Thursday, April 27, 2006
Miami wants new company to lead Orange Bowl renovations
It has taken Miami leaders more than a year to figure out what company should manage Orange Bowl renovations. A court battle is further clouding the issue.
Miami city commissioners today will consider picking a company to oversee a roughly $150 million renovation of the historic Orange Bowl stadium, home to the University of Miami football team.
There's only one problem: The city did the same thing more than a year ago, and now faces a legal mess because the first company chosen refuses to get out of the way.
That company, Wisconsin-based Hammes, is accusing the city of breaking a contract for political reasons.
City leaders counter that Hammes misled them into hiring a Florida subsidiary of Hammes when the city thought it was retaining the larger parent corporation.
City Manager Joe Arriola says Miami became worried that if something went wrong with the renovation, the smaller, Florida version of Hammes would have less money for Miami to recover.
''The last thing I want to do is hire somebody to do a $150 million project and not be able to go after them if they screw up,'' Arriola said.
FIRM SUES
City commissioners approved Hammes in March 2005, with a final contract signed by both the city and the company a couple of months later.
When Miami tried to back out, Hammes sued, asking in January for more than $2 million in damages and a court order forcing the city to execute the contract. The suit is pending.
In its legal complaint, Hammes says Miami's actions were ''politically motivated'' -- the city had recently come under criticism for awarding no-bid contracts, and so decided to void Hammes' deal, which was done without open competitive bidding by various companies.
''They were seemingly very concerned about how this was going to look,'' Hammes President Robert Dunn said. ``The contracting practices of the city of Miami are like nothing we've ever seen before.''
Hammes' lawsuit says that city leaders had ample opportunity to review their contract with Hammes before approving it, and so they have no right to cancel it now.
Arriola did not dispute that ''my wonderful legal department'' went over the contract before it was approved. But he said blame for the contract ended with the city's lawyers, not its managers.
''I'm not here to be a lawyer, OK?'' Arriola said, adding that the many months it has taken Miami to pick a project manager will not delay the Orange Bowl face-lift because Miami, until recently, was distracted from the issue anyway -- the city was focused on negotiations for a new Florida Marlins ballpark.
WORRIES VALID
University of Miami Law Professor Alan Swan, who has taught contract law for more than 20 years, said Miami's concern about which version of Hammes it negotiated with is a legitimate one.
Yet he was taken aback that Miami didn't figure out the issue before signing.
''What is it that the city is so careless that they don't really know who they're dealing with?'' Swan asked. ``Why did you sign the contract?''
Several weeks ago, city administrators tried to get the City Commission to void the original Hammes deal but couldn't muster the necessary votes.
Arriola said he's now got enough support and is confident that cancellation, and the selection of a new company, will happen today.
NEW FIRM TO BE NAMED
Meanwhile, City Commissioner Tomás Regalado said Miami's legal staff told him the potential new project manager -- Jones Lang Lasalle Americas, Inc. -- is being warned by the city it could get the contract, but then lose it should the courts decide Hammes had a right to keep it all along.
''This is a chain of mistakes,'' Regalado said. ``It's very strange.''
It has taken Miami leaders more than a year to figure out what company should manage Orange Bowl renovations. A court battle is further clouding the issue.
Miami city commissioners today will consider picking a company to oversee a roughly $150 million renovation of the historic Orange Bowl stadium, home to the University of Miami football team.
There's only one problem: The city did the same thing more than a year ago, and now faces a legal mess because the first company chosen refuses to get out of the way.
That company, Wisconsin-based Hammes, is accusing the city of breaking a contract for political reasons.
City leaders counter that Hammes misled them into hiring a Florida subsidiary of Hammes when the city thought it was retaining the larger parent corporation.
City Manager Joe Arriola says Miami became worried that if something went wrong with the renovation, the smaller, Florida version of Hammes would have less money for Miami to recover.
''The last thing I want to do is hire somebody to do a $150 million project and not be able to go after them if they screw up,'' Arriola said.
FIRM SUES
City commissioners approved Hammes in March 2005, with a final contract signed by both the city and the company a couple of months later.
When Miami tried to back out, Hammes sued, asking in January for more than $2 million in damages and a court order forcing the city to execute the contract. The suit is pending.
In its legal complaint, Hammes says Miami's actions were ''politically motivated'' -- the city had recently come under criticism for awarding no-bid contracts, and so decided to void Hammes' deal, which was done without open competitive bidding by various companies.
