News Cape Coral Sports Opinion Restaurants Obituaries E-Edition Legals
Immokalee's JC Jackson the 8th Southwest Florida NFL player to be crowned Super Bowl champ
Fort Myers News-Press
Thirteen was a lucky number for JC Jackson.
Immokalee High graduate Jackson became the 13th area NFL player to reach the Super Bowl, playing for the New England Patriots against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Super Bowl LIII.
In the end, the rookie free agent became the eighth Southwest Floridian to win a ring as the Patriots beat the Rams 13-3. Jackson, a defensive back, recorded a solo tackle and an assisted tackle in the game.
More:Immokalee's JC Jackson goes from NFL longshot to a win away from being Super Bowl champion
Here are the past local players who have suited up for Super Bowls and how they fared.
2018: Jaylen Watkins, Philadelphia Eagles: The strong safety played three snaps on defense and 17 on special teams and Watkins was in the end zone and helped bat down the final pass to clinch the Eagles' 41-33 win.
2017: De'Vondre Campbell, Atlanta Falcons: Had three tackles in a 34-28 overtime loss to the New England Patriots.
2016: Tre Boston, Carolina Panthers: The 2010 graduate of North Fort Myers High had a tackle for the Panthers in a 24-10 loss to Denver in Super Bowl 50.
2014: Matt Prater, Denver Broncos: The 2002 Estero High graduate only had a kickoff in Denver's 43-8 loss to Seattle in Super Bowl XLVIII.
2013: Terrence Cody, Baltimore Ravens: The 2006 Riverdale High graduate played Super Bowl XLVII at defensive tackle for the Ravens, making one assisted tackle against the San Francisco 49ers. The Ravens won 34-31.
More:Where to watch the Super Bowl in Naples, Fort Myers and Cape Coral
2009: Anthony Hargrove, New Orleans Saints: The 2001 Port Charlotte High graduate started in Super Bowl XLIV, winning a ring with the New Orleans Saints against the Indianapolis Colts. He made two tackles with one assist in the 31-17 victory.
2008: Edgerrin James, Arizona Cardinals: The 1996 Immokalee High graduate played in Super Bowl XLIII, starting at running back for the Arizona Cardinals. He gained for 33 yards on nine carries in the 27-23 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2005: Jevon Kearse, Philadelphia Eagles: Kearse played in Super Bowl XXXIV. He made one tackle with one assist in the Eagles' 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots.
2003: Martin Gramatica, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The 1994 LaBelle High graduate kicked his way to Super Bowl XXXVII. He scored 12 points in the game as the Bucs defeated the Oakland Raiders 48-21.
2003: Greg Spires, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The 1993 Mariner High graduate won a ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII. He started and made three tackles in the 48-21 victory.
More:Manatees at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium make their predictions for Super Bowl LIII
2000: Jevon Kearse, Tennessee Titans: The defensive end and 1995 North Fort Myers High graduate had a sack in Super Bowl XXXIV in the Titans' 23-16 loss to the St. Louis Rams.
1996: Deion Sanders, Dallas Cowboys: The 1985 North Fort Myers High graduate won his second straight Super Bowl while he helped the Cowboys win their third NFL Championship in four years after a 27-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXIX. He caught a pass for 47 yards while he returned a punt for 11 yards.
1995: Deion Sanders, San Francisco 49ers: The 1985 North Fort Myers High graduate started at cornerback for the 49ers and had an interception in Super Bowl XXX, a 49-26 triumph over the San Diego Chargers.
1979, 1978, 1976: Burton Lawless, Dallas Cowboys: The offensive guard and 1971 Charlotte High School graduate, started as a rookie for the Cowboys in Super Bowl X, a 21-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He came off the bench in Super Bowl XII, in which he won a ring in a 27-10 win over Denver. He also came off the bench in Super Bowl XIII, a 35-31 loss to the Steelers.
Photo gallery:Ave Maria football partners with Our Lady Guadalupe soup kitchen for Super Bowl meal
In addition to the 11 players above, Fred McCrary was on injured reserve with a torn hamstring, the 1991 Naples High graduate started three regular-season games for the New England Patriots team that went on to win Super Bowl XXXVIII against the Carolina Panthers. Denver Broncos tight end Jeff Heuerman sat out the entire 2015 season with a knee injury. Denver won Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers.