On the biggest stage in the sporting world in Las Vegas, four former Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl players were crowned Super Bowl LVIII champions as the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco Giants, 25-22, in overtime.
Former Independence Bowl Players
The four Chiefs players that have played in Shreveport-Bossier’s annual college football bowl game are starting cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (Louisiana Tech, 2019), tight end Noah Gray (Duke, 2018), defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (Florida State, 2017) and safety Deon Bush (Miami, 2014). Sneed, Gray and Bush are now two-time Super Bowl champions, with the Chiefs winning back-to-back Super Bowls, and Nnadi has now hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy three times.
Sneed started at cornerback in the game, tallying three total tackles and one pass deflection. Gray also started the game alongside superstar tight end Travis Kelce and hauled in both of his targets for 22 yards. Nnadi and Bush were active but did not record any stats in the contest.
On the San Francisco side, Jon Feliciano (Miami, 2014) started at right guard, and linebacker Oren Burks (Vanderbilt, 2016) stepped in to play significant snaps after starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw exited due to injury. Burks racked up five total tackles in the game.
Coach Details
In addition to the four former Independence Bowl players crowned Super Bowl LVIII champions, three coaches from the 1988 UTEP staff – including future Pro Football Hall of Famer Andy Reid – won their third Super Bowl. Reid, Chiefs’ special teams coordinator Dave Toub and Chiefs’ outside linebackers coach Ken Flajole were all on the 1988 UTEP staff that took on Brett Favre and Southern Miss in the 1988 Independence Bowl.
