Former Illini tell us about their Super Bowl experiences

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A year ago this weekend, Carey Davis was on the NFL's biggest stage, winning a Super Bowl ring with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

On Friday, the setting was a wee bit smaller. LIterally.

"I take my daughter to school every day, and it was my turn to sit through her class today," the former Illini said. "I was in the back of the class, in one of those little chairs."

Davis loves driving 7-year-old Makayla to school in suburban St. Louis. But the fullback would much rather be in Miami helping the Steelers defend their title and extend an impressive streak involving his college program. Former Illini have been a part of the past eight Super Bowl champions. That total will be nine after Sunday's game, either Kelvin Hayden (Colts) or Pierre Thomas (Saints) staking claim to a giant, shiny ring.

"I keep my ring in the bank," Davis said. "I might bring it out Sunday and show it off. That sounds like a good idea."

In last Sunday's News-Gazette, we had seven Super Bowl champs from Illinois tell us about their experience. Davis, popular and productive as an Illini from 2000 to '03, would have been a super addition to the project. He had time on his hands, it turns out.

The two-week break before the Super Bowl has been as enjoyable as turf toe for Davis, a 28-year-old restricted free agent. The combination of Super Bowl withdrawal — "it was an exciting, great time" — and pregame coverage — "too much of it. Everybody's an expert. I don't even watch TV" — has Davis wishing March would get here fast.

That's when he expects to know if the Steelers want him back or if he needs to shop his services to other teams.

"Hopefully I'll stay (in Pittsburgh)," he said.

On Sunday, his mind will be on Miami and his former Illini friends. Any advice from a champ?

"Kelvin doesn't need any because he's already done it," Davis said. "To Pierre I'd say run hard, play hard and don't leave anything on the field. You don't know when you'll ever get back there."

- Jim Rossow