Tracy Porter
The cornerback who secured Super Bowl XLIV with a crucial pick-six against Peyton Manning.
Tracy O'Neil Porter (born August 11, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League. Selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft, he played college football for the Indiana Hoosiers. He is best known for his role during the Saints' 2009 season, where he intercepted Brett Favre in the NFC Championship Game and sealed Super Bowl XLIV with a 74-yard interception return of a Peyton Manning pass.
- Position
- Cornerback
- Draft Year
- 2008
- College
- Indiana
- Super Bowl Championship
- XLIV (as a rookie)
- Status
- Retired
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Porter's path to the NFL began at Port Allen High School, where he was a multi-sport standout in football, basketball, and track. He set school records for punt returns and became the first player in Indiana University history to return a punt, interception, and fumble for touchdowns. His rookie season in 2008 was cut short by a dislocated wrist, but his 2009 campaign saw him named the No. 1 starting cornerback alongside Jabari Greer.
In Their Own Story
On February 7, 2010, during Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts, Porter anticipated a third-down route while covering Reggie Wayne. He intercepted a pass from Peyton Manning and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown with 3:24 remaining to seal the victory. In post-game interviews, Porter credited hours of film study that week, stating he had seen the play over and over on third down before the ball was even snapped.
Reader's Guide
Porter entered the league as a second-round pick (40th overall) in 2008 after impressing scouts with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at his pro day. He started alongside Randall Gay and later Jabari Greer during his peak years. His career with the Saints included a season-ending injury in 2008, a breakout 2009 season with four interceptions and two pick-sixes (one against Chad Henne, one against Peyton Manning), and subsequent stints with the Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins, and Chicago Bears.
Did You Know?
- Porter was the first player in Indiana University history to return a punt, interception, and fumble for touchdowns.
- He ran a personal-best 10.4 seconds in the 100-meter dash during his high school track career.
- Porter attributed his Super Bowl XLIV pick-six to intense film study of Peyton Manning's third-down routes prior to the game.
- In high school, he averaged 47.0 yards per kick return and 28.0 yards per punt return.
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