Dec. 29, 2008

11 former Heels advanced to the NFL playoffs for their respective teams. Jason Brown and the Ravens will meet Vonnie Holliday and the Dolphins next Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Seven former Heels received first round-byes in the playoffs with their respective teams - Crumpler/Thornton - (Titans), Parker/Reed/Warren - (Steelers), Hedgecock (Giants), and Peppers/Taylor - (Panthers).

Sam Aiken, New England – Wide receiver played special teams in 13-0 win over Bills, as the Patriots fall short of the playoffs.

Ethan Albright, Washington – 37-year-old veteran deep snapper helped Redskins convert one field goal in 27-24 loss to 49ers. The special teams ace completed his 14th season in the NFL for the 8-8 Redskins.

Kentwan Balmer, San Francisco – Rookie defensive end recorded one tackle in 27-24 win over the Redskins. The Ahoksie, NC product recorded seven total tackles and played special teams in 16 games for the 49ers.

Connor Barth, Kansas City Chiefs – Rookie did not attempt a field goal in 16-6 loss to Bengals. In his first year as a pro, Barth was 10-for-12 on field goals in 10 games with the Chiefs.

Matt Baker, Buffalo Bills - Placed on injured reserve (8/26) due to a broken rib.

Dre' Bly, Denver – 10-year veteran defensive back recorded two tackles in 52-21 loss to San Diego as Denver falls short of the playoffs. Bly recorded two interceptions and 62 tackles for the 8-8 Broncos.

Jason Brown, Baltimore – Center anchored offensive line helping the Ravens rush for over 100 yards in 27-7 win over Jaguars. In his fourth season in the NFL, Brown led the offensive line to a 11-5 record and a playoff birth.

Alge Crumpler, Tennessee–Veteran tight end did not play in 23-0 loss to Colts as Titans rested their starters in preparation for the playoffs. Crumpler caught 24 passes for 257 yards in 15 games for the NFL’s best 13-3 Titans.

Ronald Curry, Oakland–Veteran wide receiver not active in Raiders 31-24 win over Tampa Bay. Curry finished the season with only 19 catches for 181 yards for the 5-11 Raiders. It is his first season without 50 plus catches in two years.

Ebenezer Ekuban, Denver – Veteran defensive end, who missed all of 2007 season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, recorded three tackles and a sack in 52-21 loss to Chargers. Denver (8-8) failed to reach the playoffs as Ekuban recorded five sacks in 15 games in his 10th season in the NFL.

Greg Ellis, Dallas – Veteran linebacker recorded three tackles in 44-6 loss to Eagles as the Cowboys fall short of the NFC playoffs. Ellis recorded eight sacks for the 9-7 Cowboys in his 11th season in the NFL.

Madison Hedgecock, NY Giants – Fullback caught two passes for 11 yards in 20-19 loss to Vikings. Hedgecock and the Giants (12-4) received a first round-bye in the playoffs as both will look to defend their Super Bowl crown.

Vonnie Holliday, Miami – Veteran defensive end recorded six tackles in 24-17 win over Jets as the Dolphins advance to the playoffs. The 11-year pro recorded 46 tackles and three-and-a-half sacks for the 11-5 Dolphins.

Willie Parker, Pittsburgh – Experienced running back rushed for 116 yards on 23 attempts and scored a touchdown in 31-0 rout of rival Browns. Parker, who was plagued by injuries all season, rushed for nearly 800 yards in 11 games this season for the 12-4 Steelers. It was Parker’s first time without rushing for over 1,000 yards since 2004.

 Julius Peppers, Carolina – Veteran defensive end recorded three tackles and a sack in exciting 33-31 win over Saints. Peppers enjoyed a pro bowl season with a career best 14.5 sacks and a first round-bye in the playoffs with a 12-4 record.

Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh – Veteran place kicker converted one field goal in 31-0 rout of Browns. Reed, in his seventh season in the NFL, was 27-31 from field goals in 16 games this season for the playoff bound Steelers.

Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis – Veteran center anchored offensive line in 23-0 win over Tennessee as both teams rested starters in preparation for the playoffs. Saturday, a ten-year pro, will look to lead the 12-4 Colts back to the Super Bowl.

Gerald Sensabaugh, Jacksonville –Safety recorded four tackles in 27-7 loss to Ravens. Sensabaugh recorded four interceptions and 70 tackles in 16 games in 2008, a year after missing 14 games due to a shoulder injury in 2007.

Ryan Sims, Tampa Bay – Seven-year defensive tackle saw action in 31-24 loss to Oakland. Sims played in 15 games and started two for the 9-7 Bucs.

Hilee Taylor, Carolina – Rookie defensive end saw action in 33-31 win over Saints. Taylor played in 10 games this season for the 12-4 playoff bound Panthers.

Jeb Terry – Offensive lineman waived by San Francisco August 2, 2008.

David Thornton, Tennessee – Linebacker was not active in 23-0 loss to Colts as the Titans rested their starters in preparation for the playoffs. Thornton recorded 78 tackles in 15 games for the NFL’s best 13-3 Titans.

Michael Waddell, Oakland Raiders - Signed in week nine by Oakland, defensive back was waived (12/9) by the Raiders.

Greg Warren, Pittsburgh – Four-year pro as a long snapper tore his ACL in Week Seven as Steelers advance to playoffs.

Wallace Wright, NY Jets – Third-year pro recorded one tackle on special teams in 24-17 loss to the Dolphins. Wright completed his third season in the NFL for the 9-7 Jets developing into a special teams ace.