Purdue and the NFL Playoffs: Brees Still Alive for Second Ring

There has been at least one Purdue player that has won a Super Bowl ring in 14 of the last 19 years. In the five years where a Boiler did not win a ring, like last year, we have had at least one player as a member of the losing team as well. Last season’s representative was Jason King, who was on the practice squad with New England. The Patriots have played a large role in this. They have had at least one Purdue player on all five of their Super Bowl winning teams. Matt Light, Gene Mruczkowski, Rosevelt Colvin, David Nugent, Brandon Gorin, and Rob Ninkovich all won multiple rings in New England.

All told, 21 former Boilers have won at least one Super Bowl ring, and a Purdue player has been on a Super Bowl participant’s roster every year since Super Bowl 33. We have a 50% chance of that run continuing to an even 20 years this year.

NFC Championship

Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints 3:05pm, FOX

Here, of course, Purdue legend Drew Brees will be going for his second Super Bowl appearance, and he has a great chance at getting it. New Orleans already won at the Rams 45-35 on November 4th. After today is he a perfect 6-0 at home with New Orleans in the playoffs all-time. He is already going to the Hall of Fame when he decides to hang it up and he’ll likely own every NFL passing record by then too. A second Super Bowl would be an excellent capper to an amazing career.

The Rams do not have a Purdue player on their roster.

New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs 6:40pm, CBS

For the 8th straight season the Patriots are in the AFC title game. For the first time since the 2002-03 season the AFC title game will not be in Foxborough, Denver, Indianapolis, or Pittsburgh. They are carrying the AFC banner for Purdue players, though neither of them will play in the game. Rookie Ja’Whaun Bentley has been on injured reserve for most of the season after beginnig the season as a starter. Danny Etling has been on the practice squad as well. Should Tom Brady lead them to his unprecedented 6th title Etling would be the fourth Purdue quarterback with a Super Bowl win.

Kansas City does not have a Purdue player.