University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis Represented in Super Bowl XLII
Feb 01, 2008 | Football
Feb. 1, 2008
MEMPHIS, TENN. - Former University of Memphis kicker Stephen Gostkowski will be representing the Tigers this weekend in Super Bowl XLII which will air on Fox on Sunday at 5 p.m. CT from Univ. of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Gostkowski, who originally signed with the Tiger baseball team, finished his career in 2005 as Memphis' all-time leading scorer with 369 points. He also holds the UM records for PATs made (159), PATs attempted (165), field goals made (70) and field goals attempted (92). Following his senior season, he was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Gostkowski was the 118th overall pick of the draft and was the first kicker selected that year.
In his second season with the Patriots, Gostkowski has made 21 of 24 field goals and has converted all 74 of his PATs during the regular season. He is tied for fourth in the league with 15 touchbacks on kickoffs. He has hit three field goals of more than 40 yards this season, including a long of 45 yards against the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants.
Robert Douglas, who lettered for the Tigers in 2001-04, is the only other Tiger listed on current rosters with the Giants and Patriots. Douglas was signed to the practice squad on Sept. 17 and was moved to the 53-man roster on Sept. 22. He has spent the season on the injured reserve roster. Douglas played linebacker for the Tigers in 2001, 2002 and part of 2003 before being shifted to fullback. As a senior, he totaled 62 yards on 14 carries and scored two touchdowns while also logging 113 yards and two TDs on seven receptions. He was presented the Top Tiger Award at the post-season team banquet.
In addition to Gostkowski and Douglas, nine other players with the Patriots and Giants hail from current Conference USA schools. Among the other Patriots' players with C-USA ties are three key starters who have each been Pro Bowl selections in recent years. Leading the way is former Marshall wide receiver Randy Moss, who set a new NFL record for touchdown receptions this season with 23. Cornerback Asante Samuel, who played at UCF, has six interceptions this season and 16 over the past two years. He will be making his second straight Pro Bowl appearance next week. Linebacker Adalius Thomas, a former C-USA Defensive Player of the Year, is a first-year Patriot that has been to multiple Pro Bowls.
On special teams, Marshall's Chris Hanson is the team's punter and former Rice linebacker Larry Izzo is a longtime special teams standout. Veteran Troy Brown, a former Marshall standout, holds numerous New England receiving records and has logged time as a defensive back and on special teams during his 16-year Patriot career.
The Giants have four former C-USA players on its roster, although only two will be active for Sunday's game. Douglas and tight end Darcy Johnson of UCF both suffered season-ending injuries earlier this year and are on injured reserve. However, back-up offensive tackle Guy Whimper of East Carolina and running back Ahmad Bradshaw of Marshall are expected to see action on Sunday. Whimper has played in all 16 games this season, while Bradshaw has recently emerged as an offensive weapon for New York.
