Super Bowl 2012: Victor Cruz and Players That Will Gain Football Immortality

The Super Bowl is the most viewed sporting event in America and it has the power to make unknowns into known’s and stars into superstars.

Look no further than David Tyree in the 2008 Super Bowl.

From a special teams player just trying to stay on the roster to making the “Helmet Catch,” that was the No. 1 reason the New England Patriots didn’t finish the season 19-0.

A year later and Tyree was out of football.

But we still remember his name.

It’s impossible to pick a player like that, but here are three offensive stars that can jump to a whole new stratosphere with a memorable performance in the same way Jordy Nelson did last year for the Green Bay Packers.

1. Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants

Cruz went from injured undrafted free agent to top five in receiving yards in the entire NFL. Cruz isn’t a household name just yet, but a 100-yard performance in the Super Bowl can change that.

With the horrific Pats secondary (ranked 31^st) defending him, Cruz is the top candidate to rip off a play of 60-plus yards. Remember the 99-yarder he had with the Giants' season on the line?

2. Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots

Stuck in the shadow of fellow beastly tight end Rob Gronkowski, Hernandez had the quietest 910-yard, seven-TD season in history.

With a less than 100 percent Gronk, expect Tom Brady to shift his focus to his other speedy tight end that can break tackles in the open field.

As long as the Giants can keep Wes Welker in check, Hernandez will turn into Brady’s go-to receiver and will have plenty of opportunities to leave a lasting impression.

The tattoos will certainly help you remember him!

3. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants

Despite playing running back for one of the most popular teams for the last five years, I’ve always felt like the speedy Bradshaw never got the proper respect he deserves.

That can all change when the Pats defense assumes the pass-heavy Giants will…pass, setting up Bradshaw for more than a few runs of 20-plus yards.

After being banged up for the majority of the final quarter of the season, he is finally healthy and oozing with potential to be the X-factor and potential Super Bowl MVP.