Jan. 29, 2007

FRESNO, Calif. - Two players who grew-up in the Valley wanting to play football at Fresno State will be taking the field Sunday in Miami on football's largest stage, Super Bowl XLI.

Two valuable members of the Chicago Bears, receiver Bernard Berrian and safety Cameron Worrell, who grew-up within an hour of the Fresno State campus, will lead the NFC champions into the Super Bowl against AFC champion Indianapolis.

Berrian, a native of Winton, shattered several Bulldog records during his career (2000-2003), in which he had more than 2,800 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns. In 2001, he led the NCAA and shattered the WAC record for all-purpose yards, a record previously held by Marshall Faulk. Berrian was a two-time first-team All-WAC selection.

In his best season in the NFL in 2006, Berrian was among the NFC leaders in receptions (51), yards (775) and touchdowns (6)). His 15.2 yards per catch average was among the best in the NFL. During the playoffs, Berrian has been the Bear's go-to player, leading the team with 10 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns.

Worrell, a first-team All-WAC player in 2002, will be remembered as a ferocious hitter and playmaker during his career. As a walk-on to the Bulldog team from Chowchilla, Calif., Worrell had to earn his way on the Bears as an un-drafted free agent and now in his fourth season. He's involved in Chicago's defense and on many of its special teams.

Both Worrell and Berrian played their entire careers for head coach Pat Hill, who will enter his 11th season as a head coach.

"Bernard and Cameron are guys, like many of our players, who came here, worked hard and got themselves ready for the NFL," said Hill. "They deserve a lot of credit. Those are the kind of players we love to have here. They have a passion for the game of football and love to work hard. That's what got them where they are today. We've had a lot of guys, many who've had success in the NFL playoffs this season, who are making a good living in the NFL by taking the fundamentals of what they learned as Bulldog football players to the next level."

Logan Mankins and James Sanders, two other Valley products, are starting for the New England Patriots. Other former Bulldogs playing the in playoffs include Lorenzo Neal and Billy Volek of the San Diego Chargers. Neal is head to the Pro Bowl for his 2006 performance.

Berrian and Worrell join a long list of former Bulldogs to participate in the Super Bowl, including quarterback Trent Dilfer, who guided the Baltimore Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XXXV. Since the 1990 NFL Draft, Dilfer is the only quarterback drafted among the top 10 picks to win a Super Bowl. Another former Bulldog who had a big impact was Mike Martz, who as head coach of the St. Louis Rams, guided them to Super Bowl XXVI.

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