Siliga Representing Utes Nation in the SuperBowl

As more and more University of Utah football players find there way into the NFL, it increases the possibility of  Utes playing in the Super Bowl. Over the past few years Utah players have not only been part of teams that made it to the big game, but many played big roles in helping their team.

As we look back in recent past, players like Kevin Dyson, not only helped get his team to Super Bowl XXXIV with The Music City Miracle, but found himself one yard short of the game winning touchdown. Steve Smith, Jordan Gross, and Kevin Dyson were all part of the Panthers team in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Paul Kruger and Ma'ake Kemoeatu won a Super Bowl rings with the Baltimore Ravens a couple of years ago, and last year Zane Beadles was a starting guard for the Broncos.

One player that narrowly missed the Super Bowl last year was Sealver Siliga. In 2013 Siliga was traded by the Denver Broncos to the Seattle Seahawks, cut by the Seahawks, and eventually picked up by the Patriots. Those three teams ended up being three of the four teams in the AFC and NFC Championship games. The fourth team, the 49ers, was the first team Siliga played for in 2011.

He was picked up and signed by New England October 23, 2013 to the practice squad, which turned out to be a great move for him, and the Patriots. A couple injuries, including one to starting NT Vince Wilfork, Sealver found himself off the practice squad, and starting for the Patriots. He started four of the five games he played in that season, and found himself in the AFC Championship game, where his Patriots lost to the team that had traded him away months before.

This year Siliga finds himself in the Super Bowl taking on one of his former teams in the Seahawks. He'll be one of the players charged with the responsibility of stopping Marshawn Lynch. "He's 'The Beast'. He's hard to take down. The more film I watch, the more I know how deadly he is." Siliga said of Lynch. He also believe that his short time with Seattle last season could benefit him Sunday, "I'm experienced with their O-line. I went against them, I understand their personality, what kind of ways they block, so that's going to be a big thing."

So again Utes nation have the opportunity to watch one of their own compete one the game's biggest stage. Watching to see if Sealver makes his statement on the game, and if he can help his team take home the NFL's biggest prize.