Anthony Davis

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (February 1, 2013) – Rutgers is just one of four schools nationally with at least two position starters on the two Super Bowl XLVII participating teams – the AFC Champion Baltimore Ravens and the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers. The Scarlet Knights will have two active players on the field in Super Bowl XLVII– the second-most in school history, trailing only last season with three players.

Former All-America running back Ray Rice and his former RU teammate Alex Silvestro are on the roster for the AFC Champion Ravens. Rice carried the ball 19 times for 48 yards, including a two-yard touchdown run in the second quarter to give the Ravens a 7-3 lead in the AFC Championship game vs. New England. The running back also caught three passes out of the backfield for 22 yards.

“I’ve never been to a Super Bowl, but the one I watched was in college when I watched the [New York] Giants play,” said Rice from Super Bowl Media Day in New Orleans. “I was actually coming out for the draft. I was coming out of college my third year to the draft. I remember going out to the little lounge. We were training for the combine and ended up watching the Super Bowl party.”

Silvestro is on the Ravens’ practice squad. In just two years in the NFL, Silvestro has made trips to two Super Bowls after being active for the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.

Third-year pro Anthony Davis is the starting right tackle for the 49ers. Davis helped pave the way for the 49ers, who rushed for 149 yards in the NFC Championship game including three touchdowns on the ground. Davis blocked for running back Frank Gore, who picked up carried the ball 29 times for 90 yards. 

Davis knows the importance of playing in the Super Bowl. “It’s a big deal,” said the former RU All-American. “It’s our hopes and dreams coming true. You work so hard all year. It’s more than just the Super Bowl. It’s a way to finish off a great season.”

Davis, who at one time blocked for Rice en route to a school-record 2,000-yard season, is excited to face his former teammate on sport’s biggest stage. “It’s a big deal. I talked to him earlier this week. I’m sure his guys will play the game of their life and that’s what we’re trying to do over here.”

Sunday, February 3 – Super Bowl XLVII

Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers (CBS)

Baltimore: Ray Rice, Alex Silvestro (PS)
San Francisco: Anthony Davis

Former Scarlet Knights in the Super Bowl

Player                          Team                                  Super Bowl           Notes                          Career at Rutgers

Nate Jones                 New England Patriots       XLVI                     Reserve CB &             2000-03
Devin McCourty          New England Patriots       XLVI                     Starter at CB*           2005-09
Alex Silvestro              New England Patriots       XLVI                     Reserve DE $              2007-10
Gary Brackett             Indianapolis Colts             XLIV                     Starter at MLB           1999-2002
Eric Foster                  Indianapolis Colts             XLIV                     Played at DT             2004-07
Darnell Stapleton       Pittsburgh Steelers          XLIII                      Starter at RG              2005-06
Shaun O’Hara              New York Giants               XLII                       Starter at C *             1997-99
Gary Brackett             Indianapolis Colts             XLI                        Starter at MLB *       1999-2002
L.J. Smith                   Philadelphia Eagles           XXXIX                  Starter at TE               1999-2002
Harry Swayne              Baltimore Ravens             XXXV                   Starter at RT              1983-86
Harry Swayne              Denver Broncos                 XXXIII                Starter at RT              1983-86
Harry Swayne              Denver Broncos                 XXXII                    Reserve OT                 1983-86
Harry Swayne              San Diego Chargers          XXIX                     Starter at OT              1983-86
Ray Lucas                   New England Patriots       XXXI                     Played on ST               1992-95
James Jenkins           Washington Redskins       XXVI                      Reserve TE                  1987-90
Bill Pickel                    Los Angeles Raiders         XVIII                    Reserve DT                 1979-82

* Team Captain

$ Active, but did not play

Former Scarlet Knights to Win a Super Bowl Ring

Player                          Team                                  Super Bowl           Notes                                     Career at Rutgers

Brandon Bing              New York Giants               XLVI                     Practice squad member       2007-10
Darnell Stapleton       Pittsburgh Steelers          XLIII                      Starter at RG                         2005-06
Shaun O’Hara              New York Giants               XLII                     Starter at C *                                     1997-99
Gary Brackett             Indianapolis Colts             XLI                        Starter at MLB *                   1999-2002
Harry Swayne              Baltimore Ravens             XXXV                   Starter at RT                          1983-86
Harry Swayne              Denver Broncos                 XXXIII                 Starter at RT                                       1983-86
Harry Swayne              Denver Broncos                 XXXII                  Reserve OT                                          1983-86
James Jenkins           Washington Redskins       XXVI                      Reserve TE                                          1987-90
Bill Pickel                     Los Angeles Raiders       XVIII                        Reserve DT                                   1979-82