Super Bowl week is here, and millions of Americans are gearing up for Sunday. Soon, fans across the country will gather in front of their TVs to watch the final football game of the year, all while indulging in their favorite snacks and treats.

As we gear up for this exciting sports holiday, let me tell you the story of a Mainer who’s been fortunate enough to experience the Super Bowl firsthand—not from the stands, but on the field.

Cedric Darryl Pollard, Maine's Super Bowl Star

Cedric Darryl Pollard may not be a household name in Maine, but perhaps he should be. He has done something I'm not sure any other Mainer has done- won two Super Bowl rings.

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One would think Pollard should be celebrated more for this accomplishment. It's not like Maine is pumping out NFL players like Texas or Florida, so having one of our own with two rings is pretty great.

Pollard won those rings playing with the San Francisco 49ers. The cornerback played for the Niners from 1987 to 1992, which included two trips to the Big Game.

Key Plays by Cedric Pollard in Super Bowl XXIII and XXIV

The Ellsworth native made some significant plays in both games. In Super Bowl XXIII, Pollard recovered a fumble by Jon Taylor during a kick return to keep possession for the Niners. This was an important play, as it helped secure a tight win over Cincinnati, 20-16.

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The very next year, San Francisco faced the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV. A starter that year, Pollard was a huge factor in the Big Game, finishing with seven tackles and a sack of Jon Elway. The Niners destroyed Denver, 55-10.

Cerdic Darryll Pollard’s Early Retirement and the Injuries That Cut His Career Short

Pollard played five impactful years in the NFL, including a season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately, injuries led to his early retirement. While his career was brief, his legacy, especially from those Super Bowl victories, remains unforgettable.

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So why don’t we talk about Pollard’s accomplishments more? It's probably for the simple fact that, while born in Maine, he actually left pretty quickly. See, Pollard played high school football in Colorado, then college ball in Utah at Weber State. When he went off and started winning Super Bowls, it seems that his Maine roots were just that—roots in the past.

But it's time to change that. I hereby acknowledge Pollard as a true Mainer. Hell, he's more of a Mainer than me; I was born in Maryland. Pollard isn't "From Away," he's got Maine in his blood.

Congrats to Mainer Pollard on a solid career and his two rings. Here's hoping he receives more recognition.

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