Feb. 4, 2007

Kelvin Hayden

Former Illini defensive back Kelvin Hayden intercepted a Rex Grossman pass with 11:44 remaining in the fourth quarter and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown to cap off the Indianapolis Colts' 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI Sunday night at Miami.

"He just put it up there, and I was able to get it. "(Except for tonight), I'm a Chicago fan," said the Windy City native. "I'm just so blessed to be a part of all this."

The pick was the first in Hayden's two-year NFL career. Hayden was filling in at cornerback for Nick Harper, the usual starter, who was slowed by an ankle injury he sustained two weeks ago in the Colts' AFC Championship Game victory over the New England Patriots.

"You gotta love it," said Indianapolis and former Illinois wide receiver Aaron Moorehead of the interception. "The Illini connection."

"My body's just numb," Moorehead continued, reacting to the reality of the championship. "I can't believe it."