MSU Players in the NFL Playoffs
The NFL Playoffs start tomorrow, and there are seven former Bulldogs who are employed by a team who is in the playoffs.
Cincinnati at Houston, Saturday 4:30 EST – NBC
Donald Lee (TE for Cincinnati) – Donald played at Mississippi State from 1999-2002. He was drafted by the Dolphins in the 5th round. After two years in Miami he went to Green Bay were he had six successful seasons topped off by a Superbowl Championship last year. He signed with the Eagles after the NFL lockout, but ended up with the Bengals for 2011. He has 11 catches for 115 yards this season.
Atlanta at NY Giants, Sunday 1:00 EST – FOX
Reggie Kelly (TE for Atlanta) – Reggie played at MSU from 1995-1998. He was drafted by the Falcons in the 2nd round. He played four years in Atlanta and then left for seven years in Cincinnati. This past offseason he rejoined the Falcons, where he has been used primarily as a blocking tight end. His only catch of the year came in Week 16 at New Orleans.
Pittsburgh at Denver, Sunday 4:30 EST – CBS
Mario Haggan (LB for Denver) – Mario played for State from 1999-2002. He was drafted by the Bills in the 2nd round. He played five years in Buffalo before transitioning to Denver in 2008. He has 23 tackles this season in relief of Von Miller. In Week 13 at Minnesota, Haggan intercepted the first pass of his career and returned it for a 16 yard touchdown to help the Broncos beat the Vikings 35-32.
The following players do not play this weekend because their teams have byes:
Anthony Dixon (RB for San Francisco) – Anthony owns the MSU all-time rushing record with 3,994 yards from his time at State (2006-2009). He was drafted by the 49ers in the 6th round. Dixon is the 3rd string running back behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter and has rushed for 87 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Derek Sherrod (OT for Green Bay) – Derek played at Mississippi State from 2007-2010. He was the first Bulldog to be selected in the first round since Eric Moulds and Walt Harris in 1996 when the Packers took him with the 32nd overall pick. Sherrod will not play in the playoffs because he broke his right leg when the Packers lost to the Chiefs in Week 15.
Pernell McPhee (DE for Baltimore) – Pernell played at MSU from 2009-2010. He was drafted in the 5th round by the Ravens. He has had a big time rookie year getting several starts. He has 23 tackles, six sacks, two passes defended, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Kyle Love (DT for New England) – Kyle played for State from 2006-2009. He was undrafted in 2010 but signed with the Patriots. He is a starting defensive tackle this season and has collected 33 tackles, three sacks, and has a fumble return.