For the 20th year in a row, Florida will be represented in the Super Bowl
LOS ANGELES – Super Bowl LVI is set to kickoff Sunday in Los Angeles and for the 20th year in a row, Florida will be represented at the big game as five former Gators are set to compete for a world championship.
The Gators have had a player in each Super Bowl since 2003, the third longest active streak in the nation. Overall, Florida has been a part of 23 Super Bowl-winning teams, with 63 players making 77 appearances.
Florida’s five players in this year’s Super Bowl is tied for most among college programs.
All five Gators will make their Super Bowl debuts Sunday.
For the second year in a row, a Gator rookie special teamer will compete in a Super Bowl as Evan McPherson is set to start at kicker for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Joining McPherson is third-year tackle Fred Johnson and sixth-year cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III.
The trio aims to bring Cincinnati its first Super Bowl victory. They’ll face the Los Angeles Rams and a pair of former Gator wide receivers.
Second-year Van Jefferson and fourth-year Brandon Powell will look to bring a Lombardi Trophy to Los Angeles for the first time since 1984. The Rams have a chance become the second team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl on their home field.
Jefferson has been a focal point for one of the league’s most electric offenses. In his first year as a full-time starter, the former second-round pick has 50 receptions for 802 and six touchdowns on the season.
Meanwhile, Powell has found a role on the Rams’ special teams as a returner. His 22.2-yard punt return average this season is the most in the NFL (minimum six returns). He’s one of only two players to return a punt for a touchdown this season. Powell also added 208 kick return yards in 2021, good for a 26-yard average.
For Cincinnati, they wouldn’t be here if not for the leg of McPherson. “Money Mac” has nailed game-winners in back-to-back games, sending home the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs. McPherson was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for December.
McPherson is a perfect 12-for-12 on field goals in the playoffs. He’s 12-for-14 on kicks beyond 50 yards this season. His 12 field goals from 50-plus are the most in NFL history.
Super Bowl LVI will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET inside SoFi Stadium, and it will be televised on NBC.
