The New England Patriots won a trio of Super Bowls from 2001 through 2004. On Sunday, the organization will commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the most recent title-winning team -- while facing the quarterback they vanquished on the way to winning two of them.
Yes, as the Pats welcome Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning to town, New England also will reunite 18 of the 22 players who won three Super Bowl championships.
In addition to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, the only member of the title teams still playing for the Pats, 17 other three-time champions will attend the game: Joe Andruzzi; Tom Ashworth; Troy Brown; Tedy Bruschi; Matt Chatham; Je’Rod Cherry; Kevin Faulk; Ted Johnson; Ty Law; Matt Light; Willie McGinest; Stephen Neal; Patrick Pass; David Patten; Lonie Paxton; Roman Phifer; Richard Seymour.
Absent will be Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, Giants assistant coach Larry Izzo, Texans assistant coach Mike Vrabel, and UCLA assistant coach Adrian Klemm.
Present will be Peyton. And it’s hard to regard the selection of Manning’s visit as coincidental.
Even if it is, Manning won’t view it that way. Which could be enough to balance out the extra boost the Pats will get from being on the wrong side of the betting line.
Meanwhile, Russian president Vladimir Putin wasn’t invited to the festivities. Like Peyton, Putin has only one Super Bowl ring.