Jan. 7, 2011
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By Leigh Torbin
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Four of UCF's NFL alumni begin their quest for a Super Bowl ring on Sunday when the NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles play host to the Green Bay Packers at 4:30 ET on FOX.
The Eagles lineup features Pro Bowl starter Asante Samuel while the Packers' lineup includes Josh Sitton, a near-Pro Bowler himself, and Atari Bigby. Former Knight Michael Greco is on the Packers' practice squad.
Samuel led the NFC with seven interceptions in 2010 and tied for second in the NFL behind only Baltimore's Ed Reed's eight. Devin McCourty of New England and Troy Polamalu of Pittsburgh also picked off seven passes in 2010. Impressively, Samuel made those seven interceptions while playing in just 11 games due to injury. Samuel is hoping to make his fourth Super Bowl appearance, claiming two rings while playing for the New England Patriots.
Sitton won the fan vote to start at guard for the NFL in the Pro Bowl but didn't earn a spot on the team. He has been selected as an alternate for the showcase event. Sitton has started every game for Green Bay this year and helped the Packer offenses throughout their playoff run as the team's best blocker. Bigby was a starter for Green Bay at safety in 2009 but was hampered by injuries for much of this season. He made six tackles and appeared in four games this fall, contests where the Packers went 3-1 with the lone loss coming at New England. Greco has had two stints with the Packers' practice squad this year after being released by the New York Giants following preseason camp.
To catch the next round of NFL Knights in action for UCF as they defend the Conference USA championship, place your deposit now for 2011 football season tickets. Contact the UCF Athletics ticket office at (407) 823-1000 for more information.