Spurs players reveal their rooting interests ahead of NFL conference championship games

As the NFL postseason reaches the conference championship stage, members of the San Antonio Spurs shared their personal rooting interests—an example of how pro athletes track major events across leagues even while preparing for their own games.

According to the report, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson is backing the Seattle Seahawks, reflecting his ties to the Pacific Northwest. Johnson, a Seattle native, spoke about wanting a positive playoff outcome for his hometown team after past sports disappointments in the region.

The story also noted that Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox is cheering for the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship because of a family connection: safety Talanoa Hufanga is married to Fox’s sister-in-law, Desiree Caldwell. Those personal links can turn playoff games into something closer to family events, even for athletes who otherwise try to keep a neutral lens on competitors.

Hufanga’s season with Denver was highlighted as a reason for the interest, with the report pointing to his defensive production and impact in Denver’s recent overtime win against Buffalo. In the NFL, those high-leverage moments—late-game stops, forced turnovers, and red-zone defense—often become the defining memories that teammates and supporters cite when describing a postseason run.

The Spurs, meanwhile, still have their own work in front of them. The report framed the NFL chatter as background noise to an NBA schedule that demands daily preparation, film study, and travel management, even when the sports calendar is dominated by football headlines.

The article also referenced the broader timeline to the championship game, noting Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and will air on CBS Sports. That date serves as the finish line for the NFL season and a major TV event that attracts attention well beyond traditional football fans.

In practice, cross-league fandom is part of the sports ecosystem: athletes follow friends, former teammates, hometown teams, and family ties. For fans, hearing those preferences can make big games feel a little more personal—and can add an extra storyline to matchups that are already heavy with stakes.