Former Golden Flashes continue Kent State’s strong ties to Patriots and Super Bowl
On Feb. 3, 2008, Julian Edelman and Josh Kline both watched the New England Patriots play in Super Bowl XLII. Three days later, Kline signed a national letter of intent to become Edelman’s teammate at Kent State. Little did they know, they’d be preparing to represent the Patriots seven years later on the world’s biggest stage.
Now in his sixth year with the Patriots, Edelman is heading to his second Super Bowl as the team’s top receiver. The former All-Mid-American Conference Kent State quarterback has made more than 90 catches in each of the past two seasons.
Kline is in his second season with New England and is coming off his first career postseason start at right guard. As a rookie, he played in seven games, starting one. This season, Kline took full advantage of his opportunities, playing in the last 11 regular season games with four starts.
The Kent State Golden Flashes’ football program also will be represented by Josh Boyer, New England’s cornerbacks coach. Boyer’s coaching beginnings go back to Kent State, where he served as a graduate assistant in 2002 and 2003 under Dean Pees.
Coincidentally, Pees also made a pair of trips to the Super Bowl with the Patriots. The Golden Flashes’ head coach from 1998-2003, Pees was the linebackers coach during New England’s run to Super Bowl XXXIX and was elevated to defensive coordinator, before making his way back to the big game in 2008.
Former Golden Flashes with the Patriots in the Super Bowl doesn’t end there. Ken Walter punted for both Kent State and New England’s Super Bowl XXXVI and XXXVIII teams. Just five years before Walter’s first appearance, Mike “Scooter” McGruder represented Kent State and the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI.
Kent State is just one of 15 institutions to have two players on the same Super Bowl team this season. Since former running back Don Nottingham’s appearance in 1974, Kent State has been well represented at the Super Bowl.
Former Kent State players in the Super Bowl:
| Player | Years at Kent State | Super Bowl(s) | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Kline | 2008-12 | XLIX | New England Patriots |
| Julian Edelman | 2006-08 | XLVI, XLIX | New England Patriots |
| James Harrison | 1999-2001 | XL, XLIII, XLV | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Usama Young | 2003-06 | XLIV | New Orleans Saints |
| Danny Muir | 2003-06 | XLIV | Indianapolis Colts |
| Ken Walter | 1992-94 | XXXVI, XXXVIII | New England Patriots |
| Eugene Baker | 1995-98 | XXXVIII | Carolina Panthers |
| Dan Goodspeed | 1998-99 | XXXVII | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Jason Gavadza | 1996-99 | XXXV | Baltimore Ravens |
| O.J. Santiago | 1994-96 | XXXIII | Atlanta Falcons |
| Bob Hallen | 1994-97 | XXXIII | Atlanta Falcons |
| Mike McGruder | 1980-83 | XXXI | New England Patriots |
| Jack Lambert | 1971-73 | IX, X, XIII, XIV | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Don Nottingham | 1968-70 | VIII | Miami Dolphins |
Former Kent State coaches in the Super Bowl:
| Coach | Years at Kent State | Super Bowl(s) | Team(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Boyer | Grad Asst. (1998-2003) | XLVI, XLIX | New England Patriots |
| Dean Pees | Head (1998-2003) | XXXIX, XLII, XLVII | New England Patriots/Baltimore Ravens |
| Perry Fewell | Assistant (1988-91) | XLVI | New York Giants |
| Dom Capers | Grad Asst. (1972-74) | XLV | Green Bay Packers |
The Kent State community wishes good luck to its alumni at the Super Bowl.
For more information about Kent State Athletics, visit www.kentstatesports.com.
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Photo credit for Julian Edelman (top) and Josh Kline (bottom) photos: New England Patriots