Super Bowl 2012: 3 Unheralded Veterans Running Out of Time

There are always a few players in every Super Bowl nearing the end of their respective careers, hoping to add a ring to their fingers before calling it quits. This season's big game is no different with several hard-working veterans looking for another moment of glory.

Here are three players that are running out of time to pick up another championship, but not all of them will be able to do it.

Kevin Faulk

Faulk is the consummate professional. He's played his entire 13-year career with the New England Patriots and has three championships to show for it. Even though he's never been a major contributor on offense, his timely contributions shouldn't be forgotten.

He has actually amassed more receiving yards than rushing yards throughout his career, a testament to the versatility which made him worth keeping around for all these years. Faulk played a key role in helping Tom Brady develop by serving as his safety valve.

He didn't get a single touch despite being active for the team's conference championship triumph, but you can bet he'll be ready for action if called upon in the Super Bowl.

Deion Branch

The Patriots didn't truly understand how much Branch meant to the offense until he left for the Seattle Seahawks. He's another veteran who never put up eye-popping numbers, but played a key role within the offense, which is why they eventually brought him back.

He's always had a good connection with Brady, and his willingness to do the dirty work underneath the coverage made him a fan favorite. While that fearlessness has obviously taken a toll as he's lost a step or two, Branch will still have a big impact on the Super Bowl.

With the Giants likely to key in on Rob Gronkowski and Wes Welker, Branch should see some favorable coverages to take advantage of over the middle.

Deon Grant

Grant has played an important role in stabilizing the Giants defense after all the injuries the team endured during the early portion of the season. He's not a huge playmaker with just one interception during the campaign, but he's a reliable safety both against the run and in coverage.

The Giants are the fourth stop during his 11-year career. He's still looking for that first ride in a championship parade, though, and this could very well be his best chance to make it happen. If that's not extra motivation, I don't know what would be.

He'll be charged with making sure Brady doesn't torch the Giants with the deep ball on Super Sunday. As long as the Giants secondary keeps everything in front of them, they should be in good shape.