Super Bowl XLVI: Florida Gators Performances

Many Florida Gator fans were disappointed after Tom Brady could not put together a miraculous last minute drive to win Super Bowl XLVI.  It wasn't because they wanted Brady and Belichick to get another ring or because they hold a grudge against Tom Coughlin for leaving the Jacksonville Jaguars to coach the New York Giants. 

Simply put, only one Florida Gator won a ring on Sunday.

If Brady had pulled off the unthinkable again, four Gators would be world champions.

Despite solid contributions, these former Florida Gator stars experienced the sour taste of defeat in a game where they were only a few more plays from victory. 

Aaron Hernandez

Aaron Hernandez was Brady's go-to guy early and often.  With a taped up and slow Gronkowski, Hernandez was next in line to help Wes Welker lead the "dink-and-dunk" attack of the Patriots. 

He effectively did so.

With eight receptions for 67 yards, Hernandez was the leading receiver. 

One of those catches was a 12-yard touchdown pass which put the Patriots up 17-9 early in the third quarter.  Later, he also had a key third down conversion in the fourth quarter.

After a solid performance throughout the season and in the Super Bowl, Aaron Hernandez has seemingly found his place in the Patriots' passing attack.  Expect him to catch many more passes and be one of the more versatile tight ends in the league.

Brandon Spikes

While Aaron Hernandez led the offense, Brandon Spikes served as the anchor of the defense.  Much like his years at Florida, Spikes was an ever-lurking presence in the middle of the field.

With a team-leading eight tackles and three assisted tackles, Spikes was literally everywhere to be found, even forcing a fumble when the Giants were deep in their own territory

Spikes is quickly developing into the future leader of this defense.  With a great year and Super Bowl performance, there seems to be no ceiling for the future of Brandon Spikes.

Gerard Warren

Statistically, 2011 has been the toughest year in Gerard Warrens career. 

After 12 tackles and only 1 sack, Warren's time in the NFL may be nearing the end.

While at Florida, Warren was a key piece of the Gator defense in the late 90s under Steve Spurrier.  He was then drafted by Cleveland in 2001 and has had a long career on the defensive line.

He finished Super Bowl XLVI with one tackle and one solo tackle.

Justin Trattou

Though not playing a single down in the Super Bowl, Justin Trattou is the only Gator that became a world champion in 2012.

After having a great career in Gainesville, Trattou was drafted last year by the Giants and has had a lot of time to watch and learn from the stars on the Giants' defensive line.

While not playing much in 2011, Trattou is a champion, much to the dismay of fellow teammates Brandon Spikes and Aaron Hernandez.