Whittingham: ‘Very Gratifying, Very Proud’ Watching Former Utes Win Super Bowl LVI
Mar 17, 2022, 2:12 PM
Head Coach Kyle Whittingham talks with San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle as he runs plays. The University of Utah football team practices at Spence Eccles Field House in Salt lake City Thursday, April 2, 2015. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – University of Utah head football coach Kyle Whittingham said it was “very gratifying” and he was “very proud” watching three former Utes win Super Bowl LVI.
sports.ksl.com’s Trevor Allen spoke with Whittingham on a variety of topics, including the Super Bowl, on Thursday, March 17.
Kyle Whittingham on former players winning Super Bowl LVI
Three of Whittingham’s former players, Terrell Burgess, Matt Gay, and Eric Weddle, helped the Los Angles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI on February 13.
SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS pic.twitter.com/YYAceZ3fve
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) February 14, 2022
During Allen and Whittingham’s conversation, the storied head coach highlighted the performances of all three Rams.
“Matt has had a tremendous year kicking,” Whittingham said of Gay. “It’s great to see him get in a good situation and be able to kick like we knew he was capable of kicking.”
Never got my monster at the parade… and @MonsterEnergy never actually slid in my DM’s either… but here’s me crushing one after the game with the 🏆 pic.twitter.com/jheZnvUOxa
— Matt Gay (@MGtweetymonster) February 20, 2022
“He’s proven to be a really good player for the Rams,” the coach said of Burgess. “A very valuable guy for them, whether it be on defense or on special teams.”
Champs 🏆 pic.twitter.com/rIgRC1DQ8F
— Terrell Burgess (@TiTaniumT98) February 14, 2022
Whittingham highlighted Weddle coming out of retirement after two years away from the game as something that initially shocked him.
“That’s just a bizarre story,” Whittingham said of Weddle. “Only a guy like Eric could pull that off. That shock turned into eager to watch him play and excited to see what he can do, and he did what he’s always done, make plays.”
Guess who's back!!!!!!!!!! WORLD CHAMPION!!!! #1of1 pic.twitter.com/0C3Fmez7cF
— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) February 14, 2022
Local Los Angeles Rams
During Los Angeles’ 23-20 win over Cincinnati, Weddle accounted for five total tackles and four solo tackles. Gay was 1/1 on field goals and 2/2 on PATs.
SUPER BOWL CHAMPS!!! pic.twitter.com/la5Iaddv8G
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 14, 2022
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It was the franchise’s first title since 1999 and first as a team in Los Angeles. Prior to the AFL-NFL merger, the Rams won two championships.
The Rams finished the regular season with a 12-5 record and went into the postseason with the No. 4 seed in the NFC.
Before beating the Bengals, Los Angeles took down the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Francisco 49ers.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
