9. Two former Vols heading to the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl is actually played in February, we know. But this is about NFL Playoff games that took place in January. It’s not news when the Tennessee Vols send former players to the Super Bowl. Over the last 25-plus years, the 2008 season was the only year they didn’t have anybody playing on football’s biggest stage.
However, since that year, they haven’t just put a player in the Super Bowl. They have had a player win the Super Bowl every season. This is guaranteed to mark the 10th straight year a former Tennessee football player goes home with a Super Bowl ring.
John Kelly is with the Los Angeles Rams, and although he hasn’t played in the NFL Playoffs, he has seen some valuable minutes this season. So despite being behind Todd Gurley and CJ Anderson, there’s a chance he surprises some people Sunday.
Meanwhile, Cordarrelle Patterson is used by the New England Patriots the same way Jim Chaney and Derek Dooley used him. Despite being a wide receiver, they put the ball in his hands on kickoff and punt returns, reverses, and other gadget plays beyond just throwing him the ball. He’s almost certain to pick up valuable minutes.
This isn’t all good news for Vols fans, though. The Kansas City Chiefs had the most UT players, notably Eric Berry, so their elimination from the Super Bowl was heartbreaking. Tom Brady going back hurts worse. But with Patterson and Kelly in the game, and with the guarantee that one of them gets a ring, Rocky Top has something to root for.