Just before Sunday's Super Bowl between Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals kicked off, Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, a US Airways pilot, including co-pilot Jeffrey B. Skiles, flight attendants Doreen Walsh, Sheila Dail and Donna Dent for Flight 1549, received a super ovation at Raymond James Stadium, for rescuing 150-passengers after being forced to make an emergency landing in New York 's Hudson River .

Last month's hero, Sullenberger, despite disabled engines, safely manoeuvred the plane, skilfully landing in the river, and thereby saving all 155-passengers and crew on board. As well, last week Sullenberger was awarded the key to the city in his hometown of Danville , California , including attending President Barack Obama's inauguration.

Gen. David Petraeus, head of U. S. Central Command was also honoured during a pre-game ceremony. Joining him on the field for the coin toss, were the stars of Super Bowls played 10, 20 and 30 years ago i. e. John Elway, Roger Craig and Lynn Swann, respectively.