OTTAWA (CIS) – Former University of Calgary great Dan Federkeil became the second ex-CIS football player to earn a Super Bowl ring on Sunday night when his Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears 29-17 in the National Football League championship game.
Federkeil, who played five years at defensive end for the U of C Dinos (2001-2005) before moving to offensive tackle after originally signing with the Colts as a free agent on May 1, 2006, did not dress for Super Bowl XLI but did participate in the pre-game warm-up and has been on the team’s active roster since being re-signed by the new NFL champions on December 2.
The 23-year-old native of Medicine Hat, Alta. played in two regular season games (vs. Tennessee on Dec. 3, vs. Jacksonville Dec. 10) and Indianapolis’ first-round playoff match-up against Kansas City (Jan. 6) in his inaugural NFL campaign. He also played extensively in three pre-season games before missing the fourth exhibition contest with an injury. He was placed on the Colts practice roster on September 4.
A Second-Team All-Canadian and the Canada West finalist for the CIS lineman of the year award in his final season with the Dinos in 2005, Federkeil, who was a first-round draft pick (fifth overall) of the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts in 2006, joins former University of Western Ontario wide receiver Tyrone Williams as the only former CIS players to claim the Lombardi Trophy as NFL champions. Williams was on the Dallas roster but did not dress when the Cowboys beat Buffalo 52-17 in Super Bowl XXVII in 1994.
While Federkeil earned a Super Bowl ring after watching the game from the sidelines, University of Manitoba grad Israel Idonije became the third former CIS star to play in the NFL final as he lined up at defensive tackle and on special teams for Chicago.
Idonije of Brandon, Man., who captured the J.P. Metras Trophy as CIS lineman of the year in his final campaign with the Bisons in 2002, played in 13 regular season games in his third season with the Bears in 2006 and was dressed for Chicago’s three post-season contests.
The six-foot-six, 270-pound native of Nigeria joins former Saint Mary’s Huskie Ken Clark and ex-McGill Redmen Jean-Philippe Darche as the only CIS grads to play in the Super Bowl. Clark was a punter for Los Angeles when the Rams lost 31-19 to Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XIV in 1980, while Darche was the long snapper for Seattle when the Seahawks lost 21-10 to Pittsburgh a year ago.
FORMER CIS PLAYERS IN THE SUPER BOWL
Ken Clark, Saint Mary’s, punter
Signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Rams in 1979. Played only in 1979, tallying 93 punts for 3731 yards (40.1 avg), 1 carry for 3 yards and 2 passing completions in 2 attempts for 32 yards. Was the first CIS player to appear in the Super Bowl (SB XIV, 1980, Rams lost 31-19 to Pittsburgh).
Tyrone Williams, Western, wide receiver
Drafted by the Phoenix Cardinals in 1992 (9th round / 239th overall). Played 5 regular season games for Dallas Cowboys in 1993, making 1 reception for 25 yards. Was on Dallas roster but did not dress when the Cowboys beat Buffalo 52-17 in Super Bowl XXVII (1994), making him the only player in history to win a Super Bowl ring, a Grey Cup (1996, Toronto) and a Vanier Cup (1989, Western). In 1992, became the first Canadian player to compete in the American college all-star game, the Senior Bowl.
Jean-Philippe Darche, McGill, centre
Signed as a free-agent with the Seattle Seahawks in 2000. Has been on Seattle main roster since 2000. Became the second CIS player to dress for a Super Bowl game on Feb. 5, 2006 (SB XV, Seattle lost 21-10 to Pittsburgh). Had played 96 regular season games (all 16 per season) prior to 2006, handling all of Seattle’s long-snapping duties for 6 consecutive seasons, and being credited with 17 special team tackles (15 solo) and 1 forced fumble. Played first regular season game of 2006 season before being sidelined for the remainder of the campaign with a hip injury.
Israel Idonije, Manitoba, defensive end
Signed as a free-agent with the Cleveland Browns in 2003. Was on Cleveland practice roster in 2003. Signed as a free-agent with the Chicago Bears in 2004. Became the third CIS player to dress for a Super Bowl game on Feb. 4, 2007 (SB XLI, Chicago lost 29-17 to Indianapolis). Played 15 regular season games for Chicago in 2004, 11 in 2005 and 13 in 2006, as well as in the team’s first two playoff games in 2006. Had 1 sack, 10 solo tackles and 3 assisted tackles in 2004, 1 sack, 10 solo tackles, 4 assisted tackles and 2 kickoff returns for 32 yards in 2005, and 13 tackles, including 9 solo, in 2006.
Dan Federkeil, Calgary, defensive end
Signed as free-agent with the Indianapolis Colts on May 1, 2006. Was waived on September 30 before being re-signed on December 2. Was converted to offensive tackle by the Colts. Played in 2 regular season games and the Colts first-round playoff game (vs. Kansas City) in inaugural NFL season. Became the second CIS player to earn a Super Bowl ring when Indianapolis beat Chicago 29-17 in SB XLI on Feb. 4, 2007. Did not dress for the game but participated in pre-game warm-up and was on Colts active roster.
Courtesy of Canadian Interuniversity Sport
