This Sunday's Super Bowl will showcase two of the league's premier quarterbacks: Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers and Pittsburgh's two-time champion Ben Roethlisberger. But along with that, Super Bowl XLV will also feature former Texas Longhorns and players who made names for themselves in the Lone Star State. Sunday's big game, played in Dallas Cowboys Stadium (or "Jerry World", as some people refer to it) will be a homecoming for some of the players.
Here's our list of Texas football players looking forward to the game of their lives this Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Casey Hampton: The 10-year veteran has been a staple in the Steelers defensive line since being drafted out of Texas in 2001. The mammoth nose-tackle stared 15 games for Pittsburgh this season and recorded 20 total tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Look for Hampton and the Steelers D-Line to plug up Green Bay's running game and make Rodgers win the game with his arm, which he can very well do.
Other Steelers with Texas connections:
Jonathan Scott, OT (Texas) ; Tony Hills, OT (Texas); Limas Sweed, WR-IR (Texas); Daniel Sepulveda, P (Baylor); Emmanuel Sanders, WR (SMU) Arnaz Battle, WR (Norte Dame, from the Dallas area)
Green Bay Packers
Mason Crosby: During his time with the Packers, the Lubbock native has become one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL. Crosby is known for his clutch kicking and his strong leg. In a game featuring two stout defenses, one kick by Crosby could decide the outcome.
Other Packers with Texas connections:
Jermichael Finley, TE (Texas); Graham Harrell, QB (Texas Tech); Marshall Newhouse (Texas Christian); Josh Bell (Baylor).
Super Bowl XLV is this Sunday, February 6 with coverage beginning at 5:29 P.M.