How USF alumni have impacted previous Super Bowls
USF football alumni have a storied history of appearing in the Super Bowl.
Former USF players have proved they are able to win at the highest level of the game, as 15 Bulls have made 22 Super Bowl appearances.
Related: USF football alumni to appear in second straight Super Bowl
Here’s a look at a few players that have made the biggest impact:
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE – Two appearances, two victories
Arguably one of the most successful USF alumni in the NFL, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul appeared in – and won – two Super Bowls.
His first victory came as a member of the New York Giants in 2012, defeating the New England Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl 46.
Pierre-Paul’s career came full circle nearly a decade later, returning to Tampa as a member of the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers took down the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in Super Bowl 56.
He recorded five total tackles in the two combined championship games.
Pierre-Paul played one season for the Bulls, garnering 45 tackles and 6.5 sacks in a breakout season in 2009.
He would forgo the rest of his eligibility and declare for the 2010 NFL Draft, becoming only the second USF player to be drafted in the first round.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR – Two appearances, one victory
Marques Valdes-Scantling – commonly known as ‘MVS’ – recorded zero receptions in his first championship appearance with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023. But, he played an instrumental role in getting them there in the first place.
Valdes-Scantling led the Chiefs with 116 receiving yards in their AFC Championship win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
His Super Bowl cold streak could change this weekend, as the Chiefs will take on the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday.
Related: Former Bulls make USF history in Super Bowl LVII
Valdes Scantling suited up for the Bulls from 2016-2017, racking up 1,294 yards and 11 touchdowns in two seasons.
His record of 879 receiving yards in a single season was broken by senior wide receiver Sean Atkins last season, who finished with 1,054 yards.
Kawika Mitchell, LB – One appearance, one victory
Former Bulls linebacker Kawika Mitchell was a key contributor to one of the most unlikely championship runs in NFL history
Mitchell was a part of the underdog New York Giants team that took down an undefeated New England Patriots team in Super Bowl 43 – the third biggest upset in Super Bowl history.
He recorded eight tackles and a sack in the improbable victory.
After transferring from Georgia, Mitchell started in 22 games for the Bulls between 2001-2002.
Austin Reiter, C – Three appearances, two victories
Austin Reiter – Valdes-Scatling’s NFL teammate – is also playing in his second Super Bowl this Sunday.
Reiter’s journey has been a bit different, however.
He won Super Bowl 54 as a part of the Chiefs before bouncing around the NFL for a couple of seasons. Reiter landed back with the Chiefs in 2022 as a member of the practice squad, earning his second Super Bowl last season.
Still on the practice squad, Reiter can become the first Bull to earn three NFL championship rings.
Reiter started in 46 games for the Bulls from 2011-2014.
He became known as the team’s ‘Ironman’ for playing almost every down in his final three seasons with the team.
The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will face off in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on CBS.
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