Super Bowl littered with Fla. universities alums

Super Bowl littered with Fla. universities alums

Published Jan. 28, 2013 3:51 p.m. ET

With Super Bowl XLVII, the city of New Orleans moves ahead of Miami for most times hosting the big game.

The two locales had been tied with 10 Super Bowls apiece.

But when it comes to the players, the state of Florida will defer to nobody Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens play the San Francisco 49ers.  

Florida leads all states with 21 natives on the Baltimore and San Francisco 53-man rosters and injured reserve lists overall. That means Floridians compose nearly 17 percent of all Super Bowl players, with two thirds of that coming from South Florida (Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties).

As for the Sunshine State schools, Miami leads the way with seven players on this year’s rosters. Two of those (Baltimore’s Damien Berry and Tommy Streeter) are on injured reserve.

Former Hurricanes have won a total of 56 Super Bowl rings, with eight of them earned when Dallas beat Buffalo 30-13 under former 'Canes coach Jimmy Johnson in Super Bowl XXVII.

Florida State players have won 37 rings, eight coming thanks to Pittsburgh. Ex-Seminoles defensive back J.T. Thomas won four rings (one while on IR) with the great Steelers teams of the 1970s.

Four ex-FSU players won when Tampa Bay defeated Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII.

Florida has accounted for 22 Super Bowl rings. Green Bay punter Don Chandler was a member of the first two Super Bowl-winning teams.  

The Gators are guaranteed at least one Super Bowl winner for an 11th straight season, with a former player on each roster: Deonte Thompson with Baltimore and Ray McDonald with San Francisco.

Asante Samuel’s two rings with New England are among 11 rings won by former Central Florida players. Either Baltimore’s Jah Reid or San Francisco’s Bruce Miller will add to that total this year.

No former players from the University of South Florida will play on Sunday, though the school does claim Super Bowl winners. New York Giants Jason Pierre-Paul and Jacquian Williams last year made it five rings for former Bulls.

Here’s a closer look at the current Ravens and Niners who are products of Florida universities



Ravens running back Damien Berry (IR) – Signed as an undrafted rookie in 2011, Berry missed this season after suffering a neck injury in the preseason finale. Instead of negotiating a settlement and leaving the organization, Berry wanted to remain on injured reserve so he could do his rehabilitation under the Ravens' supervision.

49ers linebacker Tavares Gooden – He’s been a key special teams contributor the past two seasons after being Ray Lewis’ understudy in Baltimore 2008-10. Gooden had nine tackles (seven solo) while appearing in 15 games this season. He has reached the playoffs in each of his five NFL seasons.

49ers running back Frank Gore – Perseverance in overcoming knee injuries and past losing seasons has helped Gore become the Niners all-time leading rusher. This season, he ran for 1,214 yards (4.7 avg.) and eight touchdowns. Gore has rushed for 209 yards and three scores in two playoff games.

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis – In case you missed it, Sunday will be Lewis’ final game in a 17-year career. (Then again, if you didn’t know that, you better check your hearing and eyesight.) The team’s leader for Baltimore’s 2000 championship season, Lewis seeks his second Super Bowl victory. His 2012 season appeared to be over after he suffered a torn triceps injury on Oct. 14. But Lewis returned to spark playoff wins against Indianapolis, Denver and New England.

Ravens offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie – Before the season, it appeared McKinnie’s career in Baltimore had ended. He even Tweeted, ”Decision is made! I'm gone!" during contentious contract talks. McKinnie finally agreed to restructure his deal but then reported out of shape. The former Pro Bowler didn’t start a game during the regular season. However … McKinnie was inserted at left tackle for the wild-card win against Indianapolis and his presence has solidified a line that had been struggling.

Ravens wide receiver Tommy Streeter (IR) – The rookie was drafted in the sixth round after foregoing his senior season at UM. He spent the entire season on injured reserve rehabilitating sprained ligaments in his left foot and ankle.

Ravens safety Ed Reed – He arrived in Baltimore two years after the 2000 season’s Super Bowl victory and could be playing his final game with the Ravens on Sunday. Reed will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. His skills have diminished a bit, but he remains one of the league’s top safeties. Reed led the team with four interceptions, returning one for a score.



49ers fullback Bruce Miller – A seventh-round draft pick who played defensive end in college, Miller hadn’t played offense since his days as a tight end in high school. He was converted to fullback and has enjoyed a fine season helping to open holes for Frank Gore.

Ravens offensive tackle Jah Reid (IR) – Played in nine games, starting the final 7 of the regular season.  He was placed on injured reserve with a toe injury before the wild-card win against Indianapolis.



Ravens wide receiver Deonte Thompson – An undrafted free agent, the rookie had five catches for 51 yards in 6 games. Four of those receptions came in the regular-season finale at Cincinnati. He did not play in the previous 10 games entering the finale, so he might not play in the Super Bowl.

49ers defensive tackle Ray McDonald – He anchors the left side of the Niners’ 3-4 defense. He has proven to be a complete player who performs well against the run and the pass. McDonald had 38 tackles (28 solo) and 2.5 sacks this season.



Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin – Playing in his second Super Bowl after losing with Arizona four years ago. Boldin led the Ravens with 65 catches for 921 yards and four touchdowns this season. He has 16 postseason receptions and leads all receivers with 276 yards and three scores during the playoffs.

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