Did you know more than a dozen SigEps have historic Super Bowl connections? These legendary brothers have made a name for themselves on and off the field. From 2002 NFL MVP Rich Gannon, Delaware ’87, to three-time Super Bowler Keith Bishop, Baylor ’80, brothers have made an impact at the big game throughout the years. From Ben Tompkins, Texas-Austin ’52, who refereed two Super Bowls to Thad Bogardus, Elon ’11, who will be coaching in Super Bowl LVI as assistant linebackers coach for the Rams, SigEps have also assisted Super Bowls on the sidelines.
Ben Tompkins, Texas-Austin ’52, officiated Super Bowls XIV and XVIII during his 20-year career as an NFL referee. In college, he started at QB for Texas, winning a conference championship, and went on to play baseball for six seasons in the Phillies organization before becoming an NFL referee.
Doug Atkins, Tennessee ’53, was a Hall of Fame defensive end for the Browns, Bears and Saints. With the Browns in 1954, Atkins won the NFL Championship (before the existence of the Super Bowl). Drafted #11 in 1953, Atkins started in eight Pro Bowls, and his No. 91 is retired at Tennessee.
Prior to the existence of the Super Bowl, running back Billy Barnes, Wake Forest ’57, was a key member of the Eagles backfield that won the 1960 NFL Championship. He enjoyed a nine-year NFL career, including three Pro Bowl appearances, and went on to coach for the Falcons.
Bob Lilly, Texas Christian ’61, and 1975 SigEp Citation recipient, made the most memorable play of Super Bowl VI with a 29-yard sack of Dolphins QB Bob Griese, at the time the longest sack in NFL history. Lilly also played in Super Bowl V. He was with the Dallas Cowboys his entire career, appeared in 11 Pro Bowls as a defensive lineman and in 1981, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Bill Brown, Illinois ’61, appeared in four Pro Bowls and won an NFL Championship with the Vikings in 1969. He holds Vikings running back records for most games played, consecutive games played and most games started. His son-in-law is Delaware SigEp and 2002 NFL MVP Rich Gannon.
Hall of Fame safety Johnny Robinson, Baker ’71, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019. Super Bowl IV champion with the Chiefs, he also appeared in Super Bowl I and played for 12 years in the NFL and AFL. A college football national champion with LSU in 1958, Robinson was initiated into SigEp’s Baker chapter in 1971 and received the SigEp Citation for his achievements in 1973.
Keith Bishop, Baylor ’80, a two-time Pro Bowl guard for the Broncos, appeared in three Super Bowls: XXI, XXII and XXIV.
Vann McElroy, Baylor ’82, a two-time Pro Bowl selection as a safety, won Super Bowl XVIII with the Raiders. He enjoyed a nine-year career with the Raiders and Seahawks.
Rich Gannon, Delaware ’87, led the Raiders to Super Bowl XXXIII. NFL MVP and passing yards leader in 2002, Gannon enjoyed an 18-year career as an NFL QB, including four Pro Bowl appearances. Gannon’s father-in-law is Illinois Alpha brother Bill Brown, himself an All-Pro halfback.
Keith Bruce, Illinois ’87, led the implementation of Super Bowl 50 as CEO and president of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl Host Committee. Under Keith’s leadership, Super Bowl 50 set viewership records and made an impact on the community, with over $13 million raised for local philanthropic causes. He currently leads QuintEvents International, implementing global events for Formula One Experiences. Bruce received the SigEp Citation in 2017.
Joe Barry, Michigan ’93, is currently defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers and has enjoyed a career as an NFL coach since 2000, including DC positions for the Lions and Washington. Barry won Super Bowl XXXVIII with the Buccaneers as linebackers coach under Jon Gruden.
Kyle Richardson, Arkansas State ’96, had a career as a punter spanning nearly a decade. With the Ravens in 2000, he won Super Bowl XXXV over the Giants. The two teams set the combined record for most punts in a Super Bowl.
Thad Bogardus, Elon ’11, will be coaching in the Super Bowl LVI as assistant linebackers coach for the Rams. In his fifth year with the Rams on the defensive side of the ball, Bogardus coached three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald as an assistant DL coach. Prior to the Rams, he was with the Broncos for two years, including as a coaching intern as Denver won the 2015 Super Bowl. He started with the Ball State football program and got his first NFL job with the Bills.
Did we miss a brother with a Super Bowl connection? Let us know in the comments.
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