Jan. 17, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. - Former UCF cornerback Asante Samuel stood at an elite position in the professional football ranks on January 18 as his Philadelphia Eagles faced the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
This marked the fifth time that Samuel, a crucial offseason free agent signing by the Eagles, had been involved in a conference championship game. Samuel's teams have posted a 3-2 record in his trips, including four visits to the AFC title match as a member of the New England Patriots. It is the third straight year that Samuel has played for a berth in the Super Bowl.
Samuel was selected for his second straight Pro Bowl this year. He did not disappoint once the playoffs began, returning an interception 44 yards for a touchdown at Minnesota in the wild card round and then picking off a second postseason pass, while making four tackles, as the Eagles eliminated the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants in the divisional round at Giants Stadium. Samuel started 15 of Philadelphia's 16 regular season games, curiously missing only the Thanksgiving night matchup against Arizona.
Samuel is one of eight former Knights who have played in an NFL conference championship game and is one of four who have been victorious in at least one such contest. Former Knights are 7-7 all-time in their quests to earn a trip to the Super Bowl.
KNIGHTS IN THE AFC/NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Year: Player (Team, Result, Opponent)
2009: Asante Samuel (Philadelphia lost at Arizona)
2008: Asante Samuel (New England won vs. San Diego)
2008: Atari Bigby (Green Bay lost to New York Giants)
2007: Asante Samuel (New England lost at Indianapolis)
2007: Doug Gabriel (New England lost at Indianapolis)
2005: Michael Gaines (Carolina lost at Seattle)
2005: Cornell Green (Denver lost to Pittsburgh)
2004: Asante Samuel (New England won at Pittsburgh)
2003: Asante Samuel (New England won vs. Indianapolis)
2002: Cornell Green (Tampa Bay won at Philadelphia)
2000: Daunte Culpepper (Minnesota lost at New York Giants)
1999: Mike Gruttadauria (St. Louis won vs. Tampa Bay)
1996: Shawn Jefferson (New England won vs. Jacksonville)
1994: Shawn Jefferson (San Diego won at Pittsburgh)