Philly will be represented at Super Bowl XLIV, but not by anyone in Eagles green.
Instead, the City of Brotherly Love will have to lean back on ambassadors on both the Saints and Colts’ sidelines. At least no matter who wins Philadelphians can take some pride in knowing we have at least one Super Bowl winner.
Jahri Evans, a Frankford High School graduate who once anchored Division II Bloomsburg’s offensive line, has gone from being a little-known rookie from a small school to an established veteran now considered one of the NFL's top guards, earning All-Pro honors this season.
The Big Man has evolved into a key figure in an offensive line that has ranked among the NFL's best since 2006 and surrendered the fewest sacks in the league over the last two years. Since being picked in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Evans was immediately named No. 1 on the depth chart and has started in all 48 games of his professional career.
One of the guys Evans has blocked for along the way is South Philly-born fullback Kyle Eckel. The Episcopal Academy alum who was released by the Eagles in September, has found a spot as a blocker in the New Orleans backfield.
A 2005 graduate of the Naval Academy, he has played in 17 career NFL games, rushing for 169 yards and two touchdowns, while registering 13 tackles playing special teams.
Despite only playing three years in the pros, Eckel has seen the playoffs in each of his seasons including a trip Super Bowl XLII while with the New England Patriots. Eckel still has plenty of Philly roots on the airwaves including appearances on the Preston & Steve Show on WMMR and guest-hosting duties on 610-WIP.
Sports
In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
When Eckel and Evans look across the line of scrimmage they should see another Philly guy.
Colts starting defensive end Raheem Brock, a Temple grad, attended Philly’s own Dobbins High School. He was originally drafted by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft, but was released without playing for the Birds.
Brock's local roots run deep including his non-profit organization known as “Brock’s Kids.”
"Brock’s Kids strives to expose children to a variety of programming focused on social, athletic, and, most importantly, academic development,” Brock said about his foundation.
Brock already won a Super Bowl in 2007
Brock shares that distinction with lineback Gary Brackett -- a fixture on the Colts defense since 2003. Bracket isn't quite a Philly native but he was born in Glassboro, N.J., and attended Glassboro High School.
Brackett, a Rutgers grad, starts at middle linebacker and captains the feisty fifth-ranked Colts defense.
Brackett also heads the IMPACT Foundation, whose mission is to promote health, advance education, and to relieve the underprivileged by providing resources and opportunities to children.
There is one other guy with a very Philly connection who should be suiting up on Super Sunday -- wide receiver Hank Baskett.
Mr. Kendra Wilkinson was with the Birds since 2006 until he was released earlier this season.
