Husker Helps New England to Super Bowl Win

Houston, Texas ? For a former Husker, Super Bowl XXXVIII was the crowning moment, as offensive guard Russ Hochstein helped the New England Patriots to a 32-29 win over the Carolina Panthers Sunday evening.

Hochstein, who was making his third start of the year, helped the Patriots run up 481 yards of total offense, including 354 yards passing by MVP Tom Brady, as New England didn’t allow a sack in the victory. Hochstein, who also sees time on special teams, was on the field as Adam Vinatieri connected on a 41-yard field goal with four seconds remaining in regulation to give the Patriots their second Super Bowl title in three years.

A former fifth-round draft pick by Tampa Bay in 2001, Hochstein was signed by New England during the 2002 season and appeared in 14 regular-season games in 2003. He was thrust into the starting lineup during the AFC playoffs when Pro Bowler Damien Woody suffered a season-ending injury against Tennessee. A former three-year starter at offensive guard at Nebraska (1998-2000), Hochstein was a two-time All-Big 12 selection and earned first-team All-America honors from The Sporting News as a senior.

The Carolina Panthers were also well represented by former Huskers, as strong safety Mike Minter finished with 14 tackles, including nine solo stops, and a pass breakup in the loss. Pro Bowl defensive end Mike Rucker, who ranked among the NFC leaders with 12 sacks, was held to two tackles in a losing effort.

All-time a total of 43 Husker players and coaches have combined for 54 Super Bowl appearances.