NFL Playoffs Will Feature 17 Miami Hurricanes

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CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Get your remote, DVR and popcorn ready as the University of Miami will be well represented by 17 former players in the 2011 NFL Playoffs.

The Baltimore Ravens have been a graduate program for the ‘Canes for many years and no players have had more pro success than Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Lewis, who is arguably the best linebacker in NFL history, has been named to five straight Pro Bowls and 11 of the last 13.

Reed has also been to five straight Pro Bowls, including this season when he led the NFL with eight interceptions despite playing in just 10 games. Among those who played in 10 or fewer games, the next highest interception total was 2 and since 1940, only five NFL players have more than eight INTs while playing 10 or less games. The last player to accomplish that feat was in 1953.

Joining the future Hall of Famers in Baltimore are standouts Willis McGahee and Tavares Gooden.

The Ravens will square off with the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday at 1 p.m. Eastern on CBS. UM graduate Tervaris Johnson is on the Chiefs, but not active for the playoffs.

The New Orleans Saints aren’t far off from the Ravens with three fomer ‘Canes on their roster. Rookie TE Jimmy Graham joined Pro Bowlers Jeremy Shockey and Jonathan Vilma in the Cajun capital of the USA this season. All three have had standout seasons, with Graham making a name for himself late in year with five touchdowns.

The Saints will face the Seattle Seahawks and Pete Carroll, the father of newly-named Miami tight ends coach Brennan Carroll. Additionally, Shockey and Graham can expect to see UM graduate and Seattle CB Kelly Jennings in coverage. The NFC powers will square off on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. on NBC.

The late Saturday game features two ProCanes in NFL star Reggie Wayne and rookie Javarris James. Wayne had a another prolific season with 111 receptions, 1,355 yards and six touchdowns. James only rushed for 112 yards but equalled Wayne’s pay-dirt total with six touchdowns.

The Colts face the New York Jets, who unfortunately (for them) do not have any former Miami players, at 8 p.m. on NBC.

On Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Eastern on Fox, the Green Bay Packers with former ‘Cane Sam Shields will square off with the Philadelphia Eagles and UM alum Antoino Dixon. Shields went from undrafted free agent to starting corner for the Pack, while Dixon has 25 tackles and two sacks in his second season with the Eagles.

Several ‘Canes will enjoy bye weeks when the NFL playoffs begin.

The New England Patriots have always loved University of Miami products and this year is no different with Pro Bowl selections Vince Wilfork and Brandon Meriweather.

The Chicago Bears are another NFL franchise that has enjoyed a bounty of success with ProCanes. This season special teams star Devin Hester became the NFL all-time leader in combined returns for touchdowns with 14. He returned three punts for touchdowns this season and was dubbed Hall of Fame worthy by Chicago legend Gayle Sayers. Greg Olsen has 41 receptions and five touchdowns for the NFC North champions.

Recent UM grad Spencer Adkins has worked in a limited capacity with the Atlanta Falcons, who have a bye this weekend and home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

UM’s total of 17 former players in the playoffs is only bested by the Tennessee Volunteers, who have 18. UM can claim the distinction of having nine former players in the 2011 Pro Bowl, which is four more than UT.

HurricaneSports.com will continue to cover the NFL Playoffs with a UM slant throughout the postseason. For the most extensive coveage of UM players in the professional ranks, visit ProCanes.com.