The last few days in the NFL has been all about the Super Bowl LVIII excitement. After witnessing some fierce competitions in the playoff games, four teams advanced to the Super Bowl final. The Kansas City Chiefs were the first one to earn the glory by smashing the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game.
The San Francisco 49ers advanced to the coveted Super Bowl final by beating the Detroit Lions. Now, the sports enthusiasts are gearing up themselves to witness the final excitement of the 2023 NFL season on February 11. This year’s Super Bowl event will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the first time ever. The event will also make a new record for Terry Killens.
Who is Terry Killens?
Terry Killens is an NFL official and former linebacker. Drafted in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft, he showcased his defensive prowess during his collegiate years at Penn State. The veteran contributed to the Nittany Lions’ undefeated season in 1994. His professional journey began with the Houston Oilers, where he played linebacker and defensive end.
The footballer’s NFL career spanned seven seasons, during which he notably played in Super Bowl 34 as part of the Tennessee Titans. Despite the Titans’ loss to the St. Louis Rams, he made his mark by recording a tackle in the championship game.
The Music City Miracle occurred during the 1999 playoffs, where the Titans faced the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round. With seconds remaining on the clock and trailing by one point, the Titans executed a daring kickoff return. Killens played a crucial role in the play by delivering a block that cleared the path for the dramatic touchdown, and securing a thrilling victory for the Titans.
Terry Killens set to make one of a kind Super Bowl LVIII history
The NFL recently revealed that Terry Killens will be part of the officiating crew for Super Bowl LVIII, slated for February 11 in Las Vegas. With this announcement, he will become the first individual to both play and officiate in a Super Bowl, via WCPO.
The distinguished crew, under the leadership of Bill Vinovich, comprises officials like down judge Patrick Holt, line judge Mark Perlman, side judge Allen Baynes, replay official Mike Chas, field judge Tom Hill, and back judge Brad Freeman.
Terry Killens’ journey as a football official dates back to at least 2013 when he began his officiating career in the American Athletic Conference. His prowess on the field also extended to the Alliance of American Football, where he served as an umpire under the guidance of referee Tra Blake.
In April 2019, the former footballer’s talents caught the attention of the NFL officiating staff. It paved the way for his entry into the highest echelons of professional football officiating. He donned uniform number 77, previously worn by Terry McAulay and Mike Pereira, and continued to excel in his role as an umpire.
