As we gear up for Super Bowl LII this weekend, here's a look back at five Wyoming legends who shined on the biggest stage in sports.

Boyd Dowler - In Super Bowl II, the Cheyenne native made one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history, catching a 62-yard touchdown pass from Bart Starr to give Green Bay a 13-0 lead over Oakland. The Packers cruised to their second straight Super Bowl title, one of five NFL Championships Dowler won during his career.

Jay Novacek - After Buffalo scored on the first possession in Super Bowl XXVII, the former University of Wyoming tight end caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Troy Aikman to tie the game at 7. Novacek went on to catch seven passes for 72 yards, leading the Cowboys to a blow out win over the Bills. Three years later in Super Bowl XXX, Novacek's 19-yard touchdown catch helped Dallas defeat Pittsburgh to claim their third ring in four years.

Jim Kiick - The former Pokes All-American was a key member of the only undefeated team in NFL history. One year after his1972 Miami Dolphins secured a perfect season,  the bruising fullback scored a touchdown in Super Bowl VII, leading the Dolphins to their second straight Super Bowl title.

Jerry Hill - The former Lingle High School and University of Wyoming wide receiver played an integral role in the most famous upset of all time, Super Bowl III. Hill's Baltimore Colts were heavily favored to defeat the New York when brash young quarterback Joe Namath guaranteed a Jets victory. Hill scored the only touchdown of the game for the Colts, who lost16-7.

Aaron Kyle - UW's star cornerback broke the hearts of Broncos fans in Super Bowl XII when he intercepted Denver quarterback Craig Morgan and returned it for 19 yards, setting his Dallas Cowboys up for a field goal and a 10-0 first quarter lead. Kyle also recovered a fumble, one of eight turnovers the Dallas defense forced on their way to a 27-10 victory.

Over the years, 17 players with Wyoming roots have played for Super Bowl teams and 12 of them have won Super Bowl rings. New England Patriots tight end Jacob Hollister could become the Cowboy State's 13th Super Bowl champion this weekend.

 

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