Four former Trojans—linebacker Junior Seau and quarterback Matt Cassel of the New England Patriots and wide receiver Steve Smith and defensive tackle Manuel Wright of the New York Giants—have made it to Super Bowl XLII on Sunday, Feb. 3, in Glendale, Ariz… continue

No matter what happens in two weeks, the Trojan Family will add some Super Bowl rings to the collection. Here's how USC alums fared in this weekend's NFL conference championships:

Steve Smith (WR - New York Giants) made two caches, of 14 and 11 yards, in a 23-20 OT victory in Green Bay.

Junior Seau (LB - New England) had six tackles and made the Pat's only sack in a 21-12 win over San Diego.

Matt Cassell (QB - New England) didn't take a snap against New York, but will back-up Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. He may become the first person to ever win a college national championship ring with an undefeated season AND a Super Bowl ring with an undefeated season (we haven't double-checked the undefeated Dolphin's roster, though). He already holds the rare distinction of backing up two Heisman Trophy winners (Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart) and an NFL MVP (Tom Brady).

Norv Turner (Coach - San Diego) heads home after the Bolts ended a second straight season with a loss to the Patriots. Turner, in his first year in San Diego, oversaw an impressive turnaround that took the Chargers from 1-3 to 11-5. Including the post-season, they rode an 8-game winning streak into New England. To see how Turner's popularity changed throughout the season, click here.

Reserves Oscar Lua (LB - New England) and Manuel Wright (DT - New York) will probably enjoy a view of the Super Bowl from the sidelines.

Justin Fargas (RB - Oakland) ran the rock 26 times for 89 yards and a score along with a seven yard reception. He now has 1,009 yard on the ground this season, marking a major milestone for the Encino native. Unfortunately, he left in the 4th quarter with a sprained right MCL. The Raiders fell 21-14 to Indianapolis.

Carson Palmer (QB - Cincinnati) was 19-of-31 for 251 yards in a 20-13 loss to San Francisco. He completed his first touchdown pass in three weeks, giving him 100 on his career. He's the fifth fastest NFL quarterback to reach that plateau.

Troy Polamalu (S - Pittsburgh) made ten tackles in a his first game back from injury. The Steelers fell to Jacksonville 29-22.

LenDale White (RB - Tennessee) was playing through pain, but ran for 93 yards on 24 carries. He also had a catch for no gain in a 26-17 victory over Kansas City. With two games to go, he just needs 40 yards to break the 1,000 mark.

Junior Seau (LB - New England) had nine tackles and two sacks in a 20-10 win over the Jets.

Sammy Knight (S - Jacksonville) made seven tackles (one for a loss) in the Jaguar's loss.

Lofa Tatupu (LB - Seattle) made seven tackles in a 13-10 loss to Carolina.

Billy Miller (TE - New Orleans) had three receptions for 39 yards in 31-24 victory over Arizona.

Steve Smith (WR - New York Giants) was active for the first time since week two and had an 8 yard catch in a 22-10 loss to Washington.

Chris McFoy (WR - Oakland) was promoted from the practice squad but didn't have any catches in the loss to the Colts.

Shaun Cody (DT - Detroit) made a tackle behind the line of scrimmage, but his Lions were thumped 51-14 by San Diego.

Mike Patterson (DT - Philadelphia) had one tackle in a 10-6 victory over Dallas.

Willie McGinest (LB - Cleveland) made a tackle in an 8-0 loss to Buffalo.

Also Played: Dominique Byrd (TE - St. Louis), Brian Kelly (CB - Tampa Bay), Manuel Wright (DT - New York Giants).

Monday Night Football: Kenechi Udeze and the Vikings are taking on Chicago.

LenDale White (RB - Tennessee) carried the ball 30 times for 113 yards and a touchdown. He also added two receptions for another 24 yards. Tennessee fell to San Diego in overtime after the Chargers rallied from 14 points down. White's performance on the ground gives him 867 yards this season with three games to go.

