With the 2005 Super Bowl quickly approaching, the BYU sports world finds several connections in the Philadelphia Eagles’ coaching staff and roster.
However, some former BYU football standouts are on the other side of the fence, rooting for the New England Patriots.
In the biggest and most famous football competition of the year, Cougar fans will see several former BYU football stars including Eagles’ head coach Andy Reid, who played tackle and guard for BYU from 1979-1981.
Reid began his coaching career in 1982 when he stayed on and served as a graduate assistant coach at BYU under legendary coach LaVell Edwards.
Now at the helm of a national powerhouse team, Reid will get his first shot at a Super Bowl victory after finally clearing the three-year hurdle of winning the National Football Conference title.
“[Coach Reid] feels relieved to be in a Super Bowl and also expects to be here at the same time,” said Vai Sikahema, a former wide receiver and punt returner for the Eagles and former Cougar. “He’s not surprised after three times trying to win the NFC title. Fourth time’s the charm.”
Sikahema now covers the Eagles as a sports anchor and reporter for NBC 10 News in Philadelphia and has also known Reid and his wife Tammy for 25 years. On Super Bowl assignment in Jacksonville, Fla., Sikahema has kept in touch with Philadelphia players that also had stellar careers at BYU including Chad Lewis and Reno Mahe.
Due to a broken foot injury in the NFC Championship game, Lewis will be unable to play this Sunday. However, Sikahema said he’s been trying to be positive and be a role model through this tough time.
“It’s hard with the loss of Chad Lewis, but he did everything he could to get his team to the Super Bowl,” Sikahema said. “He spoke at a fireside in Jacksonville [Sunday] night set up by the BYU alumni.
"At the fireside, Chad talked about how his dad gave him a blessing before and after the game, before and after he was injured, and he said he really felt at total peace about it. He feels that things like this that happen in football, but he told them that you can’t be discouraged,” he said.
Perhaps the only former Cougar you will see in an Eagles’ uniform will be running back and kick returner Reno Mahe, who is only in his second season in the NFL after being drafted as a rookie free agent in 2003.
As a key part of the Eagles’ special teams, he probably can’t believe his situation after being named to the All-Mountain West Conference team just over two years ago.
“You’ll see Reno out there,” Sikahema said. “He plays a big part of the special teams unit. He’s over the moon to be there.
"He’s the only Philadelphia player pinching himself with this, being his second year in the NFL, and he wasn’t even drafted. He had a slim chance of making the team, and now he’s making thousands of dollars and playing in a Super Bowl,” he said.
In addition, Justin Ena and Ifo Pili have contributed to the Eagles’ squad and are among the 12 former Cougars to appear on Philadelphia’s roster, including Lewis and Mahe.
Both Lewis and Mahe have influenced the current BYU program and have inspired current BYU football players to at least think about the next level in their football career.
“Chad Lewis comes back here every summer to practice with us,” said Kyle Tew, a senior linebacker for BYU from Gillette, Wyo. “Reno doesn’t too much, but I played two years with him.”
Tew, along with Sikahema, predict a Patriots upset Sunday.
“I think Philadelphia will win by seven,” Tew said. “They’re more experienced, and their offense will be able to score some points against New England’s secondary. The Patriots will run the ball well and have better special teams.”
Although Sikahema has seen a lot of football throughout his life, he has confidence in the team he played for and has followed closely.
“I’m going with the team that I have covered and played for,” he said. “I think the Eagles will pull an upset Sunday. It’s not from a sentimental standpoint, but the Eagles have some real players and a very good team. They have a lot of weapons. I think we match up well with them.”
However, Setema Gali, former Patriot and BYU defensive end from 1997-2000, has different plans in mind for a team he spent the 2001 season with.
“First of all, I’m surprised that the Patriots are here for the first time in four years,” Gali said. “I think the Patriots will beat Philadelphia. They have Peyton Manning and a 14-1 record. They’re [the Patriots] going to open a can of whoop because they have a lot more experience and have won some close games. I predict it will be 35-17.”
As the defensive line coach of the Wasatch Wildcats, Gali also sees some holes in the Eagles’ offense.
“The Eagles will be without Terrell Owens and Chad Lewis. [The Patriots will] take advantage of their weaknesses. It’ll be a great game.”
Copyright Brigham Young University 2 Feb 2005
