Former Ute Stevenson Sylvester thinks, plays big

"It's like being at Utah — going from one winning program to another winning program," Sylvester said. "Last year the Steelers didn't go to the playoffs. They went 9-7. A lot of people will take that, but that's a down season for the Steelers. That's an unacceptable season. It's just like at Utah. We don't like to lose. When we lose, it's a horrible feeling."

Whittingham, who hopes to attend the Super Bowl, is amazed at how much Sylvester has developed since he was a high school basketball star, and he credits the linebacker's work ethic for it.

"He developed here in all areas — physically, just everything," Whittingham said. "He came here a boy and left here a man."

On Sunday, he'll be a man playing a kid's game on the grandest stage of American sports.

Super Bowl XLV

Steelers vs. Packers

Sunday, 4:29 p.m.

Cowboys Stadium

Arlington, Texas

TV: FOX

Radio: AM-1320

e-mail: aaragon@desnews.com