Edelman Becomes Third Member of 2006 Team to Play in Super Bowl

Kent State’s 2006 football season is just a little over five years removed, but on Sunday Julian Edelman  will become the third member of that team to play in a Super Bowl.  Two years ago, Usama Young (Saints) and Danny Muir (Colts) played against each other in Super Bowl XLIV.  The trio is among the 13 players from the 2006 roster that have signed NFL contracts.

Other members of the Golden Flashes’ 2006 team to have signed NFL contracts include: Jack Williams (Broncos/Lions), Jameson Konz (Seahawks), Colin Ferrell (Colts), Rico Murray (Bengals), Shawn Bayes (Raiders), Kirk Belgrave (Falcons), Brian Lainhart (Bengals), Brian Bell (Redskins), Andre Kirkland (Rams) and Augustus Parrish (Saints/Bengals).

On Sunday, Kent State will be represented in the Super Bowl by a former player or former head coach for the 11th time in the last 12 seasons, most of who have been on the winning side.

Others include:

James Harrison (Steelers) competed in Super Bowl XL, XLIII & XLV

Former punter Ken Walters (Patriots) competed in Super Bowl XXXVI & XXXVIII

Wide receiver Eugene Baker (Panthers) joined Walters in Super Bowl XXXVIII

Tackle Dan Goodspeed (Buccaneers) was on the winning side if Super Bowl XXXVII.

Tight end Jason Gavada was a member of the Ravens’ practice when they won Super Bowl XXXV

Tight end O.J. Santiago (Falcons) played in Super Bowl XXXIII

Cornerback Mike “Scooter” McGruder (Patriots) played in Super Bowl XXXI.

Former head coach Dean Pees was the Patriots linebackers coach in Super Bowl XXXIX and was the defensive coordinator in Super Bowl XLII.  Pees was recently promoted to defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens after serving as the team’s linebackers coach.

Former MAC Defensive Player of the Year Jack Lambert was a part of four Super Bowl wins with the Steelers.

Running back Don Nottingham (Dolphins) was on the winning side of Super Bowl VIII

Kent State has connections on both sides of this year’s Super Bowl.  Giants’ defensive coordinator Perry Fewell served as wide receivers coach for four seasons at Kent State from 1988-1991. Patriots’ defensive backs coach Josh Boyer was also an assistant coach at Kent State in 2002 and 2003.  Last year, former graduate assistant coach Dom Capers was on the winning side as the Packers’ defensive coordinator.

Kent State’s 2006 squad (6-6) was the only team in the last 10 years to earn bowl eligibility.  The Golden Flashes look to change all of that beginning Aug. 30, 2012, hosting Towson in the season opener.  For season tickets call 330-672-2244.