SUPER BOWL XXX : Desert Form : Rosters, thumbnail sketches and other data on today’s matchup. : Super Bowl Facts and Figures

SITE -- Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Ariz. This is the first game to be played in Arizona.

SEATING CAPACITY -- 74,000.

KICKOFF -- 3:18 p.m. PST

NETWORK COVERAGE--By NBC-TV (Channel 4) to approximately 215 stations and throughout the United States plus Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Bahamas, and Antigua.

By CBS Radio (1070 AM) to more than 375 stations within in the United States. The Armed Forces Televison and Radio Network will also provide broadcast through out the world.

The game will be distributed internationally by the NFL and ESPN International to more than 175 countries.

TV Game Announcers--Dick Enberg, play-by-play; Paul Maguire and Phil Simms, analysts.

Radio Game Announcers--Jack Buck, play-by-play; Hank Stram, analyst.

PLAYERS SHARE -- Winners: $42,000 per man. Losers: $27,000 per man.

PLAYER UNIFORMS -- AFC will be the home team and use the West bench and will have the choice of wearing its colored or white jersey. NFC will be the visiting team and will use the East bench.

ATTENDANCE -- To date, 2,335,931 have attended Super Bowl games. The largest crowd was 103,985 at Super Bowl XXIV at the Rose Bowl.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

OFFENSE

Neil O’Donnell (14), QB, 6-3, 227, 6th year, Maryland.

Comes off best season as Steelers opened up attack ... Team MVP, threw for 2,970 yards, 17 TDs, seven interceptions ... Had so-so AFC championship game vs. Colts, but came through on winning drive ... Free agent who can add to his bankroll potential with big Super Bowl.

*

Erric Pegram (20), RB, 5-10, 195, 5th year, North Texas State.

Finished 10th in AFC with 813 yards rushing in first season with Pittsburgh ... Signed away from Atlanta as free agent ... Provides speed in backfield ... Caught 26 passes, not likely to be used as receiver.

*

Bam Morris (33), RB, 6-0, 246, 2nd year, Texas Tech.

Struggled early in season, then got in shape and had big second half

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John L. Williams (22), FB, 5-11, 235, 10th year, Florida.

Excellent blocker and receiver, rarely runs with ball ... O’Donnell looks for him on flare passes ... Had 545 career catches, second to Roger Craig’s record for running backs of 566 ... Leads the way for Pegram and Morris, protects O’Donnell.

*

Mark Bruener (87), TE, 6-4, 254, 1st year, Washington.

Replaced Eric Green, former Pro Bowl player ... First-round pick, has done little in postseason ... Caught 26 passes, three for TDs ... Often replaced by Kordell Stewart in multiple-receiver sets ... Solid blocker.

*

Kordell Stewart (10), WR-QB, 6-1, 212, 1st year, Colorado.

Spurred team’s newfound offensive flair ... A backup quarterback who agreed to play receiver and became threat ... Might line up in slot, at wideout, behind center or in backfield ... Caught 14 passes for 16.8 average and a touchdown, completed 5 of 7 passes for 60 yards and a score.

*

Yancey Thigpen (82), WR, 6-1, 202, 4th year, Winston-Salem.

Had breakthrough year with 85 receptions, a team mark ... Gained 1,307 yards in the air and scored five touchdowns ... Good hands, leaping ability and toughness ... Dangerous over the middle ... Had critical first-down reception vs. Bills.

*

Ernie Mills (89), WR, 5-11, 192, 5th year, Florida.

Came on late in season as offense opened up ... Top playoff performer

*

John Jackson (65), T, 6-6, 297, 8th year, Eastern Kentucky.

Alternate in Pro Bowl, although didn’t have good year ... Missed five games with knee injury that required surgery ... When healthy and at his peak, a terrific inside and outside blocker.

*

Tom Newberry (66), G, 6-2, 285, 10th year, Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Made Pro Bowl twice with Rams ... Signed away from Rams as free agent last April ... Also can back up at center ... Could cap nice career with good effort Sunday.

