Four former of Fighting Illini are in Phoenix this week representing Illinois and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX, which takes place Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 at 5:30 pm CT on NBC. Tight end Michael Hoomanawanui and defensive back Tavon Wilson both are on the active roster and have helped the Patriots march through the playoffs. Defensive end Michael Buchanan (injured reserve) and defensive back Justin Green (practice squad) both are on New England's roster, but won't suit up for the big game against the Seattle Seahawks.

It marks the eighth time in the last nine years and the 12th time in the last 14 years that at least one Illini has played in the Super Bowl.

Michael Hoomanawanui, TE, New England Patriots - Hoomanawanui started and had one reception for six yards in the Patriots' 45-7 blowout win over the Colts in the AFC Championship game. As he did all season, "Uh Oh" played an even bigger role as a blocker, helping the Pats rack up 397 total yards, including 148 yards and three touchdowns on the ground by running back LeGarrette Bount. After catching just three passes for 44 yards in the regular season, Hoomanawanui had five receptions for 49 yards in the Patriots two-game playoff run to the Super Bowl.

Tavon Wilson, FS, New England Patriots (@TavonWilson27) - Wilson had one solo tackle in New England's AFC Championship win over the Colts. Wilson has played in all 18 Patriots games this season (16 regular season and two playoff games), totaling 21 tackles and two passes defended on the season.

Michael Buchanan, DE, New England Patriots (@MikeBuke99) - Played in three games and made two tackles before getting injured. Spent the final 11 weeks of the season on IR.

Justin Green, DB, New England Patriots (@jgreen_26) - Was added to Patriots practice Squad on Dec. 3.

ILLINI HISTORY IN THE SUPER BOWL
Ed Brady (1): Cincinnati XXIII
Bill Brown (3): Minnesota IV, VIII, IX
Darryl Byrd (1): L.A. Raiders XVIII
Jameel Cook (1): Tampa Bay XXXVII
Carey Davis (1): Pittsburgh XLIII
Dave Diehl (2): New York Giants XLII, XLVI
Ken Dilger (1): Tampa Bay XXXVII
Tony Eason (1): New England XX
Greg Engel (1): San Diego XXIX
Jim Grabowski (2): Green Bay I, II
Howard Griffith (2): Denver XXXII, XXXIII
Kelvin Hayden (2): Indianpolis XLI, XLIV
Nathan Hodel (1): Arizona XLIII
Robert Holcombe (2): St. Louis XXXIV, XXXVI
Brad Hopkins (1): Tennessee XXXIV
A.J. Jenkins (1): San Francisco XLVII
Henry Jones (3): Buffalo XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII
Jim Juriga (1): Denver XXIV
Greg Lewis (1): Philadelphia XXXIX
Adam Lingner (4): Buffalo XXV, XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII
Rashard Mendenhall (2): Pittsburgh XLIII, XLV
Aaron Moorehead (1): Indianapolis XLI
Ray Nitschke (1): Green Bay I, II
Preston Pearson (5): Baltimore III; Pittsburgh - IX; Dallas - X, XII, XIII
Neil Rackers (1): Arizona XLIII
Simeon Rice (1):Tampa Bay XXXVII
Jack Squirek (1): L.A. Raiders XVIII
Calvin Thomas (1): Chicago XX
Pierre Thomas (1): New Orleans XLIV
Steve Weatherford (1): New York Giants XLVI
Eugene Wilson (3): New England XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLII
Walter Young (2): Carolina XXXVIII