Pees Continues Long Line Of Kent State Ties to Super Bowl
2/1/2013 12:00:00 AM | Football
On Sunday, Kent State will be represented in the Super Bowl by a former player or former head coach for the 12th time in the last 13 seasons. Former head coach Dean Pees serves as the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator.
Pees is making his third trip to football's most coveted game and first appearance with the Ravens. He was with the Patriots as defensive coordinator in Super Bowl XLII and linebackers coach in Super Bowl XXXIX. Pees was the Flashes' head coach from 1998-2003 and a mentor to current head coach Paul Haynes, who was an assistant in 1999 and 2000.
Last season, Julian Edelman  became the third member of Kent State's 2006 squad to play in a Super Bowl. A quarterback at Kent State, Edelman successfully transitioned to receiver for the Patriots. Three years ago, Usama Young (Saints) and Danny Muir (Colts) played against each other in Super Bowl XLIV. The trio is among the 13 players from the 2006 roster that signed NFL contracts.
Other Kent State Super Bowl players
- Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year  James Harrison (Steelers) competed in Super Bowl XL, XLIII & XLV
- Former punter Ken Walter (Patriots) competed in Super Bowl XXXVI & XXXVIII
- Wide receiver Eugene Baker (Panthers) joined Walter in Super Bowl XXXVIII
- Tackle Dan Goodspeed (Buccaneers) was on the winning side of Super Bowl XXXVII
- Tight end Jason Gavadza was a member of the Ravens' practice squad when they won Super Bowl XXXV
- Tight end O.J. Santiago and offensive lineman Bob Hallen each played in Super Bowl XXXIII
- Cornerback Mike "Scooter" McGruder (Patriots) played in Super Bowl XXXI
- Former MAC Defensive Player of the Year Jack Lambert was a part of four Super Bowl wins with the Steelers
- Running back Don Nottingham (Dolphins) was on the winning side of Super Bowl VIII
Other Kent State Super Bowl coaches
- Former wide receivers coach Perry Fewell was the Giants' defensive coordinator in a victory last season
- Former assistant coach Josh Boyer was the Patriots' defensive backs coach last season
- Two years ago, former graduate assistant coach Dom Capers (1972 Tangerine Bowl Team) was on the winning side as the Packers' defensive coordinator
