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University of Minnesota Athletics
Blog: Former Gophers Impacting NFL Playoffs
1/9/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
While the Gopher football team ended its season New Year’s Eve at the Insight Bowl, some former players are preparing to make their impact in the NFL Playoffs. With the playoffs in full-swing, five former Golden Gophers are still in the hunt for a Super Bowl ring while a pair of Minnesotans was eliminated from the playoffs last weekend.
Pittsburgh boasts the most former Minnesota players on its roster with three Gophers contributing. Leading the way in the Steelers’ last contest was former Jim Thorpe Award winner Tyrone Carter. Carter registered four tackles and picked off two passes, returning one for a touchdown in a 31-0 victory over Cleveland in the regular-season finale. The interception return for a touchdown marked the first of Carter’s NFL career. Playing in Pittsburgh alongside Carter is former Mackey Award winner Matt Spaeth, as well as Gary Russell.
Other Gophers on the rosters of NFL Playoff teams are Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Ernie Wheelwright and Carolina Panthers kicker Rhys Lloyd.
Defensive tackle Darrell Reid’s Indianapolis Colts suffered a first-round loss, along with cornerback Michael Lehan’s Miami Dolphins.
Meanwhile, the Steelers will look to advance this week against San Diego, while Baltimore and Carolina will be facing Tennessee and Arizona, respectively.
-Ben Flattum, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
