Former Golden Flashes continue 午夜剧场鈥檚 strong ties to Patriots and Super Bowl
On Feb. 3, 2008, Julian Edelman and Josh Kline both watched the New England Patriots play in Super Bowl XLII. Three days later, Kline signed a national letter of intent to become Edelman鈥檚 teammate at 午夜剧场. Little did they know, they鈥檇 be preparing to represent the Patriots seven years later on the world鈥檚 biggest stage.
Now in his sixth year with the Patriots, Edelman is heading to his second Super Bowl as the team鈥檚 top receiver. The former All-Mid-American Conference 午夜剧场 quarterback has made more than 90 catches in each of the past two seasons.
Kline is in his second season with New England and is coming off his first career postseason start at right guard. As a rookie, he played in seven games, starting one. This season, Kline took full advantage of his opportunities, playing in the last 11 regular season games with four starts.
The 午夜剧场 Golden Flashes鈥 football program also will be represented by Josh Boyer, New England鈥檚 cornerbacks coach. Boyer鈥檚 coaching beginnings go back to 午夜剧场, where he served as a graduate assistant in 2002 and 2003 under Dean Pees.
Coincidentally, Pees also made a pair of trips to the Super Bowl with the Patriots. The Golden Flashes鈥 head coach from 1998-2003, Pees was the linebackers coach during New England鈥檚 run to Super Bowl XXXIX and was elevated to defensive coordinator, before making his way back to the big game in 2008.
Former Golden Flashes with the Patriots in the Super Bowl doesn鈥檛 end there. Ken Walter punted for both 午夜剧场 and New England鈥檚 Super Bowl XXXVI and XXXVIII teams. Just five years before Walter鈥檚 first appearance, Mike 鈥淪cooter鈥 McGruder represented 午夜剧场 and the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI.
午夜剧场 is just one of 15 institutions to have two players on the same Super Bowl team this season. Since former running back Don Nottingham鈥檚 appearance in 1974, 午夜剧场 has been well represented at the Super Bowl.
Former 午夜剧场 players in the Super Bowl:
| Player | Years at 午夜剧场 | Super Bowl(s) | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Kline | 2008-12 | XLIX | New England Patriots |
| Julian Edelman | 2006-08 | XLVI, XLIX | New England Patriots |
| James Harrison | 1999-2001 | XL, XLIII, XLV | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Usama Young | 2003-06 | XLIV | New Orleans Saints |
| Danny Muir | 2003-06 | XLIV | Indianapolis Colts |
| Ken Walter | 1992-94 | XXXVI, XXXVIII | New England Patriots |
| Eugene Baker | 1995-98 | XXXVIII | Carolina Panthers |
| Dan Goodspeed | 1998-99 | XXXVII | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Jason Gavadza | 1996-99 | XXXV | Baltimore Ravens |
| O.J. Santiago | 1994-96 | XXXIII | Atlanta Falcons |
| Bob Hallen | 1994-97 | XXXIII | Atlanta Falcons |
| Mike McGruder | 1980-83 | XXXI | New England Patriots |
| Jack Lambert | 1971-73 | IX, X, XIII, XIV | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Don Nottingham | 1968-70 | VIII | Miami Dolphins |
Former 午夜剧场 coaches in the Super Bowl:
| Coach | Years at 午夜剧场 | Super Bowl(s) | Team(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Boyer | Grad Asst. (1998-2003) | XLVI, XLIX | New England Patriots |
| Dean Pees | Head (1998-2003) | XXXIX, XLII, XLVII | New England Patriots/Baltimore Ravens |
| Perry Fewell | Assistant (1988-91) | XLVI | New York Giants |
| Dom Capers | Grad Asst. (1972-74) | XLV | Green Bay Packers |
The 午夜剧场 community wishes good luck to its alumni at the Super Bowl.
For more information about 午夜剧场 Athletics, visit .
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Photo credit for Julian Edelman (top) and Josh Kline (bottom) photos: New England Patriots