Last April, former Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement waited anxiously to hear his name called during the NFL Draft. After three days and seven rounds, however, Clement’s name was left uncalled.
Just over nine months later, Clement found himself in Super Bowl LII playing for his favorite team as a child, the Philadelphia Eagles. After sixty high-scoring, hard-fought minutes, when New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s last-gasp hail mary attempt came up short, Clement was shown on the NBC broadcast falling to the ground in tears. The Eagles had knocked off the Patriots 41-33.
Clement led the Eagles in receiving yards Sunday night, finishing the game with four catches, 100 yards and a touchdown. He will forever get to say he also returned the opening kickoff of the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory and took the direct snap before Philadelphia’s crucial touchdown just before halftime.
Former Wisconsin running back James White also had a massive impact in the game. White, one of the heroes of New England’s Super Bowl victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, had seven rushing attempts for 45 yards and a touchdown. He also added two catches for 21 yards, albeit in defeat.
With that touchdown, White moved into tied for third all-time for most touchdowns in a Super Bowl career.
In addition to Clement, two other Badgers emerged victorious Sunday night: defensive tackle Beau Allen and safety Chris Maragos, who was inactive due to injury.
But of all the Badgers it was Clement that shined brightest. The UW running back from Glassboro, New Jersey had a night he’ll never forget.
