Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh's Super Athletes Remembered at Super Bowl
2/2/2006 1:14:00 PM | Athletics
“Lehigh gave me the opportunity to develop both on and off the field. The football program has an outstanding tradition and the school has a great academic reputation, helping students prepare for their future.” - Adam Bergen ‘05
For any member of the Lehigh Community, football is an exciting pastime. At a university where school spirit energizes the atmosphere, the football program lies at the heart of Lehigh Mountain Hawk pride. Graduating six players to the National Football League (NFL) over the years, Lehigh is proud to have played a key role in preparing these gentlemen for their professional football careers. As the 2006 NFL Super Bowl draws closer, we are honored to pay homage to some of the Lehigh alumni that went on to play in the National Football League.
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John S. Hill ‘72
One of the greatest offensive linemen in Lehigh history, John S. Hill '72, is remembered as a fearless center and team captain. Hill's Lehigh career is highlighted by his exceptional performances in the 1971 East-West Shrine game and Coaches' All-American game. Hill earned an All-American selection and Coaches All-American honors during his 1972 season. He was awarded the Archibald Johnston Cup for most valuable player on the field in both 1971 and 1972. Drafted by the New York Giants in the 1972 NFL draft, Hill played in New York for three seasons before moving to New Orleans to play for the Saints from 1975-1984. Hill played his last season in 1985 with the San Francisco 49ers.
Hill is remembered not only for his tremendous football athleticism, but also for his track and field abilities. He set a record in the shot put and won the Penn Relays. Hill was inducted to the Lehigh Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.
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Kim McQuilken ‘74
Kim McQuilken '74 is considered the first in a great line of Lehigh quarterbacks. Prior to McQuilken taking over as quarterback, Lehigh had nine losing seasons with only 18 winning games. McQuilken turned around Lehigh's performance in his three years as quarterback with 20 winning games that included three straight wins over rival Lafayette. "The first thing that pops into my brain when I hear Lehigh-Lafayette is that my class never lost to them," McQuilken said. "We beat them my sophomore, junior, and senior year."
McQuilken's career highlights include selection to the All-American 1st team and the Coaches All-American in 1973. As team captain his senior year, McQuilken earned honors as the 1973 Archibald Johnston Cup winner. He is also given credit for leading Lehigh football to its first ever appearance in the NCAA post-season. McQuilken currently stands 4th in the overall Lehigh record for pass completion and 3rd in the overall record for passing yardage.
Following his college career, McQuilken played seven seasons in the NFL. He played four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and three seasons with the Washington Redskins. McQuilken also played in the USFL for one season with the Washington Federals. He was inducted to the Lehigh Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995.
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Steve Kreider ‘79
Steve Kreider '79 was one of the best offensive players ever seen at Lehigh. As a wide receiver, Kreider's college career is highlighted by his 1976-1977 performance. During this season, Kreider snagged an impressive 53 passes for 1,181 yards and 12 touchdowns. Earning All-American honors, Kreider played a large role on Lehigh's 1977 National Championship football team. Krieder received the Archibald Johnston Cup for best player on the field in 1978.
Post college, Kreider went on to play for eight seasons in the NFL. “My aspirations to play in the NFL as a kid were pretty laughable because I was tall and skinny for a long time,” Kreider said. Who would have guess that Steve Kreider would be the first Lehigh football player to graduate and play in a Super Bowl? Krieder appeared in Super Bowl XVI with the Cincinnati Bengal’s. He is remembered as one of the most decorated alumni of Lehigh football. Kreider was inducted to the Lehigh Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and currently stands in 3rd place for the overall record of most touchdown receptions and points scored during a game.
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Ritchie Owens ‘96
Ritchie Owens '96 is the first Lehigh defensemen to make an NFL appearance. As a defensive end, he demonstrated incredible agility. He is remembered for his tremendous vertical leap that blocked many punts during his Lehigh career.
Owens entered the NFL draft in 1996 and began his career with the Washington Redskins. Owens went on to play with the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs before finishing his career with one of this year's super bowl contenders, the Seattle Seahawks.
