Much of the talk surrounding Super Bowl XLV has revolved around the Steelers, and the fact that Pittsburgh has made it back to the big dance for the third time in the past six years.
What folks aren't talking about is the success of the Packers' franchise. This will be Green Bay's third Super Bowl appearance over the past 15 seasons, the most of any team in the league outside of the Steelers and Patriots.
The last time the Packers took home the Lombardi Trophy was 1997, when Green Bay defeated the Patriots, 35-21, in Super Bowl XXXI. While many remember the game as QB Brett Favre's lone Super Bowl victory, it was RS Desmond Howard who sealed the deal for the Packers. His 99-yard kickoff-return touchdown gave Green Bay a healthy 14-point advantage and ultimately led to Howard being named the game's MVP.
PFW recently had a chance to catch up with Howard, who is currently serving as an analyst for ESPN's College GameDay.
While the former Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Michigan admitted he's not as close to the pro game as he once was, Howard said he's still pulling for the Packers.
"I don't think they have a glaring edge or a huge advantage over Pittsburgh, it's about timing," he said. "I think they're peaking at the right time. They went through injuries during the season but they fought through it and they've been real resilient."
Howard, 40, still had some analysis to do before predicting a final score, but he did say he that he thinks QB Aaron Rodgers would be the next Packer to follow in his footsteps as a Super Bowl MVP. He said it would fit the script, referring to the time Rodgers spent riding the bench in the Favre era.
"Aaron never rustled any feathers, he never made any waves," Howard said. "Even when Brett decided if he was going to retire or come back or whatever, Aaron always just walked straight in line. He never caused any issues. He waited his turn and now he is in a position where he may do something Brett Favre never did, and that is to win MVP of the Super Bowl."
Another guy who is doing some unprecedented things in the league is Bears WR Devin Hester, who recently broke the NFL record for career return touchdowns at the age of 28. Howard tabbed both Hester and Eagles WR DeSean Jackson as his favorite return men, adding that they are both special because of their combination of speed and instincts.
"It's almost like a running back on a sweep play," Howard said of the return specialists. "He knows where he wants to go, but he also knows where his blockers' assignments are and a good running back tries to manipulate the defense in a way that he sets up his blockers in a position that they can make the block the best way possible for him to succeed."
In the college ranks, Howard likes the skills of CB Cliff Harris.
Harris, who recently completed his sophomore season at Oregon, was a consensus All-American last season after returning four punts for scores and adding a fifth touchdown following one of his six interceptions.
Howard said he has enjoyed his time as an analyst and doesn't have any plans of making a career change — although he was teased about a month ago.
"I was thinking about going down about a month or so ago at Michigan when they didn't have a coach," Howard joked. "I contemplated coaching then. But I think I'm good (where I'm at)."
All jokes aside, the former Wolverine is happy with the path his career has taken since his playing days and says he has no urge to get back into the NFL.
"Covering college football, I don't think there is anything that can compare to it. It's very unique in and of itself."
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