PSU Will Be Represented in NFL Playoffs
By: K.C. Kantz
Updated: January 2, 2013
STATE COLLEGE, CENTRE COUNTY - Nine former Nittany Lions playing in the National Football League are on playoff teams, with at least one Penn Stater on seven of the squads vying for the Super Bowl XLVII title.
There are 30 former Nittany Lions with NFL teams, placing Penn State in the top 15 nationally among schools in producing current NFL players.
A pair of former Nittany Lions - wide receiver Deon Butler and fullback Michael Robinson -- are looking to help the Seattle Seahawks capture their first Super Bowl title. The Seahawks play at Washington on Sunday. Penn State career rushing yardage leader Evan Royster is in his second season with the Redskins.
Former "LinebackerU." standout NaVorro Bowman has had an All-Pro season in helping he San Francisco 49ers win the NFC West and a first round bye in the playoffs. Bowman was second in the NFL this season with 149 tackles. He also had one interception, one forced fumble and seven pass break-ups.
Tight end Andrew Quarless is in his third season with the NFC North Champion Green Bay Packers. During his rookie season, he helped the Packers win Super Bowl XLV. Quarless is on the Packers' injured reserve list and rookie safety Chaz Powell is on the Green Bay practice squad. The Packers host Minnesota on Saturday.
Also in the NFC, rookie tight end Andrew Szczerba is a member of the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad. The Falcons are the top seed in the NFC and have a first round bye.
In his first season with Indianapolis, 2008 Rimington Trophy winner A.Q. Shipley has worked with rookie quarterback Andrew Luck to help the Colts earn an 11-5 record and an AFC wild card berth. The Colts play at Baltimore on Sunday.
A 2011 consensus first-team All-American, rookie defensive tackle Devon Still has helped Cincinnati to an AFC wild card berth. The Bengals play at Houston on Saturday.
--PSU Athletic Communications--
