By Tim Hayes
Sports Writer / Bristol Herald Courier
Published: January 25, 2010

For the first time since 2005, the Super Bowl will not feature a player from Southwest Virginia.

Former Powell Valley High School star Thomas Jones saw his chances at the Super Bowl end on Sunday, when his New York Jets suffered a 30-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC championship game.

Jones finished with 42 yards on 16 carries and also caught two passes for 28 yards, but was held out of the end zone. Jones was trying to reach the biggest game in professional football for the second time in his career.

He was the starting running back for the Chicago Bears in 2007, but suffered a loss a 29-17 loss to the Colts in Super Bowl XLI. So, the two toughest losses of Jones’ professional career have come against the Peyton Manning-led Colts.

—- Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller reached a milestone without even playing on Sunday.

With the Colts advancing to the Super Bowl, Miller was assured a spot in next week’s Pro Bowl, the first time in his career he’ll compete in football’s All-Star Game. He will replace Indianapolis tight end Dallas Clark on the AFC roster.

The former Honaker High School star established several career-highs this season and finished with six TD receptions.

Dallas Cowboys tight end and Elizabethton, Tenn. native Jason Witten is on the NFC roster.

—- My early pick for the Super Bowl: New Orleans 35, Indianapolis 31.