Four Former Arizona Cardinals in 2026 Super Bowl

Three players on the New England Patriots, one on the Seattle Seahawks

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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PHOENIX – Four former Arizona Cardinals players are in Santa Clara, California, for the 2026 Super Bowl. Three of them – Joshua Dobbs, Khyiris Tonga, and D'Ernest Johnson – play for the New England Patriots, while Josh Jones is on the Seattle Seahawks roster.

Why it matters

The presence of these former Cardinals players in the Super Bowl highlights the ongoing talent pipeline from the Arizona franchise, even as the team itself has struggled to reach the big game in recent years. It also demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of these players, who have found success with other NFL teams after leaving the Cardinals.

The details

Joshua Dobbs is the backup quarterback for the Patriots, having started eight games for the Cardinals in 2023 before being traded. Khyiris Tonga, a defensive tackle, has also played some offensive snaps as a fullback for the Patriots this season. Josh Jones, an offensive tackle, was drafted by the Cardinals in 2020 and started 21 games for the team before being traded. D'Ernest Johnson, a running back, spent about a month on the Cardinals' roster in 2025 before joining the Patriots' practice squad.

  • The Arizona Cardinals last reached the Super Bowl 17 years and 6 days ago.
  • Joshua Dobbs started 8 games for the Cardinals in 2023.
  • Khyiris Tonga played 13 games for the Cardinals in 2024.
  • Josh Jones played for the Cardinals from 2020 to 2022.
  • D'Ernest Johnson spent about a month on the Cardinals' roster in 2025.

The players

Joshua Dobbs

Backup quarterback for the New England Patriots, who started 8 games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 before being traded.

Khyiris Tonga

Defensive tackle for the New England Patriots, who played 13 games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2024.

Josh Jones

Offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, who was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 and started 21 games for the team before being traded.

D'Ernest Johnson

Running back on the New England Patriots' practice squad, who spent about a month on the Arizona Cardinals' roster in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“To be here with the opportunity right in front of us, it means the world. It's every kid's dream to be here.”

— Joshua Dobbs, Quarterback (Mirror U.S. Sports)

“You could coach him on a particular technique or something and then you would see immediate results.”

— Randy Clements, Offensive Line Coach, University of South Carolina (azpbs.org)

“I don't know if there's a better tush-push than Khyiris Tonga.”

— Kalani Sitake, Head Coach, BYU (BYUSportsNation)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.