FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – When the Indianapolis Colts take the field Sunday in the Super Bowl, former Lumberjack Keith O'Neil will be cheering for his former team. Three years ago, O'Neil was a member of the Colts' Super Bowl winning team against the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI also played in Miami in 2007.

“It seems like it was just yesterday,” said O'Neil. “It is exciting to see the Colts again in Miami. I am rooting for them of course. Either way, I think both teams deserve to win the game.”

O'Neil, who now works for Smith & Nephew, is one of 10 former Lumberjacks to play in the NFL's championship game and one of just seven to be on the winning team.

“It is really hard to explain,” said O'Neil of his Super Bowl memories.  "It is all one big memory but I enjoyed being able to bring my family down and enjoy the entire week. The game itself was a different memory but (it was special) being able to realize you are playing in the biggest game ever.”

O'Neil began his professional career as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. He made the squad, playing two seasons under head coach Bill Parcells. O'Neil then played with the Indianapolis Colts in 2005 and 2006, winning a Super Bowl ring with the Colts in Super Bowl XLI. O'Neil was hurt in 2007 and signed an injury settlement with the Colts, making the Super Bowl his last official game. He signed with the New York Giants but retired before playing with the team.

“It helped with the decision knowing it was my last game,” said O'Neil  of the Super Bowl finish after his retirement. “It was exciting. To be able to walk away with that memory, I could not be happier.”

O'Neil, who made 72 tackles in 52 career games in the NFL, was a two-time All-Big Sky first-team choice, earning All-America honors during his senior season in 2002. He recorded a team-best 21 tackles for loss (-70) and ranked third on the team with 5.0 quarterback sacks in 2002.

O'Neil and his wife, Jill, live outside of Buffalo, NY.

NAU All-Time Super Bowl Roster

PLAYERS
Name, Team, Super Bowl – Year, Opponent
Keith O'Neil, Indianapolis Colts#, XLI – 2007, Chicago Bears
Francis St. Paul*, St. Louis Rams, XXXVI – 2002, New England Patriots
Jeff Lewis, Denver Broncos#, XXXIII – 1999, Atlanta Falcons
Denver Broncos#, XXXII – 1998, Green Bay Packers
Darren Carrington, San Diego Chargers, XXIX – 1995, San Francisco 49ers
Denver Broncos, XXIV – 1990, San Francisco 49ers
David Lang, Dallas Cowboys# XXX – 1996, Pittsburgh Steelers
Frank Pollack, San Francisco 49ers#, XXIX – 1995, San Diego Chargers
John Schachter*, Washington Redskins, XXVIII – 1984, L.A. Raiders
Washington Redskins# XXVII – 1983, Miami Dolphins
Ed Judie, San Francisco 49ers#, XVI-1982, Cincinnati Bengals
Rusty Tillman, Washington Redskins, VII – 1973, Miami Dolphins
Mike Mercer, Kansas City Chiefs#, I – 1966, Green Bay Packers
* - Not On Active Roster
# - Winning Team

DID YOU KNOW… Mike Mercer, a Lumberjack in 1960, kicked the first field goal in Super Bowl history back in Super Bowl I as his Kansas City team lost 35-10 to Green Bay and Vince Lombardi. The field goal was 31 yards and happened in the second quarter, bringing the Chiefs within 14-10 heading into halftime.