Jan. 21, 2007

Three former UCLA football players and one former assistant coach will participate in Super Bowl XLI on Feb. 4.

Representing the NFC Champion Chicago Bears are cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. and linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, as well as former UCLA assistant coach Don Johnson, who is the Bears' defensive line coach. Chicago defeated New Orleans in the NFC Championship game, 39-14. Manning had two tackles in the game.

Tight end Bryan Fletcher, who made a key 32-yard reception in the winning drive at the AFC Championship game, will represent the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts overcame a 21-3 deficit to defeat New England, 38-34, and post the biggest comeback ever in a conference championship game.

This will be the seventh-straight year UCLA has had at least one player in the Super Bowl and the 27th time in the last 28 years. UCLA was represented last season by defensive lineman Travis Kirschke and quarterback Tommy Maddox, who won the Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers.