Did You Know a Maine Native Played a Key Role in Two Super Bowls?

Well, the Super Bowl certainly feels a little bit more important this year with the return of our hometown New England Patriots. Soon, we will all come together for a greater good: the total domination of America by the greatest region of the country. Oh, and eating tons of calories.

However, the Patriots aren’t the only connection to this high holy holiday. What if I told you Maine has a connection to the Big Game that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough?

Has Someone from Maine Ever Won the Super Bowl?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Darryl Pollard's Career Was Sadly Cut Short Due to Injuries

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.

So why don’t we talk about Pollard’s accomplishments more? It’s probably for the simple fact that, while born in Maine, he left pretty quickly. 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.

READ MORE: Maine's Cooper Flagg Named NBA Rookie of the Month Yet Again

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