Justin Fargas (RB - Oakland) had his toughest outing since stepping up for the Raiders six weeks ago. Green Bay pounded Oakland 38-7 and Fargas managed only 15 carries for 57 yards. He left in the fourth quarter with a bruised rib, but doesn't expect to miss any more playing time. With three games to go, he's just 80 yards away from his first 1,000 yard season.

Carson Palmer (QB - Cincinnati) was 21-of-29 for 189 yards and was intercepted twice. The Bengals won a sloppy game 19-10 in the pouring rain in St. Louis.

Junior Seau (LB - New England) had 6 tackles in a 34-13 victory over Pittsburgh.

Mike Patterson (DT - Philadelphia) made 5 tackles, one for a loss, as the Eagles fell 16-13 to the New York Giants.

Monday Night Football: RB Reggie Bush is out with an injured knee, but keep an eye on TE Billy Miller to continue his productive season for the Saints in tonight's game in Atlanta.

Lofa Tatupu (LB - Seattle) made 4 tackles in a 42-21 victory over Arizona.

Willie McGinest (LB - Cleveland) made a tackle for a 3 yard loss in a 24-18 win over the New York Jets.

Keary Colbert (WR - Carolina) had an 8 yard catch in a 37-6 loss to Jacksonville.

Brian Kelly (CB - Tampa Bay) made 3 tackles in a 28-14 loss to Houston.

Sammy Knight (S - Jacksonville) had 2 tackled in the victory over Carolina.

Kenechi Udeze (DE - Minnesota) made a tackled against San Francisco in a 27-7 victory.

Also Played: Dominique Byrd (TE - St. Louis), Shaun Cody (DT - Detroit), Mike Williams (WR - Tennessee), Manuel Wright (DT - New York Giants).

Mike Williams: "I have all the money, I'm a pro athlete and I'm where I want to be on the big stage," Williams said in a telephone interview. "Still, I was talking to [Lion quarterback] Joey Harrington and I was saying, 'Man, we're young, we're rich and this and that and the other, but I still remember the days when I went to practice and went back home to the apartment with [defensive lineman] Frostee Rucker … getting ready for UCLA. I miss that."

"I regret leaving school and I really didn't understand that Coach Carroll and Coach [Lane Kiffin] and those guys had my best interest in mind. I was thinking, 'They want me to stay because it helped them.' "

The players will have till mid-January to decide whether or not to delcare for the April 2006 draft. Of couse there's a chance to go in the supplemental draft too (a la Many Wright).

[LA Times via Alexis Jones]

Miami Dolphins rookie Manuel Wright apparently is having a difficult time adjusting to the NFL, and was in tears Tuesday.

The 6-foot-6, 290-pound defensive tackle from USC - the only pick in this month's supplemental draft - broke down during an on-field workout session.

Sounds like Manuel Wright is missing ol' Coach Carroll more than he expected.  But we're sure no rookie hazing will come out of this event, or anything like that....so Manny, just let that waterworks flow.

Ex-Trojan Wright reduced to tears [O.C. Register]

NEW YORK - Southern California defensive tackle Manuel Wright was chosen by the Miami Dolphins on Thursday in the fifth round of the NFL's supplemental draft.

Considering he had a hard time focusing on his studies in L.A., we just hope the many distractions of Miami don't detract from his insane on-field talent.  But for now, congrats to Manuel on joining the SC/NFL fraternity....O.J. will be dropping by with your dinner jacket promptly.

Southern Cal DT Wright goes to Miami in fifth round of supplemental draft [MSNBC]

The families of Bush and White, both juniors, along with those of senior tight end Dominique Byrd, junior offensive tackle Winston Justice, junior receiver Steve Smith, junior safety Darnell Bing and junior defensive lineman Manuel Wright also are expected to secure policies before the Trojans open spring practice on March 22.

Premium Players [LA Times via insurancenewsnet.com]