The matchup for Super Bowl 50 is set between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers, and three former Gators will be playing in the biggest game of their professional careers as members of the Broncos.
Guard Max Garcia, wide receiver Andre Caldwell and linebacker Lerentee McCray will be playing at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Feb. 7 against the Panthers.
The Broncos beat the New England Patriots 20-18 to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. Garcia came off the bench and played 26 snaps, and Caldwell had one catch for 15 yards and added one tackle on special teams. McCray didn’t record any stats while playing only on special teams.
Carolina dismantled the Arizona Cardinals 49-15 to clinch their spot in Super Bowl 50.
The game will be televised on CBS, and it begins at 6:30 p.m.
Horford holding up
While no former Gators were chosen as starters for the NBA All-Star Game, Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford has the best shot to play in the star-studded exhibition in Toronto on Feb. 14.
In his last 10 games, Horford is averaging 15 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while shooting 51.9 percent from the field. Last Saturday, Horford had a season-high 16 rebounds and added nine points, albeit in a 98-95 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
While he isn’t a shoe-in to be one of the reserves for the All-Star Game, Horford has made his case by being one of the more consistent frontcourt players in the NBA this year.
Noah has successful surgery
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah underwent successful surgery last week on his dislocated left shoulder. Noah is expected to miss four-to-six months, which will more than likely end his season.
The former Gators center has averaged just 4.3 points per game this season — the lowest of his career. His 8.8 rebounds per game is the lowest since his second season in the NBA (7.6).
Beal hurt again
After returning from a stress reaction in his right fibula, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal was hurt once again during Monday night’s game against the Boston Celtics.
Beal was hit in the face by Celtics guard Marcus Smart and suffered a broken nose and concussion. Beal took a forearm to the face from Smart during the second quarter and did not return. He played just nine minutes, scoring four points on 2-of-6 shooting in Washington’s 116-91 loss to Boston.
The 6-foot-5 shooting guard was ruled out for the Wizards’ game against the Toronto Raptors and is listed as day-to-day, according to ESPN.
He is averaging 18.5 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per game this year.
Contact Luis Torres ltorres@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @LFTorresIII.
Denver Broncos offensive guard Max Garcia celebrates after the team's win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football divisional playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
