Washington Township's B.J. Raji, Packers Win Super Bowl XLV

ARLINGTON, Texas – There were no dances, no references to appliances or any similarities with William Perry Sunday night. It was just pure hard nose football for B.J. Raji.

And when it was all over, he was offering congratulations and praise for everyone but himself. The second year nose tackle from Washington Township was the first Green Bay player to address the media after the Packers beat Pittsburgh, 31-25, in Super Bowl XLV.

“We knew all year, defense was making plays for us,” he said. “I want to give congratulations to the Steelers for making it this far. They played a hell of a game, but we played defense all year and when we believe in each other, this is what happens.”

Then it was on to his quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, who was named the game’s MVP after throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns. 

“To be honest, I didn’t expect anything less from A-Rod,” said Raji, sporting his new championship hat and t-shirt. “He’s been doing this the whole season [and] throughout the playoffs. He’s emerged as our leader and I believe the best is yet to come for him.”

What Raji didn’t mention was how he anchored a defensive line that pressured Ben Roethlisberger into throwing two interceptions and keeping Pittsburgh off balance for much of the contest.

All was not won until the fourth quarter though.

“You know, it’s only fitting that a Green Bay Packer team wins [with] a world championship defense at the end of the game,” he said, “but when we win our trophy, that means a lot to us and we can’t wait to bring it back to Green Bay.”

What will Raji do now?

“I’m ready for everything. It’s a great feeling. I’m proud to be a Green Bay Packer and I’m so happy for the city of Green Bay.”