With last night’s big game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, let’s take a look back at some former NIU Huskies who have played in the Super Bowl.
Northern Illinois University may not be known as a football powerhouse, but a few former Huskies have reached the biggest stage in the NFL and left their mark on Super Bowl history.
Notable NIU Alumni in the Super Bowl
- Ryan Diem (Super Bowl XLI – Indianapolis Colts)
A dominant offensive lineman at NIU, Ryan Diem went on to have an impressive 11-year career with the Indianapolis Colts. He became the first Huskie to start in a Super Bowl, playing a crucial role in the Colts’ 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. His contributions helped protect Peyton Manning, securing a championship for Indianapolis. - Clarence Vaughn (Super Bowls XXII & XXVI – Washington Redskins)
Vaughn, a hard-hitting safety, is the only NIU alum to win multiple Super Bowl rings. He was part of Washington’s championship teams in Super Bowl XXII, when they defeated the Denver Broncos, and Super Bowl XXVI, when they took down the Buffalo Bills. Vaughn contributed on defense and special teams during both victories.
While there haven’t been many Huskies in the Super Bowl, these players made an impact and represented NIU on football’s biggest stage.
Super Bowl LIX Recap – Eagles vs. Chiefs
Last night’s Super Bowl featured a dominant performance from the Philadelphia Eagles, who defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The Eagles captured their second Lombardi Trophy and denied the Chiefs a historic three-peat.
- Jalen Hurts led the charge, throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns while also adding a rushing score. His performance earned him Super Bowl MVP honors.
- The Eagles’ defense stepped up, forcing multiple turnovers, including a pick-six by cornerback Cooper DeJean, which helped seal the victory.
- Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense struggled against a relentless Eagles defense, making it one of Mahomes’ toughest Super Bowl appearances.
The game capped off another exciting NFL season, and while there weren’t any NIU players on the field this year, the Huskies have had their moments in Super Bowl history. With NIU continuing to develop NFL talent, it may not be long before we see another Huskie competing for a championship!
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