Feb. 1, 2008

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Former Villanova University football standout Raymond Ventrone (class of 2005) will play in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday, Feb. 3 as a member of the New England Patriots. Ventrone, who will wear number 41, is expected to see playing time on special teams against the New York Giants.

"I am very thankful for the opportunity that the Patriots have given me," said Ventrone. "It doesn't get any better than playing in the world's biggest game on the world's biggest stage."

If the 18-0 Patriots complete a perfect season with a win over the Giants, Ventrone will become the third Villanova player to win a Super Bowl ring. The two other Wildcats to accomplish the feat are Mike Siani (1976) and Howie Long (1983) who both won championships with the Oakland Raiders. The last Villanova Wildcat to play in the Super Bowl was running back Brian Westbrook who started for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005.

A 5-10, 200 pound safety, Ventrone has been activated to the 53-man roster three times this season. He played in his first NFL game in a win at Indianapolis on Nov. 4 and he saw game action in the regular season win over the Giants on Dec. 29 that secured the perfect regular season for the Patriots. He also played in the AFC title game versus the Chargers.

In 35 career games at Villanova, Ventrone tallied 251 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 11 pass break-ups, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two quarterback sacks. In addition to being named first team All-Atlantic 10 in 2003, he earned 2003 GTE/CoSIDA District II Academic All-American honors. He also garnered Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team distinction in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Ventrone was named Villanova's Male Senior Student-Athlete of the Year in 2005.

"We are very excited for Ray to be playing in a game that could be history making," said Villanova head coach Andy Talley. "He is one of the hardest working, toughest players to ever wear a Villanova uniform. We wish Ray and the Patriots the best of luck in the Super Bowl."