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Tampa Bay's Super Bowl Connection: Freddie Solomon

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By JOEY JOHNSTON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 26, 2009

With Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa this week, the Tribune takes a daily look at the memories of a past Super Bowl participant with roots in the Tampa Bay area.

FREDDIE SOLOMON

Past And Present

NFL Career: Wide receiver, Miami Dolphins (1975-77), San Francisco 49ers (1978-85).

Glory Days: Solomon was the University of Tampa's quarterback from 1971-74. He rushed for 3,299 career yards, then the best figure ever for a college quarterback. He ranked 12th in the 1974 Heisman Trophy voting and received 13 first-place votes.

Current Position: Works in community relations with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Super Bowl Experience

Super Bowl XVI at Detroit (49ers 26, Bengals 21) — Solomon was San Francisco's leading receiver (four catches, 52 yards).

Super Bowl XIX at Palo Alto, Calif. (49ers 38, Dolphins 16) — Solomon had one reception for 14 yards.

Three Questions

Where are your Super Bowl rings?

Locked up somewhere in Plant City. If the kids ask, when I'm making an appearance, I'll bring them out. Truthfully, I've gained some weight, 10 or 15 pounds, since I played. They're about a size too small right now.

How much pride do you have in those rings?

I was very proud to play for the 49ers. I don't want show off or be disrespectful or make somebody feel inferior because they don't have a Super Bowl ring and I do. My playing days are over. But I'm still proud of them.

What's your top Super Bowl memory?

Truthfully, my top memory is beating the Cowboys [28-27 in the NFC Championship Game that followed the 1981 season]. I played in two Super Bowls, but that game stands out more. To the players of our era, that game always comes up first. That one started our run.

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