*

Dermontti Dawson (63), C, 6-2, 288, 8th year, Kentucky.

All-Pro, best center in league for three years ... Voted to Pro Bowl fourth straight year ... Played 104 consecutive games ... Offensive captain and team leader.

*

Brendan Stai (68), G, 6-4, 297, 1st year, Nebraska.

Rookie began season as backup, now a starter ... Third-round choice off national champions ... Could have hands full with Lett and Maryland.

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Leon Searcy (72), T, 6-3, 304, 4th year, Miami.

Best blocker, particularly leading run ... Had strong year and will enter free agency with solid credentials ... Has started 47 successive games ... Dependable and versatile.

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Norm Johnson (9), PK, 6-2, 202, 14th year, UCLA.

Signed as free agent from Atlanta after Gary Anderson left through free agency ... Led AFC with 141 points, kicking Steelers record 34 FGs

DEFENSE

Brentson Buckner (96), DE, 6-2, 305, 2nd year, Clemson.

A real comer ... Can play inside or out, has excellent push into backfield ... Quick learner and a favorite of coach Bill Cowher ... His matchups with Dallas tackles and tight ends worth watching.

*

Joel Steed (93), NT, 6-2, 303, 4th year, Colorado.

Steroids suspension cost him four games ... Strongest member of Steelers, bench-presses 505 pounds ... Best run-stopper on line, will test Kennard ... Standout vs. Bills and Colts in postseason.

*

Ray Seals (97), DE, 6-3, 306, 8th year, No College.

Rare NFL standout who didn’t attend college ... Probably should have made Pro Bowl after 8.5 sacks and dozens of pressures ... Good inside surge to go with outside move that must be watched ... Struggled in playoffs.

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Kevin Greene (91), LB, 6-3, 247, 11th year, Auburn.

NFL sacks leader in 1994, slipped from 14 to nine this season ... Seventh on career sacks list with 107 ... Often one-dimensional as pass rusher, but pays more attention to run than in past ... NFL Defensive Player of November ... Trademark flowing blond locks.

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Levon Kirkland (99), LB, 6-1, 264, 4th year, Clemson.

Vastly underrated inside backer ... Defensive captain and one of team leaders ... Had 88 tackles after two seasons with at least 100 ... One of keys to stopping Emmitt Smith.

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Jerry Olsavsky (55), LB, 6-2, 224, 7th year, Pittsburgh.

Shares spot with Chad Brown (94), who is better in coverage ... A killer hitter, not a sack threat ... Excels on special teams ... A bit undersized, Dallas will run at him ... Had first career interception vs. Bills in playoffs.

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Greg Lloyd (95), LB, 6-2, 228, 9th year, Fort Valley State.

Might be the best outside linebacker in league ... As physical as anyone ... Made Pro Bowl for fifth straight year ... An All-Pro who gets after the quarterback (6.5 sacks) and ball-career (team-leading 117 tackles) ... Forced six fumbles, giving him 23 in last four years ... Could make a difference.

*

Willie Williams (27), CB, 5-9, 180, 3rd year, Western Carolina.

Developed quickly and surged past Deion Figures to start ... Picked off seven passes, most in AFC ... Had 63-yard TD return with interception

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Carnell Lake (37), CB, 6-1, 210, 7th year, UCLA.

A Pro Bowl safety switched to cornerback when star Rod Woodson (26) tore up knee ... Made Pro Bowl despite move ... Had great game vs. Buffalo in playoffs ... Sure tackler with fine coverage skills ... Steelers want him on Irvin whenever possible.

*

Myron Bell (40), S, 5-11, 203, 2nd year, Michigan State.

Weak link of pass defense ... Good blitzer, but coverage not real strong ... Excellent special teamer ... Forced into lineup when Lake moved to cornerback to replace Woodson.

*

Darren Perry (39), S, 5-11, 196, 4th year, Penn State.