''They were seemingly very concerned about how this was going to look,'' Hammes President Robert Dunn said. ``The contracting practices of the city of Miami are like nothing we've ever seen before.''
Hammes' lawsuit says that city leaders had ample opportunity to review their contract with Hammes before approving it, and so they have no right to cancel it now.
Arriola did not dispute that ''my wonderful legal department'' went over the contract before it was approved. But he said blame for the contract ended with the city's lawyers, not its managers.
''I'm not here to be a lawyer, OK?'' Arriola said, adding that the many months it has taken Miami to pick a project manager will not delay the Orange Bowl face-lift because Miami, until recently, was distracted from the issue anyway -- the city was focused on negotiations for a new Florida Marlins ballpark.
WORRIES VALID
University of Miami Law Professor Alan Swan, who has taught contract law for more than 20 years, said Miami's concern about which version of Hammes it negotiated with is a legitimate one.
Yet he was taken aback that Miami didn't figure out the issue before signing.
''What is it that the city is so careless that they don't really know who they're dealing with?'' Swan asked. ``Why did you sign the contract?''
Several weeks ago, city administrators tried to get the City Commission to void the original Hammes deal but couldn't muster the necessary votes.
Arriola said he's now got enough support and is confident that cancellation, and the selection of a new company, will happen today.
NEW FIRM TO BE NAMED
Meanwhile, City Commissioner Tomás Regalado said Miami's legal staff told him the potential new project manager -- Jones Lang Lasalle Americas, Inc. -- is being warned by the city it could get the contract, but then lose it should the courts decide Hammes had a right to keep it all along.
''This is a chain of mistakes,'' Regalado said. ``It's very strange.''
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
State House honors PSU, Paterno
Unanimously, the state House approved a resolution honoring Penn State and Coach Joe Paterno on the 11-1 football season and Orange Bowl victory.
The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Lynn Herman, R-Philipsburg.
"This season has marked an extraordinary turnaround for the team and is further evidence of Joe Paterno's coaching ability in his 40th year as head coach," Herman said, noting Paterno won coach of the year honors.
Unanimously, the state House approved a resolution honoring Penn State and Coach Joe Paterno on the 11-1 football season and Orange Bowl victory.
The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Lynn Herman, R-Philipsburg.
"This season has marked an extraordinary turnaround for the team and is further evidence of Joe Paterno's coaching ability in his 40th year as head coach," Herman said, noting Paterno won coach of the year honors.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
April 15th at the Orange Bowl
Get an inside look at your 2006 Miami Hurricanes football team on Saturday, April 15th at the Orange Bowl. BankUnited CanesFest features a select-a-seat for season ticket holders, the annual spring football game, a tour of the locker room, and autographs from some of your favorite Hurricane players. In addition, Sebastian the Ibis will be on hand to entertain fans of all ages.
Get an inside look at your 2006 Miami Hurricanes football team on Saturday, April 15th at the Orange Bowl. BankUnited CanesFest features a select-a-seat for season ticket holders, the annual spring football game, a tour of the locker room, and autographs from some of your favorite Hurricane players. In addition, Sebastian the Ibis will be on hand to entertain fans of all ages.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
No Change in BCS Formula
The most successful championship game in Bowl Championship Series history apparently has led to peace in the offseason. For the first time since 1999, the ratings system for college football's controversial postseason will go unchanged into the 2006 season, SEC commissioner Mike Slive told Sporting News on Tuesday.
Although the BCS will add a fifth game this fall to give non-BCS leagues more access to the series, the formula for figuring the complex ratings system is set. The series will use the coaches poll, the Harris poll and an average of six computer rankings -- all weighted equally -- to determine the No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup.
"I don't want to deal in the world of speculation," Slive said, "But I don't see any significant changes. Then again, it's early in the day."
The way things unfolded last season, it's easy for Slive and the rest of the BCS to take playful, self-deprecating shots. The 2005 season began with a new poll (Harris Interactive Poll) replacing the historical Associated Press Poll, and finished with two unbeatens (Texas and USC) playing in the most-anticipated, most-viewed championship game in series history.
But that dream scenario came on the heels of two consecutive postseasons filled with controversy and debate over which teams deserved to play in the BCS national title game. In each season, there were at least three teams for two spots: USC, Oklahoma and LSU in 2003, USC, Oklahoma, Auburn and Utah in 2004.
