The NFL played its conference championship games this weekend and for the eleventh straight year a former Longhorn will play in the Super Bowl. Fozzy Whittaker's Carolina Panthers advanced to their second Super Bowl in the team's history with a 49-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship game in Charlotte on Sunday. Whittaker carried the ball twice and had a 19-yard kickoff return to contribute to the Panthers' win.

Cardinals C Lyle Sendlein played the entire game, but his efforts were not enough to overcome four interceptions thrown by Arizona QB Carson Palmer.

In the AFC Championship game, DT Malcom Brown's New England Patriots were in a defensive slug-fest with the Denver Broncos. Brown helped the Patriots hold the Broncos to 244 yards in total offense, but the Broncos were able to outlast New England for a 20-18 victory in Denver.

Whittaker will now join the list as one of 53 former Longhorns who have played in a Super Bowl over its 50-year history. Texas has now had a player represented in the last 11 Super Bowls. Recent Longhorns who have played in the game include Earl Thomas, Michael Huff, Quentin Jammer, Leonard Davis, Tarell Brown, Chykie Brown, Justin Tucker and Aaron Ross. Click here to see the complete list.

Super Bowl 50 will be played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA on Sunday, February 7, 2016. Kickoff is set for 5:30pm CT (CBS).

Championship game performances:

Arizona Cardinals

C Lyle Sendlein anchored a line that helped QB Carson Palmer to 23 completions on 40 attempts for 235 yards and a touchdown, but the Cardinals lost 49-15 to the Carolina Panthers.

Alex Okafor was placed on reserve/non-football injury before the game and did not play.

Cory Redding was placed on injured reserve before the game and did not play.

Carrington Byndom remains on the practice squad.

Jaxon Shipley remains on the practice squad.

Carolina Panthers

RB Fozzy Whittaker had one kickoff return for 19 yards and two carries as the Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 49-15

New England Patriots

DT Malcom Brown tallied one tackle in the Patriots 20-18 loss to the Denver Broncos.

CB Tarell Brown remains on injured reserve.