RICHMOND, Ky. – Former Eastern Kentucky University football player Antwaun Molden will play in Super Bowl XLVI next week as a member of the New England Patriots.

Molden joined the Patriots prior to the start of the 2011 season after spending three years with the Houston Texans. The defensive back has played in all 18 games for the Patriots this season and totaled 36 tackles. In the regular season finale against Buffalo on Jan. 1, Molden tallied a season-high seven tackles to go along with an interception. He recorded his first career NFL interception in the 38-20 win over Philadelphia on Nov. 27.

The Cleveland, Ohio native was a third-round pick of the Texans in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Molden was a three-year member of the Colonels (2005-07) after spending his freshman season at Toledo. He started all 12 games at corner back as a senior while helping EKU capture the 2007 Ohio Valley Conference title. Molden led the Colonels with nine pass break-ups in 2007 while also registering interceptions in wins over Southeast Missouri and Tennessee State.

Other Colonels who have played in the Super Bowl include: Danny Copeland (Super Bowl XXVI with the Washington Redskins), Myron Guyton (Super Bowl XXV with the New York Giants), John Jackson (Super Bowl XXX with the Pittsburgh Steelers) and Tim Lester (Super Bowl XXX with the Pittsburgh Steelers).

The Colonels are slated to return 17 of 22 starters (10 – offense, seven defense) in 2012 including eight first team all-conference players. EKU kicks off the 2012 schedule at Purdue on Sept. 1. Fans can reserve 2012 season tickets by contacting the EKU athletics ticket office at 859-622-2122.