Florida Football: Gators tied for most players in Super Bowl 56

Florida football tied for most players in Super Bowl 56

With Super Bowl 56 two weeks away now, and with both championship games out of the way, we have the final two teams remaining for the big game.  These two teams combined have a total of 5 players from Florida football, as well as 5 from LSU on the active rosters.  The rivalry between SEC competitors is already well noted by fans, however, it continues even at the NFL level on the biggest stage in American football.

These players are split pretty evenly among the teams, with the Bengals having 3 of each and the Rams having 2 of each.  The players are some of the biggest playmakers in their respective games as well, the two teams making up 2 of the top 3 receivers on the Rams, and LSU having the QB1 and WR1 on the Bengals.  So to cover this, we will give a short summary of the players on each team and their impact thus far.

Bengals – 3 LSU – 3 Florida football

LSU football players on the Bengals: QB1 Joe Burrow, WR1 Ja’Marr Chase, DT Tyler Shelvin

The LSU Tigers make up the big-name duo that has gotten the Bengals this far into the playoffs, that being Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.  Burrow has had a phenomenal year coming off an injury in 2020-2021 and has been top 10 this season in passing yards, passing touchdowns, completion % (#1 in QBs with more than 100 attempts), and yards per attempt (#1 in QBs with more than 50 attempts).  Then Chase, who is essentially the lock for OROY even prior to the playoffs, has had an absolutely stellar rookie season with 1,455 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, on top of a pro bowl selection and all-pro second team nomination.  Finally, Tyler Shelvin, a rotational defensive end for the Bengals who played in 3 games this season, took 49 snaps.

Florida football players on the Bengals: K1 Evan McPherson, Vernon Hargreaves III CB5, and Fred Johnson RT2

The Gators are somewhat less notable on the Bengals, aside from shooter McPherson, the player who got the Bengals to the AFCCG and Super Bowl in the first place with his exceptional kicking ability.  It doesn’t get any more clutch than 100% from extra points and field goals in the playoffs, which Evan has done so far, being 12/12 from field goals and 4/4 from the PAT spot.  Vernon Hargreaves has been a good depth piece for the Bengals, as has Fred Johnson on his limited snaps, and have both played adequately in their time with the Bengals.

https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1488239757050138630?s=20&t=pWofbCrI8Ks4O6HnUFmSaw

Rams – 2 LSU – 2 Florida football

Florida football players on the Rams: Van Jefferson WR3 & Brandon Powell ST

The two Gators on the Rams have played a large role this season, each in their own right.  As mentioned in a previous article, Van has had 802 yards in the regular season in 2021, and 6 touchdowns, on a 56.2% catch rate.  Jefferson has been a crucial WR2/3 with the addition of Odell Beckham Jr., and has been a great option for Matthew Stafford to turn to when his first two options are covered.  Brandon Powell has been a solid special teams addition for the Rams, hauling in 6 punt returns for 133 yards and a touchdown, as well as 8 kick returns for 208 yards.

LSU football players on the Rams: Odell Beckham Jr. WR2 & Andrew Whitworth LT1

The two LSU players remaining in the NFC are two major players for the Rams, firstly being Odell Beckham Jr.  The former Cleveland Browns and New York Giants receiver made his move to the Rams after being cut by the Browns, and he has seemingly somewhat returned to form with Los Angeles.  Beckham has had 305 yards and 5 touchdowns during the regular season for the Rams, and 236 yards and a touchdown during the playoffs so far.  Then Andrew Whitworth, the 40-year-old left tackle from LSU has been phenomenal throughout his whole career for the Rams and finally gets another shot at a Super Bowl title to cap off his immense legacy, most importantly, against his former team in the Bengals.

https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1488214713829928968?s=20&t=hjJFUk97KCkv2-iznbhAFg