For the third consecutive year, a former Apache of the Tyler Junior College football team played in the Super Bowl.
Mitch Berger, punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers, played football at TJC during the 1990 football season. He later transferred to the University of Colorado, where he was the starting punter for three seasons.
He first played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1994. He has spent 14 seasons in the NFL and has made two Pro-Bowls, but this is Berger’s first Super Bowl.
Last year’s Super Bowl XLII also had a former apache. Safety Michael Johnson played for the New York Giants, also the winning team.
Two years ago in Super Bowl XLI, former Apache Dominic Rhodes held the running back position for the Indianapolis Colts, again, the winning team.
The game was held at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The half time entertainment was provided by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band.
By the end of the game Mitch Berger became the third consecutive Apache to win the Super Bowl, as Pittsburgh Steelers squeaked out the victory with a touchdown pass by Ben Roethlisberger and catch by Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds left to beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23.
