South Carolina Football’s Top Super Bowl Performances
Tomorrow’s Super Bowl LVII will feature the Kansas City Chiefs looking for their third Super Bowl victory and the Philadelphia Eagles searching for just their second win in the Big Game. Each team’s roster contains dozens of recognizable names from the collegiate ranks. In honor of these former college football superstars playing in tomorrow’s game, let’s take a look at the greatest Super Bowl performances from South Carolina football alums.
Honorable Mentions
Dan Reeves, Dallas Cowboys RB/WR: A former quarterback at the University of South Carolina, Dan Reeves played both running back and receiver for America’s Team in Super Bowl V against the Colts. Reeves notched five catches for the Cowboys, totaling 46 yards in the loss. His Cowboys won the following year in Super Bowl VI, but Reeves saw limited action. He won another Super Bowl as an assistant with the Cowboys and lost four more as the head coach of the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons.
Bobby Bryant, Minnesota Vikings CB: The longest-tenured NFL player to play his collegiate career at the University of South Carolina, Bryant was an All-Pro and voted as one of the top-50 Minnesota Vikings ever. In Super Bowl XI against the Oakland Raiders, Bryant led the Purple People Eater secondary with seven tackles. He played in all four of the Vikings’ Super Bowl appearances.
Terry Cousin, Carolina Panthers CB: One of the best-tackling cornerbacks to ever play at South Carolina, Cousin displayed this skill in Super Bowl XXXVIII. In his Panthers’ loss to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, Cousin logged seven tackles and added two pass breakups while defending shifty receivers Deion Branch and Troy Brown.
Robert Brooks, Green Bay Packers WR: A dynamic receiver during his time as a Gamecock and as a Packer, Brooks caught three passes in Super Bowl XXXII. In the loss to the Broncos, Brooks was also credited by Dorsey Levins (RB) and Arturo Freeman (WR) for his excellent work as a perimeter blocker as the duo combined for 272 total yards. Brooks also won a ring the previous season but did not play in Super Bowl XXXI due to injury.
Chris Culliver, San Fransisco 49ers DB: Culliver spent time as a receiver and defensive back in college but was a full-time defensive back in the NFL. In the 49ers’ Super Bowl XLVII loss to the Ravens, he picked up four tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup. Culliver struggled in coverage during the game but played well against the run.