ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Nine former players or assistant coaches from the University of Michigan football program will compete in Super Bowl XLIII. The NFL's championship game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals will be played Sunday, Feb. 1, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
Starting linebackers Larry Foote and LaMarr Woodley played a major role in the Steelers' 23-14 victory against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday night (Jan. 18) at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. The duo helped the Steelers' top-ranked defense limit the Ravens to 198 total yards and force four turnovers. The Steelers claimed the Lamar Hunt Trophy as the AFC champions.
Woodley collected a team-leading two sacks to go along with five solo tackles and two assists. Foote had one solo stop and one assisted tackle in the game. Former Wolverine player and graduate assistant coach Harold Goodwin is the Steelers' assistant offensive line coach.
Wide receiver Steve Breaston, defensive tackle Gabe Watson, defensive end Alan Branch, tight end Jerame Tuman, linebacker Victor Hobson and defensive backs coach Teryl Austin helped the Arizona Cardinals reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. The Cardinals claimed the George Halas Trophy as the NFC champions with a 32-25 victory Sunday over the Philadelphia Eagles at University of Phoenix Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
Breaston had a 10-yard reception that set up the Cardinals' third touchdown of the game, and he added a 10-yard punt return and a 29-yard kickoff return. Watson collected two solo tackles as a reserve lineman. Branch, Hobson and Tuman were inactive for championship game.
Super Bowl XLIII between the Steelers and Ravens will be broadcast by NBC at 6 p.m.