There was talk that some administrators were interested in taking away an automatic bid for any team ranked No. 3 or No. 4 in the final BCS standings, in an effort to broaden the field for the bowls. Any such change, though, likely will be met with resistance from FOX, which now has exclusive rights to the Sugar, Orange and Fiesta bowls and the national championship game. The Rose Bowl will stay with ABC.
The BCS will hold its annual meetings in late April in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The most successful championship game in Bowl Championship Series history apparently has led to peace in the offseason. For the first time since 1999, the ratings system for college football's controversial postseason will go unchanged into the 2006 season, SEC commissioner Mike Slive told Sporting News on Tuesday.
Although the BCS will add a fifth game this fall to give non-BCS leagues more access to the series, the formula for figuring the complex ratings system is set. The series will use the coaches poll, the Harris poll and an average of six computer rankings -- all weighted equally -- to determine the No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup.
"I don't want to deal in the world of speculation," Slive said, "But I don't see any significant changes. Then again, it's early in the day."
The way things unfolded last season, it's easy for Slive and the rest of the BCS to take playful, self-deprecating shots. The 2005 season began with a new poll (Harris Interactive Poll) replacing the historical Associated Press Poll, and finished with two unbeatens (Texas and USC) playing in the most-anticipated, most-viewed championship game in series history.
But that dream scenario came on the heels of two consecutive postseasons filled with controversy and debate over which teams deserved to play in the BCS national title game. In each season, there were at least three teams for two spots: USC, Oklahoma and LSU in 2003, USC, Oklahoma, Auburn and Utah in 2004.
There was talk that some administrators were interested in taking away an automatic bid for any team ranked No. 3 or No. 4 in the final BCS standings, in an effort to broaden the field for the bowls. Any such change, though, likely will be met with resistance from FOX, which now has exclusive rights to the Sugar, Orange and Fiesta bowls and the national championship game. The Rose Bowl will stay with ABC.
The BCS will hold its annual meetings in late April in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Bowl Championship Series History
The BCS was established to determine the national champion for college football while maintaining and enhancing the bowl system that's nearly 100 years old. The BCS has quickly become a showcase for the sport, matching the best teams at the end of the season. The BCS, which runs through the 2005 regular season and 2006 bowl season, consists of the Rose Bowl, Nokia Sugar Bowl, FedEx Orange Bowl and the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Before the start of the 1998 season, those bowls joined with the Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big 12, Big Ten, Pacific-10 and Southeastern Conferences and the University of Notre Dame to form the BCS. Conference USA also signed on to the agreement. Until the early 1990s the selection process for major bowl matchups with affiliated conference champions was totally disorganized and in many cases resulted in a chaotic situation. Some bowls would effectively make selections after seven or eight games. The BCS has worked to develop a system that not only allows the selection process to be completed at the end of the regular season and creates better matchups. For the first time in college football history the BCS has opened the bowl agreements more so than they have ever been, and in doing so have elevated the possibility of excitement in college football. But, at the same time, it's being done within the framework of the bowl system that has been an integral part of the tradition and success of college football. Look no further than last season's Fiesta Bowl matchup as an example of the BCS at its best. There are two at-large positions in the BCS that are open to any Division I-A team. This allows any Division I-A school in the nation the opportunity to play in a BCS bowl game, should it qualify to play in the National Championship game or be selected by one of the bowls. The BCS also notes the importance of traditional and regional considerations regarding team selection. Specifically, the four BCS Bowls will host the following conference champions in the years the national championship game is not played at their site. These consideration tie-ins include the ACC or Big East champion in the FedEx Orange Bowl, the SEC champion in the Nokia Sugar Bowl, the Big Ten and the Pac-10 champions in the Rose Bowl and the Big 12 champion in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Should a BCS Bowl's host champion be ranked number one or two in the final BCS standings, when such bowl is not hosting the national championship game, the number one- or two-ranked team shall move to the national championship game and the Bowl shall select a replacement team from the BCS pool of eligible teams. The pool will consist of any Division I-A team that is ranked among the Top 12 in the final BCS standings and has achieved at least nine wins during the regular season (excluding NCAA-exempted contests).