A starter throughout his career .. Tough tackle with nose forball ... Had 70 tackles, four interceptions this season ... Goodgame against Buffalo, so-so vs. Indianapolis in playoffs.

*

Rohn Stark (3), P, 6-3, 203, 14th year, Florida State.

Signed away from Indianapolis as free agent ... NFL’sthird-leading punter with 1,044 ... Won three seasonal puntingtitles ... Averaged 40.1 yard per kick, not quite up to standards.

DALLAS COWBOYS

OFFENSE

Troy Aikman (8), QB, 6-4, 228, 7th year, UCLA.

“America’s Quarterback ... Selected to fifth Pro Bowl, although he won’t play, opting for elbow surgery after Super Bowl ... Third in NFL passing (93.6), had superb game for NFC title (21-for-33, 255 yards, 2 TDs) ... Holds NFL playoff record for completion percentage (68.5) and average gain (8.62) ... Excellent leader, plays hurt.

*

Emmitt Smith (22), RB, 5-9, 209, 6th year, Florida.

Led league in rushing for fourth time (1,773 yards, a career high) ... Set record with 25 touchdowns, topping NFL in scoring (150 points) ... Only player in history with five straight seasons of more than 1,400 yards rushing ... The man Steelers must stop, Smith led league in total yards (2,148) ... All-Pro four straight years, was Super Bowl MVP in 1994.

*

Daryl Johnston (48), FB, 6-2, 242, 7th year, Syracuse.

Strong blocker who clears the way for Smith ... Good receiver, but rarely the prime target ... Might carry ball once or twice, usually on short third downs.

*

Jay Novacek (84), TE, 6-4, 234, 11th year, Wyoming.

Made Pro Bowl for fifth straight year after 62 catches, 705 yards and five TDs ... Led NFC in receptions for tight ends ... So-so blocker, but great third-down receiver ... Often Aikman’s first option ... Holds on kicks.

*

Michael Irvin (88), WR, 6-2, 205, 8th year, Miami.

Had best season with 111 catches, 1,603 yards, 10 touchdowns ... Made fifth consecutive Pro Bowl ... Dallas’ game-breaker and best receiver Steelers will have faced since September ... Likes to be physical against DBs, using size to overpower them.

*

Kevin Williams (85), WR, 5-9, 195, 3rd year, Miami.

Struggled replacing Alvin Harper, then surged in playoffs with 10 catches ... Dangerous on slant-in patterns ... Excellent kick returner, averaged 22.6 on kickoffs and 9.2 on punts, but didn’t score.

*

Erik Williams (79), T, 6-6, 322, 5th year, Central (Ohio) State.

Seems to have put injuries and off-field problems behind ... One of best power blockers in league ... Has done well vs. Reggie White and William Fuller ... Former All-Pro who could be again.

*

Larry Allen (73), G, 6-3, 325, 2nd year, Sonoma (Calif.) State.

Made Pro Bowl for first time ... Became starter at guard this season after filling in at tackle in ’94 ... Replaced Williams for second half of ’94 ... First player ever drafted from Sonoma State.

*

Derek Kennard (60), C, 6-3, 333, 10th year, Nevada-Reno.

Former guard who replaced Ray Donaldson in Thanksgiving Day game ... Became starter on Dec. 3 ... Left team in August with hip injury, returned three weeks into season ... Weakest of Cowboys linemen.

*

Nate Newton (61), 6-3, 320, 10th year, Florida A&M.;

The self-proclaimed “Fat Boy” of the NFL is also the best guard ... Excellent speed pulling ahead of Smith ... Made Pro Bowl for fourth straight year, All-Pro for second in a row ... Has 50 consecutive starts despite numerous injuries.

*

Mark Tuinei (71), T, 6-5, 305, 13th year, Hawaii.

Only starter on line from Division I program ... Made Pro Bowl for second successive season ... Has played in 188 games, most of any Cowboys offensive player ... Versatile blocker who shows no signs of slowing down.

