TXHSFB in the Super Bowl: Aqib Talib
Feb 12, 2019
Photo Credit: Associated Press
If the Jeopardy question was “This Pro Bowl NFL cornerback came from Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas and went on to win one Super Bowl” the answer could be “Who is Aqib Talib?” but it could also be “Who is Everson Walls?”
On Sunday, Talib can separate himself as the only Berkner alum to win two Super Bowls.
A Ram for Super Bowl LIII, Talib was a Ram in high school, too. While at Berkner, Talib was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball and track.
Aqib decided to play college football at Kansas where he helped the Jayhawks reach their only BCS bowl game appearance his junior year. In that 2008 Orange Bowl, Talib returned an interception for a touchdown and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. That helped Talib decide he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2008 NFL Draft.
It was no surprise Talib left school because he had prototypical size and athleticism. At 6’2” with explosive ability and high football IQ, he was the total package on the field. It was clear that he would be a valuable asset as a cover corner against.
Talib was drafted by the Buccaneers and had four head coaches in five years. Talib then went to play for the Patriots, who he’ll be facing Sunday. Ironically, though he went to a franchise with more stability, those two years the Patriots did not make it to the Super Bowl.
Fortunately for Talib, he then went to play for the Denver Broncos where he won Super Bowl 50. That Bronco defense was so good, they won in spite of Peyton Manning’s quarterback rating being a 56 for that game. That may be because they held Cam Newton to a rating of 55.
On Sunday, Talib has a chance to make all Rams proud. If he wins his second ring, the Jeopardy question may have to be a daily double.
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