The BCS was established to determine the national champion for college football while maintaining and enhancing the bowl system that's nearly 100 years old. The BCS has quickly become a showcase for the sport, matching the best teams at the end of the season. The BCS, which runs through the 2005 regular season and 2006 bowl season, consists of the Rose Bowl, Nokia Sugar Bowl, FedEx Orange Bowl and the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Before the start of the 1998 season, those bowls joined with the Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big 12, Big Ten, Pacific-10 and Southeastern Conferences and the University of Notre Dame to form the BCS. Conference USA also signed on to the agreement. Until the early 1990s the selection process for major bowl matchups with affiliated conference champions was totally disorganized and in many cases resulted in a chaotic situation. Some bowls would effectively make selections after seven or eight games. The BCS has worked to develop a system that not only allows the selection process to be completed at the end of the regular season and creates better matchups. For the first time in college football history the BCS has opened the bowl agreements more so than they have ever been, and in doing so have elevated the possibility of excitement in college football. But, at the same time, it's being done within the framework of the bowl system that has been an integral part of the tradition and success of college football. Look no further than last season's Fiesta Bowl matchup as an example of the BCS at its best. There are two at-large positions in the BCS that are open to any Division I-A team. This allows any Division I-A school in the nation the opportunity to play in a BCS bowl game, should it qualify to play in the National Championship game or be selected by one of the bowls. The BCS also notes the importance of traditional and regional considerations regarding team selection. Specifically, the four BCS Bowls will host the following conference champions in the years the national championship game is not played at their site. These consideration tie-ins include the ACC or Big East champion in the FedEx Orange Bowl, the SEC champion in the Nokia Sugar Bowl, the Big Ten and the Pac-10 champions in the Rose Bowl and the Big 12 champion in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Should a BCS Bowl's host champion be ranked number one or two in the final BCS standings, when such bowl is not hosting the national championship game, the number one- or two-ranked team shall move to the national championship game and the Bowl shall select a replacement team from the BCS pool of eligible teams. The pool will consist of any Division I-A team that is ranked among the Top 12 in the final BCS standings and has achieved at least nine wins during the regular season (excluding NCAA-exempted contests).
Orange Bowl Committee Honors Thurgood Marshall
The Orange Bowl Foundation is sponsoring its annual Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Essay Contest open to South Florida high school seniors planning to attend college in the next academic session. The contest rules require a response to one of three questions in a double-spaced 500-750 word typed essay:
• ``Thurgood Marshall was the grandson of a slave. Despite experiencing racial, social and economic injustices, he focused on educating himself and became an advocate for others. He invested countless hours to ensure equal access to education for all Americans. How did Thurgood Marshall improve educational opportunities for minorities?''
• ``In 1930, Thurgood Marshall applied to the University of Maryland Law School but was denied admission because of the color of his skin. Three years later, Marshall, now a young lawyer, successfully sued the University of Maryland for failure to admit a young African-American male into its program. What lessons can we learn from Thurgood Marshall? How can you use your education to empower yourself or others?''
• ``Imagine it is 2009 and you have been invited to return to your high school to give the commencement address. What will they say you have accomplished since you graduated? What issues would they describe that you have supported in the three years since graduation?''
The deadline for essay submissions is 5 p.m. Feb. 17. The top winner will get a laptop computer, a $2,000 scholarship and gift certificates. Three runners-up will get a $1,000 scholarship and gift certificates. All winners will be recognized at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Orange Bowl Foundation Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Gala on March 3.
The Orange Bowl Foundation is sponsoring its annual Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Essay Contest open to South Florida high school seniors planning to attend college in the next academic session. The contest rules require a response to one of three questions in a double-spaced 500-750 word typed essay:
• ``Thurgood Marshall was the grandson of a slave. Despite experiencing racial, social and economic injustices, he focused on educating himself and became an advocate for others. He invested countless hours to ensure equal access to education for all Americans. How did Thurgood Marshall improve educational opportunities for minorities?''
• ``In 1930, Thurgood Marshall applied to the University of Maryland Law School but was denied admission because of the color of his skin. Three years later, Marshall, now a young lawyer, successfully sued the University of Maryland for failure to admit a young African-American male into its program. What lessons can we learn from Thurgood Marshall? How can you use your education to empower yourself or others?''
• ``Imagine it is 2009 and you have been invited to return to your high school to give the commencement address. What will they say you have accomplished since you graduated? What issues would they describe that you have supported in the three years since graduation?''
The deadline for essay submissions is 5 p.m. Feb. 17. The top winner will get a laptop computer, a $2,000 scholarship and gift certificates. Three runners-up will get a $1,000 scholarship and gift certificates. All winners will be recognized at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Orange Bowl Foundation Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Gala on March 3.
