FightingIllini.com
The Official Home of University of Illinois Athletics
- Men's Sports
- MEN'S SPORTS
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Football
- Golf
- WOMEN'S SPORTS
- Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Soccer
Hayden and Thomas Bound for Super Bowl XLIV
  |
|
Kelvin Hayden
|
Jan. 25, 2010
Former University of Illinois cornerback Kelvin Hayden and running back Pierre Thomas helped lead their respective teams to conference championships on Sunday, and a trip to Super Bowl XLIV. Hayden intercepted a Matt Sanchez pass to seal the fate for the Colts in the final minutes of Indianapolis' 30-17 win over the New York Jets. Thomas' two-touchdown performance helped pace New Orleans to a 31-28 overtime win over Minnesota.
In addition to the pair of players, four former Illini assistant coaches are also currently with the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts -- Saints' head coach Sean Payton, Saints special teams coach Greg McMahon, Saints assistant special teams coach Mike Mallory and Colts defensive line coach John Teerlinck. This weekend's wins mark Teerlinck's third trip to the Super Bowl and Payton's second.
ILLINI IN NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints: Caught two passes for 38 yards including the Saints' first touchdown of the game, a 38-yard reception from Drew Brees. Also rushed for 61 yards and scored on a nine-yard run in the third quarter. Returned one kickoff 40 yards in overtime to set up New Orleans' game-winning 40-yard field goal.
View First Touchdown
View Second Touchdown
Greg Lewis, WR, Minnesota Vikings: Was active for the NFC Championship game, but didn't record any catches.
J Leman, LB, Minnesota Vikings: Was not active for the NFC Championship game.
ILLINI IN AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Kelvin Hayden, CB, Indianapolis Colts: Started his eighth game at cornerback and recorded his first interception of the season with 2:05 left in the game halting a driving Jets offense. He recorded six tackles and two additional pass breakups in the Colts' 30-17 win over New York.
Brandon Moore, OG, New York Jets: Started his 96th career game and helped the Jets to 388 yards of total offense in the 17-30 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Steve Weatherford, P, New York Jets: Averaged 51.0 yards on four punts, including a long of 61 yards and two downed inside the 20 yardline. He helped give the Jets a 45.0 net average on punts and allowed only one Indianapolis return for four yards.
