Oregon Ducks In The NFL: Super Bowl 50 Has Strong Oregon Connection

The Oregon Ducks will be well represented in Super Bowl 50 with three players in Ed Dickson, Jonathan Stewart and T.J. Ward. The Ducks and Alabama Crimson Tide are the only team with at least three players in the game.

The season is long over for Oregon football fans, but they will recognize more then a few names playing in the big game. The Carolina Panthers the clear favorite to many experts, have a couple of Ducks on the offensive side of the ball. Jonathan Stewart a eight year veteran in the NFL, is listen as questionable with an ankle injury. He however will most likely play in the biggest game of his career. Stewart has had a good season carrying the ball 242 times, for 989 yards and six touchdowns. He had a stellar career as an Oregon Duck, playing three seasons and leaving his junior year in 2007. 2007 was also his best year, when he was named first team All Pac-10, Sun Bowl MVP and Doak Walker Semifinalist. He finished that season with 1,722 yards and 11 touchdowns.

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Ed Dickson, who plays the tight end position, which means he’s overshadowed by Greg Olsen, will probably get limited playing time. He has spent most of his six year career as a backup, Dickson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 201o. Dickson was with the team when they won the Super Bowl in 2012, he signed with the Panthers in 2014. He played tight end and defensive end for the Oregon Ducks but excelled at tight end. He was named first team All Pac-10 in 2009, when the Ducks won the Pac-10 championship.

The Carolina Panthers also have a Oregon State Beaver connection with backup quarterback Derek Anderson, a Scappoose native. He has played for a number of teams mostly as a backup and a starter for the Cleveland Browns. He remains a reliable second option at the quarterback position. David Mayo a rookie linebacker, who is used primarily on special teams, also played high school football at Scappoose.

T.J. Ward a strong safety for the Denver Broncos, will have the unfortunate task of trying to slow down Greg Olsen. Ward however is up to the task more then anybody. He is two time Pro Bowler and AFC champion. Ward once again has been a anchor on defense, with 61 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and six passes defended. Ward is listed at questionable with an ankle injury but has practiced with the team leading up to the Super Bowl. He played with Ed Dickson at Oregon, when they won the the Pac-10 championship in 2009. Even if you don’t like both teams you still have some Oregon Ducks to root for.

Next: Oregon Basketball Looks For 20th Win vs Utah

The Super Bowl kicks off between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 3:30pm Pacific Time on CBS.