Marshall Football: Herd Lands Four in Super Bowl

While most are talking about brothers Jim and John Harabaugh meeting in Super Bowl XLVII, it is far from the biggest story in Huntington. When the final whistle blew during Sunday's NFC and AFC championship games it became apparent that four Marshall alumni will be participating in this years big game.

After taking a year off, Randy Moss returned to football this season with the San Francisco 49ers. One of the most prolific receivers in Marshall and NFL history, Moss finished fourth on San Francisco with 434 receiving yards, catching 28 passes and three touchdowns.

Also representing San Francisco, former Marshall safety C.J Spillman has turned himself into one of the 49ers best special teams players. A Pro Bowl alternate, Spillman finished the year with 10 tackles and a key fumble recovery in the divisional playoff round against the Green Bay Packers.

In Baltimore, linebacker Albert McClellan has moved from practice squad player to solid contributor. Receiving the most playing time in his three year NFL career, McClellan recorded 49 tackles, two forced fumbles, and a sack this season.

Joining McClellan in Baltimore, Omar Brown was signed as a undrafted free agent this offseason. After spending the majority of the year on the Ravens practice squad, the former all C-USA safety was promoted to the 53-man roster before week 15. In the seasons last three games Brown made his presence felt, registering two tackles and a sack.

Marshall's four Super Bowl alumni only ranks behind Miami (7) and Oregon (5).