CLEMSON — A former Clemson standout played a big role in sending the Philadelphia Eagles to Super Bowl LIX on Sunday.

Will Shipley, who was drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round (127 overall pick) of last year’s NFL Draft, had a long kickoff return and forced a fumble on a Washington kickoff return in Philadelphia’s 55-23 victory over the Commanders in the NFC Championship Game.

Shipley also had a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that allowed the Eagles to set an NFC Championship Game record with 55 points. He finished with 165 all-purpose yards.

Following a Washington field goal on the game’s opening drive, Shipley took the ensuing kickoff 35 yards to set the Eagles up in good field position. The former Clemson star, who had similar kick returns during his time with the Tigers, took the ball on the right hash, made two defender miss and carried the football to the 40-yard line.

On the very next play, running back Saquon Barkley raced 60 yards for the game’s first touchdown.

Shipley continued to make an impact in the second quarter. Following an Eagles’ touchdown, which gave them a 20-12 lead just before halftime, he forced a fumble on the Commanders’ ensuing kick return.

Philadelphia recovered the loose football at the Washington 24. Seven players later, quarterback Jalen Hurts found wide receiver A.J. Brown for a 4-yard TD with 57 seconds left before halftime. The Brown TD extended the Eagles’ lead to 27-12 at the time.

Then in the fourth quarter, with the Eagles fully in control, Shipley came in on offense and got the opportunity to tote the rock. He ripped off four carries for 77 yards, including a 57-yard run on his second carry. That run set up his own 2-yard touchdown, and he also had a 16-yard run on the drive.

Shipley’s former Clemson teammate, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., also played in the game for the Eagles.

Shipley played in six games during the regular season, carrying the football 30 times for 82 yards.

During his time at Clemson, Shipley recorded 2,747 yards and scored 31 TDs on 526 career rushing attempts. He had additional 602 yards and two TDs on 85 career receptions in 1,526 offensive snaps over 36 career games (27 starts) from 2021-23.

Shipley was also credited with 34 career kickoff returns for 904 yards (26.6 avg.) as well as one pass attempt for a two-yard TD.

In just three years at Clemon, Shipley ranks in the Top 10 in school history in total touchdowns (33), rushing touchdowns (31), 100-yard rushing games (10), all-purpose yards (4,253) and kickoff return yards (904). He also finished ranked 11th in rushing yards (2,747)