determination, talent, and toughness that define Houston football.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.