Tribe alums prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
Tribe in the Super Bowl A year after former William and Mary standout Mike Tomlin '95 led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the 2009 Super Bowl title, this year’s big game will feature a pair of Tribe alums – New Orleans Saints All-Pro safety Darren Sharper '97 and Indianapolis Colts defensive backs coach Alan Williams '92.
A year after former William and Mary standout Mike Tomlin '95 led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the 2009 Super Bowl title, this year's big game will feature a pair of Tribe alums - New Orleans Saints All-Pro safety Darren Sharper '97 and Indianapolis Colts defensive backs coach Alan Williams '92.
En route to being selected to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time during his illustrious career, Sharper played a key role in helping the Saints secure the top seed in the NFC and reach the organization's first Super Bowl appearance. Sharper recorded an NFL-best nine interceptions that he has returned for an NFL-record 376 yards this season, while he also set a career high and team record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns. Sharper will be making his second Super Bowl appearance of his career, as he helped the Green Bay Packers reach the 1998 title game as a rookie.
Williams will also be making his second Super Bowl appearance, as he helped guide the Colts to the championship in 2007 as the defensive backs coach.
W&M has had a number of former players either play or coach in the Super Bowl recently, as at least one alum has appeared in the game four consecutive seasons. A list of former Tribe players who have reached the Super Bowl recently as a player or coach is below.
2010
Darren Sharper ’97, Safety – New Orleans Saints
Alan Williams ’92, Defensive Backs Coach – Indianapolis Colts
2009
Mike Tomlin ’95, Head Coach – Pittsburgh Steelers
2008
Ivan Fears ’76, Running Backs Coach – New England Patriots
2007
Alan Williams ’92, Defensive Backs Coach – Indianapolis Colts
2005
Sean McDermott ’98, Secondary/Safties Coach (Currently Defensive Coordinator) – Philadelphia Eagles
Ivan Fears ’76, Running Backs Coach – New England Patriots
2004
Dan Henning ’64, Offensive Coordinator (Currently Offensive Coordinator for the Miami Dolphins) – Carolina Panthers
Ivan Fears ’76, Running Backs Coach – New England Patriots
2002
Ivan Fears ’76, Wide Receivers Coach– New England Patriots
