Kahuku High School alum Alohi Gilman is gearing up for the NFL playoffs as the Los Angeles Chargers safety returns to full strength following a hamstring injury.
Gilman, now in his fifth NFL season, came off injured reserve in time for the Chargers’ regular-season finale, a win over the Las Vegas Raiders. After six weeks sidelined, he says he’s fully recovered and ready for Saturday’s showdown in Houston, where the Chargers will aim for their first playoff victory since 2018.
“We’re always striving for more—finding the small details to excel and be the best we can be,” Gilman said. “Sometimes it takes an injury to give you perspective. Being on IR gave me time to reflect and be more present. I’m grateful for where I’m at.”
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In 11 games this season, the former Notre Dame standout has tallied 34 tackles, one interception, and four passes defended. Over his career, Gilman has amassed 225 tackles, ranking second all-time among the 14 NFL players from Kahuku. The school’s career leader is former Ravens and Panthers defensive lineman Maʻake Kemoeatu, who recorded 287 tackles between 2002 and 2012.
“Not looking too far ahead or behind—just focusing on now,” Gilman said. “I’m a small-town local boy going on a playoff run. I’m extremely grateful. This is all part of the plan.”
'Not looking too far ahead or behind—just focusing on now' – Chargers safety, Kahuku's Alohi Gilman finds perspective ahead of NFL Playoffs starting this weekend https://t.co/Lx2UCBneiQ #NFLHawaii #Chargers 🤙🏽 @alohigilman @KHONnews @khon2SportsTV pic.twitter.com/SPWwsPzgXX
— Rob DeMello (@RobDeMelloKHON) January 7, 2025
The Chargers face the Texans on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. HST, televised on CBS. Houston’s roster features another Hawaii native, Kailua’s Kaimi Fairbairn, a Punahou graduate and the Texans’ placekicker.
NFL Playoffs:
AFC Bracket
(1) Chiefs receive a bye
(2) Bills vs. (7) Broncos
(3) Ravens vs. (6) Steelers
(4) Texans vs. (5) Chargers
NFC Bracket
(1) Lions receive a bye
(2) Eagles vs. (7) Packers
(3) Bucs vs. (6) Commanders
(4) Rams vs. (5) Vikings
NFL Playoff Schedule
All times HST
Wild-card round
Saturday, January 11, 2025
(5) Chargers at (4) Texans – 11:30 a.m. (CBS)
(6) Steelers at (3) Ravens – 3 p.m. (Prime)
Sunday, January 12, 2025
(7) Broncos at (2) Bills – 8:00 a.m. (CBS)
(7) Packers at (2) Eagles – 11:30 a.m. (FOX)
(6) Commanders at (3) Bucs – 3:15 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Monday, January 13, 2025
(5) Vikings at (4) Rams – 3:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)
Divisional round
Saturday, January 18, 2025
AFC/NFC Divisional Matchup – 11:30 a.m.
AFC/NFC Divisional Matchup – 3:15 p.m.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
AFC/NFC Divisional Matchup – 10:00 a.m.
AFC/NFC Divisional Matchup – 1:30 p.m.
Conference Championship round
Sunday, January 26, 2025
NFC Conference Championship – 10 a.m. (FOX)
AFC Conference Championship – 1:30 p.m. (CBS)
Super Bowl LIX
Sunday, February 9, 2025
AFC Champion vs. NFC Champions – 1:30 p.m. (FOX)
Players w/ Hawaii ties in playoffs:
Washington Commanders:
Marcus Mariota, quarterback, Washington Commanders (Saint Louis)
Minnesota Vikings:
Kamu Grugier-Hill, linebacker, Minnesota Vikings (Kamehameha)
Los Angeles Chargers:
Alohi Gilman, safety, Los Angeles Chargers (Kahuku)
Houston Texans:
Ka’imi Fairbairn, kicker, Houston Texans (Punahou)
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Nick Herbig, linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers (Saint Louis)
Isaac Seumalo, offensive lineman, Pittsburgh Steelers (born in Hawaii)
Practice Squad:
Breiden Fehoko, defensive lineman, Pittsburgh Steelers (Farrington)
Injured Reserve:
Nate Herbig, interior offensive lineman, Pittsburgh Steelers (Saint Louis)
Roman Wilson, receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers (Saint Louis)
Baltimore Ravens:
Practice Squad:
Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, offensive lineman, Baltimore Ravens (Keaau)
Keith Kirkwood, receiver, Baltimore Ravens (University of Hawaii)