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Super Bowl Awash in Subplots

Arizona's Pittsburgh transplants give Cards an edge—if not the edge

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 19, 2009 10:47 AM CST

(Newser) – You can't spell “conflict” without NFL, and this year's Super Bowl contains plenty of opposing loyalties, Sam Farmer writes in the Los Angeles Times. You can’t throw a stone at the Arizona Cardinals’ sideline without hitting a former Pittsburgh resident, player, or coach—and that last category might give Arizona an edge, Rick Gosselin adds in the Dallas Morning News.

Both head coach Ken Whisenhunt and his second in command, Russ Grimm, came to Arizona after being passed over for the Steelers’ top job. To pile on the insider knowledge, the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator grew up as a Pittsburgh ball boy, star receiver Larry Fitzgerald got his start at the University of Pittsburgh, and fellow wideout Steve Breaston grew up waving a Terrible Towel.

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In this Aug. 7, 2008, file photo, Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Russ Grimm watches his players. The Steelers offered him their head job, then rescinded the offer, in 2006. (AP Photo/Paul Connors, File)

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin got his gig after just one year as defensive coordinator of the Vikings, and now will face the men he beat out for his job in Super Bowl XLIII. (AP Photo)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger led his team to a Super Bowl victory during his rookie season, and now has another chance for another ring. (AP Photo)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, left, is a two-time veteran of the Super Bowl, winning once with the Rams. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, center, was passed over for that job by the Pittsburgh Steelers; receiver Larry Fitzgerald, left, played at the University of Pittsburgh. (AP Photo)

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The Cardinals have so many Pittsburgh connections on their roster and coaching staff—at least 16—they might as well reside on the other end of the Fort Pitt Tunnel from the Steelers. - Sam Farmer

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Super Bowl Awash in Subplots