*

Chris Boniol (18), PK, 5-11, 159, 2nd year, Louisiana Tech.

Second to Smith in NFC scoring with 127 points ... Made 96.4 percent of field goals (27-for-28), missing only a 20-yarder in third game of season ... Did not try field goal from beyond 50 yards.

DEFENSE

Tony Tolbert (92), DE, 6-6, 263, 7th year, Texas-El Paso.

Had a career-high 99 tackles, most by a DL since 1989 ... Had 5.5 sacks, but was slight disappointment as pass rusher ... Has led linemen in tackles five straight years.

*

Russell Maryland (67), DT, 6-1, 279, 5th year, Miami.

Missed nearly three games at end of year with sprained toe ... Also had knee problems, but played well in NFC title game ... Replaced by Chad Hennings (95) in passing situations ... Force against run, but will have hands full with Steelers All-Pro center Dermontti Dawson.

*

Leon Lett (78), DT, 6-6, 288, 5th year, Emporia State.

Is putting inconsistency and major blunders behind him .. Easily best lineman on Cowboys this year in second season as starter ... Also plays end ... Got first interception in championship game ... Was suspended by league for four weeks in midseason for violating substance-abuse policy.

*

Charles Haley (94), DE, 6-5, 255, 10th year, James Madison.

Most dangerous pass rusher (10.5 sacks) for Dallas ... A Pro Bowl player for fifth time, though bad back hindered him this year ... Had surgery for second time in two years on Dec. 6, expects to return Sunday

*

Dixon Edwards (58), LB, 6-1, 225, 5th year, Michigan State.

Had career-high 109 tackles ... Has speed to handle backs and tight ends, but comes out in nickel packages ... Rarely overpowered, despite size ... Had played in 77 straight games until being scratched against Atlanta’s run-and-shoot in October.

*

Robert Jones (55), LB, 6-2, 237, 4th year, East Carolina.

Speedy inside backer who gets into backfield and led team with six tackles for losses ... Had 100 tackles ... Strained abdominal muscle forced him out of three games late in season. Defense struggled without him ... Strong postseason performer.

*

Darrin Smith (59), LB, 6-1, 230, 3rd year, Miami.

Another Hurricanes product with speed and a desire to hit ... Played nine games, averaging more than seven tackles per ... Has had excellent postseason after holdout-scarred year .. Always around the ball.

*

Deion Sanders (21), CB, 6-1, 190, 7th year, Florida State.

Will get his “Prime Time” on offense as receiver, too ... Had little impact during season, but has been sensational in playoffs ... Capable of shutting down Steelers receivers one-on-one ... Might also return kicks

*

Larry Brown (24), CB, 5-11, 186, 5th year, Texas Christian.

Can be burned, as he was by Robert Brooks in title game ... Also can make big plays and had game-clinching interception vs. Green Bay ... Not nearly Sanders’ equal in coverage and gets thrown at a lot. He picks off his share -- six this season, a career high, with two for TDs.

*

Brock Marion (31), S, 5-11, 189, 3rd year, Nevada-Reno.

Considered weak link of secondary at outset of season, had six interceptions, was second on team with 114 tackles ... Excellent against run, will fill holes quickly and is sure tackler ... Returned INT for 32-yard touchdown in season finale.

*

Darren Woodson (28), S, 6-1, 215, 4th year, Arizona State.

The best safety in the business ... An All-Pro, led team with 144 tackles ... Also excels in pass coverage, probably could play cornerback without a problem ... Native of Phoenix, high school star who went to Arizona State ... Lives for the big game, should be factor Sunday.

*

John Jett (19), P, 6-0, 194, 3rd year, East Carolina.

Punted just 22 times ... Had nearly one-third of those downed inside 20 ... Averaged 40.9 per kick ... Never has had punt blocked.

