Santonio Holmes Gets Redemption, On and Off the Field

The first round of the 2006 NFL draft accounted for multiple Heisman winners, BCS National Champions, 'The Mario Williams Shocker,' and seven Pro Bowlers. None of those turned out to be a Super Bowl MVP.

Coming out of Ohio State, Santonio Holmes was not the flashiest player by any means in the 2006 NFL Draft. That honor went to Reggie Bush, but Holmes withheld his flashy moments for the biggest stage and did not disappoint. 

This is the same man who once sold drugs on a street corner in south Florida as a young kid, but Holmes has moved on from his old ways and hard times to become a champion and a MVP.

Holmes proved his competitive edge on the final drive by wanting the ball when it meant the most.

"I dared the team," Holmes said. "Just give me the ball, give me the chance to make plays and I will do it for you."

He waited for the last drive to surpass his previous career high of six catches, but his ninth reception almost slipped between his fingers... twice.

After allowing the game-winning touchdown go right through his hands, Santonio Holmes received one last chance of redemption and did not let it go to waste. Holmes made the reception in the back-right corner of the end zone, holding both feet in bounds for one of the most dramatic finishes in Super Bowl history.

Holmes does not have the most talent on the field last night, he is not the best player on his own team, but he was the best player last night.

"Santonio [Holmes] is a guy who just loves to deliver in big moments and big games," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.

I have to disagree with Tomlin on one point. Holmes loves to deliver in the biggest moment and the biggest game of his career.