Another Dotson Begins Tenure As Orange Bowl Committee President
Albert E. Dotson, Jr., a partner with the Miami law firm of Bilzin Sumberg, was installed as the 68th President of the Orange Bowl Committee on (OBC) on Thursday, February 2nd, at an evening gala reception held at the Riviera Golf and Country Club in Coral Gables.
Dotson, who was born in Detroit, Michigan and moved to Miami in 1976, is a second generation Orange Bowl Committee member who was first elected to the OBC in 1993. He follows in the path of his father, Albert E. Dotson, Sr., a senior OBC member, who has been in the OBC since 1989 and served as the OBC’s President in 1998-99. He and wife, Gail Ash Dotson, have two children, Ashley, and Albert III.
The gavel was passed to Dotson from Peter T. Pruitt, Jr., who served as President during the OBC’s most-recent Festival in 2005-06.
Dotson will preside over the Orange Bowl Committee for the 2006-07 Festival, which includes the 73rd Annual FedEx Orange Bowl, the 13th Annual MetroPCS Orange Bowl Basketball Classic and the eighth season of the Orange Bowl Youth Football League. The FedEx Orange Bowl will take place January 2, 2007 at Dolphins Stadium in Miami Gardens.
“For over 72 years, the Orange Bowl has uplifted collegiate sports and highlighted South Florida's ever-progressing landscape,” said Dotson. “Given the rich history and continuing promise, being a part of the Orange Bowl Committee and having the opportunity to serve as its President for the 2006-07 Festival is truly an honor. We are going to work extremely hard in making sure that this year will be one our entire community will remember. We will start to honor our 75th Anniversary two years in advance by planning for that epic year, which coincides with our next hosting of the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game.”
Fellow OBC member Thomas D. Wood, Jr. (1995) moves into Dotson’s previous role of President-Elect and will serve as the 69th President during the 2007-08 year. OBC member S. Daniel Ponce (1994) will move into the first Vice President seat and will be President during the heralded 75th Anniversary season in 2008-09. Chief Executive Officer Keith R. Tribble will be entering his 14th year at the OBC in 2006-07. The remaining seats on the OBC Board of Directors will be filled following elections at the first OBC meeting of the calendar year.
Dotson received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth in 1982 then went on to Vanderbilt where he received his Law degree in 1987. He is currently an equity partner at the firm Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP. He handles matters regarding federal and local government procurement contracts and compliance. Additionally, Dotson represents real estate developers in securing land use, zoning and other government approvals and permits for large-scale real estate developments in Miami-Dade County. Also, he negotiates economic development incentive programs on behalf of major U.S. corporate clients.
Dotson is a well-received and respected member of the South Florida community who has received countless accolades for his hard work and dedication to many causes.
Albert E. Dotson, Jr., a partner with the Miami law firm of Bilzin Sumberg, was installed as the 68th President of the Orange Bowl Committee on (OBC) on Thursday, February 2nd, at an evening gala reception held at the Riviera Golf and Country Club in Coral Gables.
Dotson, who was born in Detroit, Michigan and moved to Miami in 1976, is a second generation Orange Bowl Committee member who was first elected to the OBC in 1993. He follows in the path of his father, Albert E. Dotson, Sr., a senior OBC member, who has been in the OBC since 1989 and served as the OBC’s President in 1998-99. He and wife, Gail Ash Dotson, have two children, Ashley, and Albert III.
The gavel was passed to Dotson from Peter T. Pruitt, Jr., who served as President during the OBC’s most-recent Festival in 2005-06.
Dotson will preside over the Orange Bowl Committee for the 2006-07 Festival, which includes the 73rd Annual FedEx Orange Bowl, the 13th Annual MetroPCS Orange Bowl Basketball Classic and the eighth season of the Orange Bowl Youth Football League. The FedEx Orange Bowl will take place January 2, 2007 at Dolphins Stadium in Miami Gardens.
“For over 72 years, the Orange Bowl has uplifted collegiate sports and highlighted South Florida's ever-progressing landscape,” said Dotson. “Given the rich history and continuing promise, being a part of the Orange Bowl Committee and having the opportunity to serve as its President for the 2006-07 Festival is truly an honor. We are going to work extremely hard in making sure that this year will be one our entire community will remember. We will start to honor our 75th Anniversary two years in advance by planning for that epic year, which coincides with our next hosting of the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game.”
Fellow OBC member Thomas D. Wood, Jr. (1995) moves into Dotson’s previous role of President-Elect and will serve as the 69th President during the 2007-08 year. OBC member S. Daniel Ponce (1994) will move into the first Vice President seat and will be President during the heralded 75th Anniversary season in 2008-09. Chief Executive Officer Keith R. Tribble will be entering his 14th year at the OBC in 2006-07. The remaining seats on the OBC Board of Directors will be filled following elections at the first OBC meeting of the calendar year.
