Gavin Edwards: Former Local Athletes Looking Toward Dallas
Today the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers all play for a chance to advance to Super Bowl XLV in Dallas, Texas on Sunday, February 6. The day is exciting enough for NFL fans, but holds extra interest for Detroiters, as several prominent athletes from local universities are battling for the NFL championship.
The University of Michigan and its fan base are probably divided in their loyalties, with five former players on playoff rosters. The Steelers defense is strengthened by linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Larry Foote. Woodley recorded a sack and a safety in last week's divisional-round win over the Baltimore Ravens. The Jets get help on both side of the ball from former Wolverines: linebacker David Harris has 21 total tackles, two safeties, and an interception in the 2011 postseason, while wide receiver Braylon Edwards has a touchdown and a few spectacular catches. Then there's Charles Woodson, the Packers' star cornerback, who sparks debates over who is the better defender: Woodson or Revis? And lest you forget, Todd Collins backs up Jay Cutler as the Bears' quarterback.
Speaking of backup QBs, former Eastern Michigan Eagle Charlie Batch was a big part of the Steelers' 4-0 start without Ben Roethlisberger. Batch threw for three touchdowns in week 3 of the regular season, but hasn't seen action since Big Ben's return. And if you think Batch is the only Eagle seeing playoff action, think again. T.J. Lang is a pivotal member of the Packers' offensive line, able to play four of the five positions up-front.
For those who may bleed green, there are three former Spartans contributing on playoff rosters. Flozell Adams is a formidable right tackle on the Steelers offensive line. The Bears got two catches (one for a TD) out of tight end Kellen Davis in their 35-24 win over the Seahawks. And while the Jets' secondary may rely heavily on Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, Eric Smith is a big part of that stingy pass defense Rex Ryan loves so much.
There are plenty of other local stars, too. Greg Jennings (the former Western Michigan Bronco) may be the most important cog in the Packers' offense after Aaron Rogers. The Packers love their former Central Michigan players: Cullen Jenkins, Josh Gordy, and Frank Zombo represent the Chippewas. Let's not forget about River Rouge's Chester Taylor, who ran for a Bears touchdown last week. So even though the Detroit Lions may not be playing in this year's playoffs, there's still plenty of local interest in today's Conference Championships.
