The Philadelphia Eagles may not be contending for the Super Bowl 50 title tonight, but the there are still a number of Philadelphia connections in tonight’s game.
As you watch the Carolina Panthers go head-to-head with the Denver Broncos this evening, take note of the Philadelphia and Eagles football ties for the following coaches and players:
Ron Rivera, Head Coach—Carolina Panthers:
Rivera coached linebackers in Philadelphia under Jim Johnson from 1999-2003. During Rivera’s tenure with the Eagles, the team advanced to the NFC championships for three consecutive seasons. Many credit Rivera with developing linebacker Jeremiah Trotter into a two-time Pro Bowl performer.
Another Rivera-Philadelphia connection is that Rivera played LB for the Chicago Bears under defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan in 1984 and 1985. Ryan would go on to become head coach of the Eagles from 1986-1990.
Philly Brown, WR—Carolina Panthers:
“Philly”, whose real name is Corey Phillip Brown, was born in Philadelphia. The 24-year-old wide out attended Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield.
Kurt Coleman, S—Carolina Panthers:
Coleman is a former Philadelphia Eagles player. The 27-year-old was selected by the Eagles in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL draft and signed a four-year-contract.
Sean McDermott, Defensive Coordinator—Carolina Panthers:
McDermott joined the Eagles in 1998 as a scouting administrative coordinator. In 1999 he was promoted to assistant to the head coach. McDermott was then defensive quality control coach and later assistant defensive backs coach. In 2003, McDermott replaced Steve Spagnuolo as defensive backs coach. In 2008, head coach Andy Reid named McDermott as secondary coach. In 2009, McDermott was named full-time defensive coordinator. McDermott was fired as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator in January 2011.
Jordon Norwood, WR—Denver Broncos:
Norwood, a graduate of State College High School, spent most of the 2009 season the Eagles’ practice squad and dressed for one game that season.
Brandon McManus, K—Denver Broncos:
The 24-year-old placekicker was born in Philadelphia and graduated from North Penn High School, located about 25 miles outside of Philadelphia. McManus is a Temple University alumni.
Evan Mathis, OL—Denver Broncos:
Mathis is a former Philadelphia Eagles player. In 2011, the 34-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Eagles. Following the preseason, Mathis won the starting job at left guard for the 2011 season. He signed a five-year contract with the team in 2012. Mathis was rated the best guard in the NFL by Pro Football Focus for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 seasons. He was voted First-Team All-Pro in 2012 for his outstanding performance with the Eagles.
We Are Supported By:
