The Green Bay Packers might be favorites to win Super Bowl XLV by the early odds makers but it is not because of experience. The Steelers have 25 players on their current 53 man roster than have played in the big game as opposed to just 2 Packers players that can say they have played in a Super Bowl. The Steelers have several more that traveled with the team on the 53 man roster to a Super Bowl, but did not play in the actual game.
The toughest part outside of the actual game is the frenzy of the media, family and festivities leading up to the big game. Media day is an experience in itself and can be overwhelming for a player new to that spotlight. Players are also saddled with request from friends and family that often drive them bonkers as well. Lastly there are the nerves of playing in your first Super Bowl. Just ask Donovan McNabb about that.
The Steelers are a veteran team. The experienced veteran players will be able to prepare the first timers on what to expect and how to avoid the many pitfalls that are associated with the lead up to the actual game. They will be prepped on what not to say and how to handle friends and family as well. You can bet team leaders such as James Farrior and Hines Ward will play a big role in the overall preparation of the team both from a mental and a physical standpoint.
The Super Bowl is perhaps the largest sporting event on the face of the earth from a media and fan standpoint. It is an American institution for 45 years now. If anyone tells you experience doesn\’t matter in this big game, it is probably because they have no experience to fall back on. The Steelers do.
Below are the Steelers and Packers players on the current 53 man rosters with prior Super Bowl game experience.
Pittsburgh Steelers | ||
# | POS | PLAYER |
25 | FS | Ryan Clark |
93 | DE | Nick Eason |
51 | ILB | James Farrior |
50 | LB | Larry Foote |
57 | ILB | Keyaron Fox |
22 | CB | William Gay |
98 | NT | Casey Hampton |
92 | OLB | James Harrison |
76 | NT | Chris Hoke |
99 | DE | Brett Keisel |
68 | G | Chris Kemoeatu |
37 | DB | Anthony Madison |
20 | CB | Bryant McFadden |
83 | TE | Heath Miller |
21 | RB | Mewelde Moore |
43 | SS | Troy Polamalu |
82 | WR | Antwaan Randle El |
7 | QB | Ben Roethlisberger |
91 | DE | Aaron Smith |
89 | TE | Matt Spaeth |
24 | CB | Ike Taylor |
94 | LB | Lawrence Timmons |
86 | WR | Hines Ward |
60 | LS | Greg Warren |
56 | OLB | LaMarr Woodley |
Green Bay Packers | ||
# | POS | PLAYER |
21 | CB | Charles Woodson |
79 | DE | Ryan Pickett |