How many players from TAMUK, Corpus Christi can you name who have Super Bowl connections?
The Coastal Bend area has a rich history with former high school products playing or coaching in the NFL’s biggest game, as well as Texas A&M-Kingsville players who have joined them in America's biggest sports event. Here’s a look at some of the players and coaches who have showcased their talents in previous Super Bowls.
G Gene Upshaw
This Robstown product and Texas A&M-Kingsville grad is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame, and was Oakland’s starting left guard in Super Bowls II, XI and XVII, becoming the first player in NFL history to play in games in three decades.
Long snapper Clint Gresham
Gresham, a Ray product who went to TCU, made the Super Bowl two times in three-years with Seattle in Super Bowl XLVII and XLIX.
Offensive coach Johnny Roland
The former Miller Buc star was the coach of the Chicago Bears, directing Walter Payton’s lone Super Bowl championship. But William “The Refrigerator” Perry's score against the New England Patriots rather than Payton is what might be most remembered from Super Bowl XX.
Offensive line coach Juan Castillo
The Port Isabel native directed the line play of the Baltimore Ravens in their Super Bowl XLVII victory over San Francisco.
Tight end Riley Odoms
The former West Oso and University of Houston tight end was a pass catching threat for the Denver Broncos in their Super Bowl XII loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Texas A&M-Kingsville’s Super Bowl participants
The Javelinas’ program has produced 51 NFL players over the years, including this list of players and coaches who were there for Super Bowl appearances.
Cornerback Darrell Green
Three appearances in the Super Bowl with the-then Washington Redskins (Super Bowls XVIII, XXII and XXVI) and a landmark 20-year career cemented the Houston Jones product’s legacy as one of the greatest NFL defensive backs in history and earned him the nickname of “The Ageless Wonder.”
Tackle Earl Dotson
The massive run-blocker came to Kingsville from Beaumont Westbrook and made Super Bowl appearances in Super Bowl XXI and XXXII with the Green Bay Packers to punctuate his 10-year NFL career.
Guard Roberto Garza
The former Rio Hondo standout was encouraged to join the Marines after high school, but instead chased his football dream to Texas A&M-Kingsville and later during a 14-year career in the NFL topped by playing in Super Bowl XLI with Chicago. He later was featured in a Modelo beer commercial with Tony Gonzalez and Anthony Munoz.
Guard Jermaine Mayberry
After playing at Floresville, Mayberry attended Texas A&M-Kingsville and was a first-round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996. He was injured for much of the 2004 season, but returned to play in Super Bowl XXXIX with the Eagles as a key moment in his 10-season career.
Offensive line coach Juan Castillo
After playing and coaching at Texas A&I where he was the position coach of Dotson and Mayberry, he was a line coach for the Eagles’ Super Bowl XXXIX and Baltimore’s XLVII Super Bowl championship team.
Wide receiver/kick returner Karl Williams
Signed by Tampa Bay as a free agent after playing at Texas A&I, Williams earned the nickname of “The Truth” after holding most of the franchise’s records for punt returns and providing a key 25-yard return in his Super Bowl XXXVII appearance for the Bucs.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Notable Super Bowl players, coaches with Corpus Christi, Texas ties
