When it comes to teh Super Bowl you have to pick a team to cheer for. Even if (more often than not for Panthers fans) your team isn’t in it. It’s essentially a rule of being an American. That decision can be based on any number of things. I have often found myself cheering against teams because of a player I don’t like or simply disliking the team. Sometimes if I truly have no reason to cheer for or against either team I’ve even chosen one if I had been to the city they are from. Sometimes there are just players who are likable for whatever reason. But a BIG reason for me is if they have a local tie. Essentially as a graduate of NC State if there is a player on either team from there. So which players in Super Bowl LVII have any time to the state of North Carolina?
The matchup, which will be played Sunday, February 11th will feature the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Admittedly I’m pulling for the Chiefs for two reasons. One is a player I’ll introduce you to in a few minutes- an NC State alumni. And of course for the Taylor Swift angle as well. I was certainly well versed in football and the Chiefs long before Taylor and Travis started dating, but when two of my favorite things in the world collide- well I couldn’t be more on board with it.
Players In Super Bowl LVII With North Carolina Connections
There are 9 players and one coach on the rosters of both teams for Super Bowl LVII with connections to the state of North Carolina. This includes former Panthers, as well as players who went to high school and college in the state. So if you aren’t sure who to pull for in the big game, perhaps this will help you make up your mind!
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are representing as the AFC Champion for the 4th time in 5 years. Led by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce and coached by Andy Reid the Chiefs are approaching dynasty status, especially if they are able to get a victory this year in Vegas. There are 5 players on the Chiefs that have ties back to the North Carolina.
San Francisco 49ers
Representing the NFC after a three-score comeback is the San Francisco 49ers. If you are a Panthers fan there are several compelling reasons to pull for the niners including two former players and a former coach. There is also one player on the active roster with ties to North Carolina as well as one on the team’s practice squad. Depending on how the team allots to rings (they get 150) practice squad players can receive a Super Bowl ring.
Steve Wilkes
If you are any more than a casual football fan or viewer of the Carolina Panthers you know who Wilkes is. The current defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers held the same position in Carolina last season. That was before he was elevated to interim head coach after the filing on Matt Rhule. Wilkes saw more on-the-field success than any coach has in the time that David Tepper has owned the team. Fans were outraged when he was not given the permanent head coaching job. He was a favorite among fans and players, and while I personally am not cheering for the 49ers this go around I do wish him all the success in the world.
