The AFC and NFC Championships yielded a match up between the Seahawks and Steelers for Super Bowl XL. There were a number of Missouri connections in both of the championship games on Sunday.
Webb City native and former St. Louis Ram, Grant Wistrom had two tackles in the Seahawks 34-14 win over the Panthers in Seattle. Wistrom is in his second season with Seattle. Wistrom helped lead Webb City to the 1992 and 1993 Class 4A state championships before going to the University of Nebraska, which won the national title his senior season there.
Michael Harden, who went to Southeast High School in Kansas City, is also on the Seahawks roster.
St. Joseph Benton High School graduate, Michael Rucker, made four tackles and had a sack for Carolina in the loss. His younger brother is University of Missouri tight end Martin Rucker.
In the AFC Championship Game, the Steelers defeated the Broncos 34-17. Steelers head coach Bill Cowher was the Chiefs defensive coordinator from 1989-1992. He left Kansas City to take the job in Pittsburgh. He led the Steelers to Super Bowl XXX, a 27-17 loss to the Cowboys.
Two members of the Broncos have Missouri connections. Wide receiver Rod Smith went to Missouri Southern St. University and rookie WR Todd Davoe went to Central Missouri St.