From Tiger Stadium to NFL glory

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Alan Faneca still getting it done in NFL trenches

By RICHARD FISCHER
Tiger Rag Assistant Editor

With all the flashy, skill position players that have gone from LSU to the NFL in recent years, it becomes easy to forget former Tigers in the trenches.

And a strong argument could be made that the best former Tiger in the NFL stays inside the pocket at all times.

That’s because Arizona Cardinals guard Alan Faneca has been All-Pro six times and made nine Pro Bowls in his 13-year NFL career.

The Rosenberg, Texas recruit enjoyed a decorated career with LSU, even though he left for the NFL draft following his junior season.

The right guard was First-Team All-SEC in 1996 and 1997, playing a pivotal role in the Tigers leading the league in rushing both seasons.

In the latter season, Faneca was an Outland Trophy Finalist and a First-Team All-American.

Faneca was drafted with the 26^th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1998 and is currently the longest tenured Tiger in the NFL.

He won the Joe Greene Award as the team’s top rookie in 1998.

But the crowing moment of Faneca’s career came when his Steelers won Super Bowl XL over the Seattle Seahawks in Detroit.

The former Tiger helped spring Willie Parker to a 75-yard touchdown run, the longest run in Super Bowl history.

After the 2007 season, Faneca became a free agent, and he signed a five-year, $40 million contract with the New York Jets. This made him the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL at the time.

After helping the Jets reach the AFC Championship last season, Faneca was released, and the Arizona Cardinals picked him up prior to this season.

A model of consistency and toughness, Faneca has started 141 consecutive NFL games.

CLICK HERE for my previous installment highlighting WR Dwayne Bowe’s rise to NFL stardom.

CLICK HERE for my previous installment highlighting LB Bradie James’ continued stellar play for the Cowboys.

CLICK HERE for my previous installment highlighting CB Corey Webster’s Giant Super Bowl run.

CLICK HERE for my previous installment highlighting DE Glenn Dorsey overcoming a position change with the Chiefs.

*Check back to Tigerrag.com throughout the month of December for more updates on former Tigers in the pros.