Former NJCAA dignitaries to impact Super Bowl LII
Eight individuals with NJCAA experience to appear in Super Bowl LII
Colorado Springs, CO – The NJCAA will be well represented at Super Bowl LII as seven former players and coaches will have an impact on the NFL's most prestigious event. Two former standouts on the field will make an impact for the New England Patriots while five former players and one coach will represent the Philadelphia Eagles.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Malcolm Butler (Hinds) – A standout for the Eagles from 2009-2011, Butler already has two Super Bowl victories under his belt with the Patriots where he made the game-winning interception to clinch Super Bowl XLIX against the Patriots. As a defensive back at Hinds, Butler totaled 65 tackles and four interceptions in his career before moving on to Alcorn State.
Brandon King (Highland) – A two-year standout for the Scotties from 2011-2012, King will be making his second consecutive Super Bowl appearance with the Patriots. King set season (122) and career (199) records for tackles at Highland before moving on to Auburn University. King has played an important role for the Patriots' special teams unit over the past three seasons. To read more: Former Scottie, King, set to play in second Super Bowl
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
LeGarrette Blount (East Mississippi) – A NFL veteran, Blount was a NJCAA All-American for the Lions from 2006-2007 where he rushed for 2,292 yards and 18 touchdowns in his career before finishing his collegiate career at the University of Oregon. A staple in NFL backfields, Blount will be making his third career Super Bowl appearance. Blount has won two Super Bowls in his career, both coming with the Patriots in 2015 and 2017. Blount is looking to join an elite group of NFL players who have won a Super Bowl in consecutive years with different teams. To read more: Blount seeks third Super Bowl ring
Rasul Douglas (Nassau) – Douglas was a member of the Lions from 2013-2014 where he tallied 83 tackles and five interceptions as a defensive back. After completing his collegiate career at West Virginia, Douglas was selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Eagles. In his first professional season, Douglas has made 25 tackles and intercepted two passes.
Lane Johnson (Kilgore) – One of the top offensive lineman in the NFL, Johnson's collegiate football career began as a quarterback and a tight end at Kilgore in 2008 before converting to the offensive line at the University of Oklahoma. Johnson was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Eagles in 2013 and has been a staple with the team ever since. Johnson's stellar 2017 season was rewarded with a Pro Bowl selection.
Press Taylor (Butler) – One of the most decorated NJCAA quarterbacks in history, Taylor helped lead the Butler Grizzlies to back-to-back national championships in 2007 and 2008 where he boasted a 17-1 career record. Taylor wrapped up his collegiate career at Marshall University before joining the coaching ranks. After a year at the University of Tulsa, Taylor joined the Eagles staff in 2013 as the Offensive Quality Control coach. He has since added Assistant Quarterbacks coach to his title.
Duce Staley (Itawamba) – A 2017 inductee into the Itawamba Hall of Fame, Duce Staley boasted a solid career for the Indians from 1993-1994 where he earned NJCAA All-America honors. Staley's efforts led him to the University of South Carolina where he completed his collegiate career and was selected in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Following his playing career, Staley has served on the Eagles coaching staff since 2011 where he currently guides the running back unit.
Chris Wilson (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M) –Wilson has served as the Eagles' Defensive Line coach since 2016. Wilson's resume includes 23 years of collegiate coaching, including a stop at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in 1996 where he oversaw the program's defensive line. Wilson's career also includes stops at the likes of the University of Oklahoma, University of Georgia, University of Southern California, and the Dallas Cowboys.
| NJCAA in Super Bowl LII - Sunday, Feb. 4 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Minneapolis, MN | 6:30 PM EST | ||||
| Name | NJCAA Team | NFL Team | Pos. | |
| Malcolm Butler | Hinds (MS) | New England Patriots | DB | |
| Brandon King | Highland (KS) | New England Patriots | S | |
| LeGarrette Blount | East Mississippi | Philadelphia Eagles | RB | |
| Rasul Douglas | Nassau (NY) | Philadelphia Eagles | CB | |
| Lane Johnson | Kilgore (TX) | Philadelphia Eagles | RT | |
| Press Taylor | Butler (KS) | Philadelphia Eagles | Assistant Quarterbacks Coach | |
| Duce Staley | Itawamba (MS) | Philadelphia Eagles | Runing Backs Coach | |
| Chris Wilson | Northeastern Oklahoma A&M | Philadelphia Eagles | Defensive Line Coach | |
