Former Gators to watch in the Super Bowl
New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, right, evades a tackle by Denver Broncos free safety David Bruton (30) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, in Foxborough, Mass. (The Associated Press)
Published: Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 7:41 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 7:41 p.m.
There is a local connection when the New York Giants and the New England Patriots meet for Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Sunday evening. Five players who made their mark either at Florida Field or at area high school football stadiums will compete.
Aaron Hernandez
Team: New England.
Local connection: Player for Florida Gators from 2007-09. Redefined tight end position with his versatility and was first UF player to win the John Mackey Award as the nation's best tight end.
Regular season: 79 catches for 910 yards and seven touchdowns.
Playoffs: 11 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown; eight rushes for 70 yards.
Brandon Spikes
Team: New England.
Local connection: Played for Florida Gators from 2006-09. Part of the 2006 recruiting class that won two national titles. Had four interceptions for touchdowns in his career, the most ever for a Gator.
Regular season: Had 47 tackles in eight games.
Playoffs: 15 tackles, a sack and an interception.
Gerard Warren
Team: New England.
Local connection: Played for Florida Gators from 1998-2000 and at Union County High School. During his three years at Florida, Warren had 84.5 “big plays” (sacks, forced fumbles, etc.). All-SEC as a junior.
Regular season: Had 12 tackles and one sack.
Playoffs: Five tackles.
Linval Joseph
Team: New York Giants.
Local connection: Moved to Gainesville at age 10 and played at Santa Fe High School before going to East Carolina. Was going to Florida before UF pulled offer just before signing day. Mother Ernestine and brother Isaac, who live in Gainesville, will be attending the game.
Regular season: Had 49 tackles and two sacks in 16 games, 15 of them starts.
Playoffs: Three tackles in each of the Giants' three playoff wins.
Justin Trattou
Team: New York Giants.
Local connection: Played for Florida Gators from 2007-10. Played in 52 games with the highlight being a 53-yard interception return to clinch Florida's win at South Carolina in 2009 and preserve the perfect regular season.
Playoffs: Was activated last week from the Giants' practice squad.
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