JERSEY STRONG
In addition to Chris Hogan, Super Bowl XLI is going to have a decidedly strong New Jersey flavor. It starts with Rutgers having the most players (5) in the big game of any college. Here’s a look at some of the other Jersey ties:
Steve Belichick, Patriots assistant coach/safeties
Bill’s son graduated from Rutgers in 2012, where he played lacrosse before walking on to the football team as a long snapper his senior year.
Jonathan Freeny, Patriots LB
Undrafted out of Rutgers in 2011, Freeny is now on injured reserve.
Duron Harmon, Patriots safety
Delaware native was a Pats’ 2013 thirdround pick out of Rutgers.
Dion Lewis, Patriots RB
The Albany native played two years at Blair Academy before heading to Pitt.
Devin McCourty, Patriots safety
Graduated from St. Joseph’s (Montvale) and was 2010 first-round pick out of Rutgers.
Rich McKay, Falcons president, CEO
Graduated from Princeton in 1981 with an economics degree.
Raheem Morris, Falcons assistant head coach
Former Bucs head coach is from Irvington.
Dan Quinn, Falcons head coach
Grew up in Morris Township and graduated from Morristown HS.
Logan Ryan, Patriots DB
Played at same New Jersey high school as Eli Apple (Eastern) before becoming third-round pick in 2013.
Mohamed Sanu, Falcons WR
A quarterback at South Brunswick HS, became top WR at Rutgers and a thirdround pick in 2012.
Matt Simms, Falcons QB
Phil’s youngest son played at Don Bosco Prep and now is one of Matt Ryan’s backups.
Nick Williams, Falcons WR
East Windsor native played at The Hun School.