What to Know
- A total of eight players on the Eagles’ active roster have ties to Florida as natives or having played college football here.
- Two more players spent time as members of the Miami Dolphins.
- The most high profile of that duo is RB Jay Ajayi, who was traded earlier this season in a move that caught many fans off guard.
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl champions for the first time in franchise history – and it is thanks, in part, to a collection of talent with deep roots in the Sunshine State.
A total of eight players on the Eagles’ active roster for Sunday’s 41-33 win over the New England Patriots have ties to Florida as natives of the state or having played college football here – while two more spent time as members of the Miami Dolphins.
The most high profile of that duo is running back Jay Ajayi, who was traded earlier this season to the Eagles in a move that caught many Dolphins fans off guard. Ajayi had nine carries for 57 yards Sunday – and was joined by another former Dolphin in linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, who started the game for Philadelphia on defense.
As for South Florida natives, the Eagles had cornerback Patrick Robinson come off the bench as the former Miami Gulliver Prep and FSU star had three tackles in the game.
Robinson was one of four former Noles on the Philadelphia roster while the Florida Gators had two alums who are now champs – including tight end Trey Burton, who threw a touchdown pass on fourth down in the first half on a trick play that will go down in Super Bowl history.
The Miami Hurricanes, who hold the record for most former players who have gone on to play in the Super Bowl, did not have a player on the Eagles roster.