REGULAR SEASON STATISTICS

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OFFENSE Pitt. Dal. GAMES (Won-Lost) 11-5 12-4 FIRST DOWNS 344 364 Rushing 117 141 Passing 193 195 Penalty 34 28 YDS GAINED (tot) 5769 5824 Avg per Game 360.6 364.0 RUSHING (net) 1852 2201 Avg per Game 115.8 137.6 Rushes 494 495 Yards per Rush 3.7 4.4 PASSING (net) 3917 3623 Avg per Game 244.8 226.4 Passes Att. 592 494 Completed 348 322 Pct Completed 58.8 65.2 Yards Gained 4093 3741 Sacked 24 18 Yards Lost 176 118 Had intercepted 21 10 Yards Opp Ret 185 155 Opp TDs on Int 3 1 PUNTS 59 55 Avg Yards 40.1 40.8 PUNT RETURNS 48 23 Avg Return 9.9 11.1 Returned for TD 1 0 KICKOFF RETURNS 69 58 Avg Return 22.2 22.0 Returned for TD 0 0 PENALTIES 109 90 Yards Penalized 839 695 FUMBLES BY 24 24 Fumbles Lost 13 12 Opp Fumbles 30 16 Opp Fum Lost 12 6 POSS. TIME (avg) 32:36 31:15 TOUCHDOWNS 44 51 Rushing 17 29 Passing 21 18 Returns 6 4 EXTRA POINTS(tot) 40 47 Kicks Made/2Pt 39/1 46/1 FIELD GOALS/FGA 34/41 27/28 POINTS SCORED 407 435

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DEFENSE Pitt. Dal. POINTS ALLOWED 327 291 OPP FIRST DOWNS 272 303 Rushing 67 113 Passing 181 165 Penalty 24 25 OPP YARDS GAINED 4561 5044 Avg per Game 285.1 315.3 OPP RUSHING(net) 1321 1772 Avg per Game 82.6 110.8 Rushes 370 442 Yards per Rush 3.6 4.0 OPP PASSING(net) 3240 3272 Avg per Game 202.5 204.5 Passes Att. 531 523 Completed 314 293 Pct Completed 59.1 56.0 Sacked 42 36 Yards Lost 272 219 INTERCEPTED BY 22 19 Yards Returned 361 261 Returned for TD 3 4 OPP PUNT RETURNS 22 22 Avg return 8.5 9.8 OPP KICKOFF RET 88 85 Avg return 17.5 19.5 OPP TOUCHDOWNS 37 32 Rushing 9 13 Passing 24 17 Returns 4 2

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PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Head Coach: Bill Cowher *--*

No. Player P Ht Wt Exp 3 Rohn Stark P 6-3 203 14 9 Norm Johnson K 6-2 202 14 10 Kordell Stewart QB 6-1 212 R 14 Neil O’Donnell QB 6-3 230 6 16 Jim Miller QB 6-2 226 2 18 Mike Tomczak QB 6-1 207 11 20 Erric Pegram RB 5-10 195 5 21 Deon Figures CB 6-0 203 3 22 John L. Williams FB 5-11 231 10 24 Chris Oldham CB 5-9 183 4 25 Fred McAfee RB 5-10 193 5 26 Rod Woodson CB 6-0 200 9 27 Willie Williams CB 5-9 185 3 28 Alvoid Mays CB 5-9 172 6 29 Randy Fuller DB 5-10 175 2 33 Bam Morris RB 6-0 246 2 34 Tim Lester FB 5-9 227 4 37 Carnell Lake S 6-1 210 7 39 Darren Perry S 5-11 196 4 40 Myron Bell S 5-11 203 2 41 Lethon Flowers DB 6-0 202 R 43 Steve Avery FB 6-2 233 2 54 Donta Jones LB 6-2 226 R 55 Jerry Olsavsky LB 6-1 221 7 57 Eric Ravotti LB 6-3 254 2 60 Kendall Gammon C 6-4 288 4 63 Dermontti Dawson C 6-2 288 8 65 John Jackson T 6-6 297 8 66 Tom Newberry G 6-2 285 10 68 Brendan Stai G 6-4 305 R 69 Ariel Solomon G 6-5 290 5 72 Leon Searcy T 6-3 304 4 73 Justin Strzelczyk T 6-6 302 6 76 Kevin Henry DE 6-4 282 3 78 Tasse Faumui DL 6-3 278 2 79 James Parrish OL 6-6 310 2 82 Yancey Thigpen WR 6-1 208 4 83 Corey Holliday WR 6-2 208 R 84 Tracy Greene TE 6-5 270 2 85 Jonathan Hayes TE 6-5 248 11 87 Mark Bruener TE 6-4 254 R 88 Andre Hastings WR 6-0 190 3 89 Ernie Mills WR 5-11 192 5 90 Bill Johnson DL 6-4 300 4 91 Kevin Greene LB 6-3 247 11 92 Jason Gildon LB 6-3 245 2 93 Joel Steed NT 6-2 303 4 94 Chad Brown LB 6-2 240 3 95 Greg Lloyd LB 6-2 228 9 96 Brentson Buckner DE 6-2 305 2 97 Ray Seals DE 6-3 306 8 98 Oliver Gibson DT 6-2 283 R 99 Levon Kirkland LB 6-1 264 4