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Rabih Abdullah ‘97
Rabih Abdullah '97 is known for his outstanding performance as a Lehigh running back. Abdullah rushed for a school record of 3,696 yards and scored 33 touchdowns during his career. He is Lehigh's career rushing leader. Abdullah also holds the record for most single-season rushingyards with 1,536 yards during his junior season in 1995. Abdullah earned an ECAC All-Star selection in 1995, was a team captain, and winner of the 1997 Archibald Johnston Cup during his senior year.
The second player in Lehigh history to play in a super bowl, Abdullah is the first Lehigh member to win a Super Bowl. Abdullah played with the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles as a member of special teams and a back up fullback. "Every kid that ever puts on football pads dreams of playing in and winning a Super Bowl one day. And I've lived that dream," Abdullah said.” Winning a Super Bowl is a major accomplishment and something I'll never forget."
Abdullah entered the 1998 NFL draft and joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 1998. By 2001, Abdullah was ranked second on the Buccaneers with a career-high 21 special teams tackles. Abdullah signed with the Chicago Bears in 2002 and led the team in special teams tackles during his two seasons there with 20 stops in 2002 and 17 tackles in 2003. Abdullah joined the New England Patriots in 2003 and played with them for the last two seasons of his career.
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Adam Bergen ‘05
Adam Bergen '05 is perhaps today's most recognizable Lehigh football face. Graduating last year, Bergen raked in post-season honors for his stellar play. During his Lehigh career Bergen has earn selections to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division I-AA Coaches All-America Team in 2004, The Associated Press Division I-AA All-America first team in 2003 and 2004, The Sports Network I-AA All-America first team in 2003 and 2004, and the ECAC All-Stars first team in 2003 and 2004.
As a tight end, Bergen led the Mountain Hawks and was fourth for overall points in the Patriot League during his senior year with 54 catches for 634 yards and eight touchdown receptions. He was awarded the James P. McConlogue Award for 2004 and is currently 8th overall in Lehigh record for pass receptions and 7th overall in Lehigh touchdown receptions. Bergen ended his Lehigh career with 149 catches for 1,736 yards and 17 touchdown catches.
Post college, Bergen entered the 2004 NFL draft and was finally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals after training camp. He finished his rookie season with 20 catches for 181 yards in 14 games.
Other Lehigh Alumni in Pro Football
Horace Hamm ’92 – Wide Receiver for the Atlanta Falcons in 1992 and the Green Bay Packers in 1993.
Phil Stambaugh ’00 – Quarterback with the Buffalo Bills in 2000, New Orleans Saints in 2001, the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2001, Rhein Fire (Europe) in 2002, the New York Giants in 2002, and the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2003.
Kevin Jefferson ’94 – Line Backer for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1994 to 1996 and the Washington Redskins in 1998.
Scott Semptimphelter ’94 – Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in 1995 and 1996.
Reed Bohovich ’62 – Tackle for the New York Giants in 1962 and 1963.
Jack Rizzo ’72 – Running Back with the New York Giants in 1972.
Nick Martucci ’99 – Defensive Lineman for the Oakland Raiders in 1999 and Berlin Thunder (NFL Europe) in 2000.
Jarrod Johnson ’91 – Offensive Guard for the Sacremento Surge (NFL Europe) and the San Diego Chargers in 1992.
Pete Williams ’58 – Offensive Tackle with the San Francisco 49ers in 1958.
Sportswriter Charles Fountain said that "people want to read and games and heroes are what people who read sports want to hear about." The Lehigh football program has had many of its players become acclaimed heroes within the Lehigh community. At Lehigh, we celebrate those who not only had memorable careers in our program, but also those who represented Lehigh in a class of elites.
“The Super Bowl is a great time to reflect on what a wonderful opportunity it is to play football at Lehigh. I have known players from all over the country at all different levels and I don’t know if football gets any better than it does here,” Krieder said. “Football is Lehigh’s recess. Football is Lehigh’s time-out. Football is Lehigh’s fun.”
