Super Bowl XLIX Open Thread: Pair of former Illini go for their first ring

The NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks aim for back-to-back titles as they kickoff against the AFC Champion New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX, which takes place at 5:30 p.m. CT on NBC.

Two former Illini, defensive back Tavon Wilson and tight end Michael Hoomanawanui are on the Patriots' active roster. Michael Buchanan is on injured resevere and Justin Green is on New England's practice squad, but they won't play in the big game.

There are no Illini represented on the Seahawks.

A Patriots win would make those four men the first Illini players to win a Super Bowl title since David Diehl and Steve Weatherford beat the Patriots in 2012 as part of the New York Giants.

This is the eighth time in the last nine years at least one former Illini has played in the Super Bowl.

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This is your game thread. Scroll down to the comments section to discuss Super Bowl XLIX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks with TCR's writers as well as other members of the community.

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