This Sunday, the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers will battle it out in Super Bowl 50. One Broncos player has a special connection to Omaha, he played football at Boys Town back in 2008 and 2009.
Shaquil Barrett is now a linebacker for the Broncos, but his trip to the Super Bowl is an inspiration to everyone.
“Next year we celebrate out 100th year anniversary for Boys Town, and Super Bowl is doing their 50th and we have never had a kid in it, so he is the first,” said Boys Town football coach Kevin Kush.
He coached Barrett when he played sever years ago. Kush said they are proud of Barrett, and he worked hard for his success.
“He did all the things necessary to have success, he is not only a humble kid, and he did a tremendous job of accepting coaching and implemented that coaching in order to get better.”
Barrett’s brother, Dominick, is still playing football at Boys Town, and he is also wrestling. Coach Kush said having an older brother playing in a Super Bowl is inspiring for Dominick.
“It is a nice connection because, he sees some of the things his brother does , and you always want to be like your big brother,” said Kush.
Barrett not only sets an example for his brother, but the whole school. Boys Town is using Barrett to show students that those in their system can be succeed in life.
“it’s not that difficult of a formula, you do what right, you follow instruction, you accept coaching and you do it with high energy, and Shaquil is one of those kids that did those things,” said Kush.
Kush said he wasn’t a Broncos fan before, but he knows who he will be rooting for this weekend.
“I didn't have a dog in the fight, but I do now, because I will be pulling for number 48 in orange on Sunday.”
KMTV will have complete coverage of the Super Bowl on Sunday.
