Patriots CB and Long Beach Poly Grad Alex Austin Carries Jackrabbits Legacy to Super Bowl

Austin aims to extend Long Beach Poly's impressive Super Bowl history as he plays in Super Bowl 60 with the Patriots.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Alex Austin, a cornerback for the New England Patriots and a graduate of Long Beach Poly High School, will play in Super Bowl 60 against the Seattle Seahawks. Long Beach Poly has an impressive history of producing NFL talent, with 15 of the 60 Super Bowls featuring a Poly alum - a remarkable 25% of Super Bowl history. Austin is the latest in a long line of Poly players to reach the big game, joining the likes of Willie McGinest, DeSean Jackson, and JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Why it matters

The pipeline from Long Beach Poly to the NFL is legendary, with the high school producing an outsized number of Super Bowl participants over the decades. Austin's appearance in the big game continues this tradition and highlights the talent and community roots that have made Poly a consistent producer of NFL-caliber players.

The details

Austin was the Moore League Player of the Year at Poly before leaving Oregon State early to pursue the NFL. He was drafted in the seventh round by Buffalo, released, claimed by Houston, and then found a home with the Patriots, where he has become an integral part of their defense under new head coach Mike Vrabel. This season, Austin played in 12 games, started two, and recorded 25 tackles for the Patriots.

  • Alex Austin will play in Super Bowl 60 on February 9, 2026.
  • Austin was the Moore League Player of the Year at Poly during his high school career.

The players

Alex Austin

A cornerback for the New England Patriots and a graduate of Long Beach Poly High School.

Willie McGinest

A Patriots legend with four Super Bowl appearances and three rings, who serves as a mentor to Austin.

DeSean Jackson

Another notable Poly alum who has played in the Super Bowl.

JuJu Smith-Schuster

The Chiefs wide receiver, who also played in the Super Bowl, reached out to Austin after the Patriots' AFC Championship Game win.

Al Austin

Alex Austin's father, who serves on the Long Beach City Council, representing the community roots that Austin carries with him.

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What they’re saying

“For me, to have this opportunity is a blessing. It's so cool and a dream come true.”

— Alex Austin (nypost.com)

“He's a mentor for me. He's like my uncle.”

— Alex Austin (nypost.com)

“He told me to bring back the trophy and win for the city.”

— Alex Austin (nypost.com)

What’s next

If the Patriots win Super Bowl 60, it would mark the ninth Super Bowl title won by a team featuring a Poly alum.

The takeaway

Alex Austin's journey to the Super Bowl continues Long Beach Poly's remarkable legacy of producing NFL talent, with 25% of all Super Bowls featuring a player from the high school. Austin's success reflects the talent and community roots that have made Poly a consistent pipeline to the pros.