Dotson received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth in 1982 then went on to Vanderbilt where he received his Law degree in 1987. He is currently an equity partner at the firm Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP. He handles matters regarding federal and local government procurement contracts and compliance. Additionally, Dotson represents real estate developers in securing land use, zoning and other government approvals and permits for large-scale real estate developments in Miami-Dade County. Also, he negotiates economic development incentive programs on behalf of major U.S. corporate clients.
Dotson is a well-received and respected member of the South Florida community who has received countless accolades for his hard work and dedication to many causes.
Going head-to-head in this Super Bowl XL match-up between the Seattle Seahawks and the Pittsburgh Steelers are a combined 17 players who have played in the FedEx Orange Bowl.
The NFC Champion Seahawks have nine players on its roster whose college team played in the FedEx Orange Bowl during their career, while the AFC Champion Steelers have eight.
Seattle’s Orange Bowl veterans include: Shaun Alexander (Alabama 2000); Michael Boulware (Florida State 2001, 04); Steve Hutchinson (Michigan 2000); C.J. Jones (Iowa 2003) Ryan Killeen (USC 2003, 05); Marquand Manuel (Florida 1999); Lofa Tatupu (USC 2003, 05); Ray Willis (Florida State 2004); Grant Wistrom (Nebraska 1995, 98).
Pittsburgh’s Orange Bowl veterans include Jerome Bettis (Notre Dame 1991); Larry Foote (Michigan 2000); Chris Hope (Florida State 2001); Erik Jensen (Iowa 2003); Bryant McFadden (Florida State 2004); Troy Polamalu (USC 2003); Max Starks (Florida 2002); Cedrick Wilson (Tennessee 1998).
In the 39 previous Super Bowl’s Orange Bowl veterans have gone on to claim MVP honors eight times. Most recently, New England’s Tom Brady (Michigan 2000) was selected MVP of the XXXVIII and XXXVI games. Baltimore’s Ray Lewis (Miami 1995) was the MVP of the XXXV game.
To start off history Bart Starr (Alabama 1953) was the MVP of the first two Super Bowls, followed by fellow Crimson Tide alum Joe Namath (Alabama 1963, 65) was the MVP of Super Bowl III. Franco Harris (Penn State 1969, 70) was MVP of Super Bowl IX and John Riggins (Kansas 1969) was MVP of Super Bowl XVII.
Super Bowl XL will be played at Detroit’s Ford Field on Sunday February 5 beginning at 6 p.m.
The NFC Champion Seahawks have nine players on its roster whose college team played in the FedEx Orange Bowl during their career, while the AFC Champion Steelers have eight.
Seattle’s Orange Bowl veterans include: Shaun Alexander (Alabama 2000); Michael Boulware (Florida State 2001, 04); Steve Hutchinson (Michigan 2000); C.J. Jones (Iowa 2003) Ryan Killeen (USC 2003, 05); Marquand Manuel (Florida 1999); Lofa Tatupu (USC 2003, 05); Ray Willis (Florida State 2004); Grant Wistrom (Nebraska 1995, 98).
Pittsburgh’s Orange Bowl veterans include Jerome Bettis (Notre Dame 1991); Larry Foote (Michigan 2000); Chris Hope (Florida State 2001); Erik Jensen (Iowa 2003); Bryant McFadden (Florida State 2004); Troy Polamalu (USC 2003); Max Starks (Florida 2002); Cedrick Wilson (Tennessee 1998).
In the 39 previous Super Bowl’s Orange Bowl veterans have gone on to claim MVP honors eight times. Most recently, New England’s Tom Brady (Michigan 2000) was selected MVP of the XXXVIII and XXXVI games. Baltimore’s Ray Lewis (Miami 1995) was the MVP of the XXXV game.
To start off history Bart Starr (Alabama 1953) was the MVP of the first two Super Bowls, followed by fellow Crimson Tide alum Joe Namath (Alabama 1963, 65) was the MVP of Super Bowl III. Franco Harris (Penn State 1969, 70) was MVP of Super Bowl IX and John Riggins (Kansas 1969) was MVP of Super Bowl XVII.
Super Bowl XL will be played at Detroit’s Ford Field on Sunday February 5 beginning at 6 p.m.
