UA players tackle big game
Former Zips Domenik Hixon and Chase Blackburn will play in Super Bowl XLII with the New York Giants
Vincent Dorsey
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: News
With the injury behind him, Hixon established himself as the Broncos starting punt returner and a starter on the kick-return team going into week one of the 2007 NFL season against the Buffalo Bills.
His first NFL regular-season game, however, is surely one Hixon wishes went differently. After returning the second half kickoff, Hixon was tackled by Bills reserve tight end Kevin Everett, who fell to the turf upon contact and had to be taken off the field via ambulance. Everett suffered a fracture dislocation in his neck and damage to his spinal cord.
The injury affected Hixon on and off the field. The former Zip was released by Denver on Oct. 2. The New York Giants claimed him off of waivers the following day, offering him a fresh start in a new city.
When asked about his unusual path to Super Bowl XLII, the always humble Hixon reiterated his appreciation for the opportunities he's been given.
"It is definitely a blessing," Hixon said, also through Falicon. "I am just glad to have the opportunity to play in the NFL, to play football and to play in the Super Bowl."
Beating the odds
Blackburn and Hixon each conquered their own obstacles to get in position to help the Giants make their surprise playoff run.
Blackburn's 22 tackles this season rank him 16th on the team. He also registered two tackles in the Giants NFC Championship-clinching victory at Green Bay Jan 20.
Hixon has left his imprint on the Giants in just 12 games. He had a career-day in the team's regular-season finale Dec. 29 against the Patriots. The kick-returner scored his first NFL touchdown on a 74-yard kickoff return, amassed 221 yards and recorded two special teams tackles in New York's 35-38 defeat.
"Shoot, a great feeling and also definitely a blessing," Hixon said of his performance in front of a live national audience. "I thank God for it and it was very exciting."
UA's fourth-year head football coach J.D. Brookhart said that he's excited for and proud of the former Zips players.
His first NFL regular-season game, however, is surely one Hixon wishes went differently. After returning the second half kickoff, Hixon was tackled by Bills reserve tight end Kevin Everett, who fell to the turf upon contact and had to be taken off the field via ambulance. Everett suffered a fracture dislocation in his neck and damage to his spinal cord.
The injury affected Hixon on and off the field. The former Zip was released by Denver on Oct. 2. The New York Giants claimed him off of waivers the following day, offering him a fresh start in a new city.
When asked about his unusual path to Super Bowl XLII, the always humble Hixon reiterated his appreciation for the opportunities he's been given.
"It is definitely a blessing," Hixon said, also through Falicon. "I am just glad to have the opportunity to play in the NFL, to play football and to play in the Super Bowl."
Beating the odds
Blackburn and Hixon each conquered their own obstacles to get in position to help the Giants make their surprise playoff run.
Blackburn's 22 tackles this season rank him 16th on the team. He also registered two tackles in the Giants NFC Championship-clinching victory at Green Bay Jan 20.
Hixon has left his imprint on the Giants in just 12 games. He had a career-day in the team's regular-season finale Dec. 29 against the Patriots. The kick-returner scored his first NFL touchdown on a 74-yard kickoff return, amassed 221 yards and recorded two special teams tackles in New York's 35-38 defeat.
"Shoot, a great feeling and also definitely a blessing," Hixon said of his performance in front of a live national audience. "I thank God for it and it was very exciting."
UA's fourth-year head football coach J.D. Brookhart said that he's excited for and proud of the former Zips players.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
Laura Bishop
posted 1/31/08 @ 3:38 PM EST
As an Akron Alum now living in New York City, I am prouder than ever to forever be a Zip and will be cheering both Chase and Domenik on during Superbowl XLII. (Continued…)
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posted 3/16/09 @ 7:38 AM EST
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posted 7/28/09 @ 3:49 AM EST
"I have always taken pride in what I do, and the path that we have taken so far is just the same way," nice words.
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