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DALLAS COWBOYS

Head Coach: Barry Switzer

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No. Player P Ht Wt Exp 8 Troy Aikman QB 6-4 228 7 11 Wade Wilson QB 6-3 206 15 17 Jason Garrett QB 6-2 195 3 18 Chris Boniol K 5-11 159 2 19 John Jett P 6-0 194 3 20 Sherman Williams RB 5-8 190 R 21 Deion Sanders CB 6-1 190 7 22 Emmitt Smith RB 5-9 209 6 23 Robert Bailey CB 5-9 176 5 24 Larry Brown CB 5-11 186 4 25 Scott Case S 6-1 188 12 28 Darren Woodson S 6-1 215 4 29 Alundis Brice CB 5-10 178 R 31 Brock Marion S 5-11 189 3 36 Dominique Ross RB 6-0 203 R 38 David Lang RB 5-11 210 5 40 Bill Bates S 6-1 210 13 42 Charlie Williams S 6-0 190 R 43 Greg Briggs S 6-3 212 2 48 Daryl Johnston FB 6-2 242 7 52 Jim Schwantz LB 6-2 232 2 54 Darryl Hardy LB 6-2 230 1 55 Robert Jones B 6-2 237 4 58 Dixon Edwards LB 6-1 225 5 59 Darrin Smith LB 6-1 230 3 60 Derek Kennard G 6-3 333 10 61 Nate Newton G 6-3 320 10 65 Ron Stone G-T 6-5 309 3 67 Russell Maryland DT 6-1 279 5 68 Michael Batiste G-C 6-3 295 1 69 George Hegamin T 6-7 338 2 70 Dale Hellestrae G-C 6-5 286 11 71 Mark Tuinei T 6-5 305 13 73 Larry Allen T 6-3 326 2 78 Leon Lett DL 6-6 291 5 79 Erik Williams T 6-6 324 5 81 Edward Hervey WR 6-3 179 R 82 Cory Fleming WR 6-1 216 2 83 Kendall Watkins TE 6-1 305 R 84 Jay Novacek TE 6-4 234 11 85 Kevin Williams WR 5-9 195 3 86 Eric Bjornson TE 6-4 215 R 87 Billy Davis WR 6-1 199 R 88 Michael Irvin WR 6-2 205 8 90 Oscar Sturgis DE 6-5 280 R 91 Darren Benson DT 6-7 305 R 92 Tony Tolbert DE 6-6 263 7 94 Charles Haley DE 6-5 255 10 95 Chad Hennings DT 6-6 288 4 96 Shante Carver DE 6-5 242 2 98 Godfrey Myles LB 6-1 242 5 99 Hurvin McCormack DT 6-5 274 2

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