North Minneapolis football team and coach to play special role in Super Bowl 52
MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Super Bowl 52 is now 52 days away, and each day the excitement is building - especially if you are a student at North High School in Minneapolis.
On Wednesday, the Minneapolis North Polars football team and their coach got a very special surprise from the NFL.
“I thought we were getting new equipment. I thought we were just going to get more equipment and shirts or something,” one student said.
The team got their shirts, and they also met the Vikings cheerleaders and Viktor the Viking.
But, they also got a special invitation to be the first team on the field at US Bank Stadium as the official practice team the Friday before the game.
“I’m exhilarated to be honest. I’m really excited to get this chance and experience because I’m from Chicago. We never get anything like this in Chicago,” another player said.
On February 2nd, the Polars will arrive at the stadium in uniform.
“It’s crazy because, as a player, you always dream to go down there with your team, so it’s real crazy. I still can’t believe it,” another player said.
They will run through plays like the NFL players so that crews can set their camera shots and practice ahead of Sunday.
“You'll be the very first people to see that stadium all dressed up for the Super Bowl,” said Maureen Bausch, CEO of Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee.
“You'll do a tour of the stadium, and get wined and dined like a football player. Well not the wine part, sorry,” said Natara Holloway, VP of Youth & High School football at the National Football League
The surprises didn’t end there.
Polars Coach Charles Adams learned he gets two tickets to Super Bowl 52.
“It isn’t about me, this has nothing to do with what I wanted; this was an opportunity that I wanted you guys to have, but man, I'm going to dip on it with this one,” Adams said to his players.
Adams is also a Minneapolis Police Officer and led the Polars to an undefeated season and state championship in 2016.
“It puts everything in perspective of them working hard and doing what they are supposed to do, and it doesn't always have to be you being a champion. It's just being a part of something that's remarkable,” Adams said. “That's what I've been trying to teach them is that it's not just about holding a trophy up at the end, it's experiences in life is what is going to make you become a champion.”
The team also got tickets to High School Night at the Super Bowl Experience at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
“I don't want to take the credit. I know that I've helped with a lot of these kids’ lives, but they have it inside of them. I knew it was something else, and I knew I was there for something I wasn't expecting, but I feel great about it,” Adams said.
The NFL Foundation also awarded North High School with a $5-thousand grant.
“I'm a football coach. So a football coach getting the chance to go to the Super Bowl, it's amazing. It's a dream come true, and I'm going to cherish this day and this experience with my boys for the rest of my life,” Adams said.