Terry Killens: The first man to play and officiate at the Super Bowl

Former NFL linebacker Terry Killens will make history at the Super Bowl on Sunday night, becoming the first man to play and officiate in the NFL's most prestigious game.

According to the Tennessee Titans website, Killens said: "It's a huge accomplishment, it's basically a culmination of all the hard work and dedication I have put in. ... It is a reward, not only to me but to my crew. And a big thank you to all the people who have helped me along the way."

Killens played linebacker and defensive end for Penn State from 1992-1995 and played seven seasons in the NFL, mainly for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans.

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According to Pro Football Reference, the former linebacker played in 97 NFL games and was credited with 83 tackles, including 32 in the season he reached the Super Bowl in 2000 with the Titans.

Unfortunately, his first Super Bowl experience didn't go as planned, losing to the Los Angeles Rams 23-16 and only making one tackle, as reported by Sports Illustrated.

Killens finished off his NFL career playing for the San Fransisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks, putting an end to his professional career in 2002.

According to the Titans website, Killens never aspired to become an official, but after 'utterly failing' as a coach, he gave it a go.

After officiating JV games at weekends, Killens moved to high school games, then college football, and also officiated in the Alliance of American Football League.

The former player now turned official, got his call from the NFL to return in 2019, and officiated his first playoff game in 2021.

And now, on Sunday, Killens will be one of four first-time Super Bowl officials as he umpires the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Fransisco 49ers.

According to the Titans website, Killens said: "It's an achievement, an accomplishment, and it means a big thank you to a lot of people who helped me get to this moment."

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