Memorable Moments For Super Bowl Spotlight Shining on Ex-College Hoopers

Former NCAA Tournament hoopers Antonio Gates (Kent State) and Tony Gonzalez (California) - two of the top three tight end reception leaders in NFL history - never participated in the Super Bowl. The absence of their 22 combined years as NFL All-Pros helped open the door for some other ex-college hoopers to emerge in the Super Bowl spotlight. Following are the 10 most memorable plays in Super Bowl history - good and bad - involving former college hoopers:

1. Jacoby Jones (Lane TN hooper in 05-06) - Ravens WR supplied Super Bowl record 109-yard kickoff return for a touchdown opening the second half of SB XLVII against the 49ers.
2. Don Beebe (Aurora College IL 84/JV) - Despite trailing by 35 points, Bills WR delivered iconic hustle play in Super Bowl XXVII against the Cowboys when stripping Leon Lett of the ball for a touchback just before the showboating defensive end crossed the goal line following running more than 60 yards after fumble recovery.
3. John Mackey (Syracuse 61) - Colts TE had 75-yard reception on a deflected pass from Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas early in second quarter for first touchdown of game in Super Bowl V against the Cowboys.
4. Andre Rison (Michigan State 86-88) - Packers WR opened scoring in Super Bowl XXXI with a 54-yard touchdown reception from Brett Favre on their first pass play against the Patriots.
5. Otis Taylor (Prairie View A&M in early 60s) - Chiefs WR tallied a game-long 46-yard touchdown reception from Len Dawson (Purdue 57) to cap off scoring in Super Bowl IV. Taylor broke a sideline tackle attempt from Vikings LCB Earsell Mackbee (averaged 3.4 ppg for Utah State in 1964-65 as teammate of All-American Wayne Estes).
6. Antwan Randle El (Indiana 99) - Steelers WR threw flea flicker 43-yard touchdown pass to game MVP Hines Ward to cap off scoring in Super Bowl XL against the Seahawks.
7. Jordan Norwood (Penn State 07) - Broncos backup WR, escaping numerous Panthers defenders upon receiving punt, returned it for Super Bowl-record 61 yards in second quarter of Super Bowl 50.
8. Bob Griese (Purdue 65) - Dolphins QB sacked for a 29-yard loss by Cowboys RDT Bob Lilly late in opening quarter of Super Bowl VI.
9. Roger Staubach (Navy 63) - Five-time Pro Bowl TE Jackie Smith, lured out of St. Louis Cardinals retirement by Cowboys, was a little off-balance but flubbed the easiest of touchdown catches from Staubach hitting him right in numbers in third quarter of Super Bowl XIII four-point setback against the Steelers.
10. Percy Howard (Austin Peay State 73-75) - Cowboys backup WR had a 34-yard touchdown catch in Super Bowl X. It was one-hit wonder's only NFL reception. A Hail Mary pass in his general direction from Staubach at game's end was foiled by the Steelers.