Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Odds Are, This Season's Super Bowl Winner Will Have a Fresno Area Connection
STEVEN HEADSHOT 1
By Steven Sanchez
Published 2 months ago on
September 7, 2024

Left to right: Saints quarterback Derek Carr, Bills quarterback Josh Allen, and Raiders wide receiver Davantae Adams are Central Valley products that have made it big in the NFL. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)

Share

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Steven Sanchez Portrait GV Wire

Steven Sanchez

Sports

The Dallas Cowboys like to think of themselves as “America’s Team.”

They also might be the Central Valley’s team. Three players with local connections are on the roster as owner Jerry Jones once again dreams of winning a Super Bowl for the first time since the 1995 season.Ā  There are cornerback DaRon Bland (Fresno State), wide receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper (Parlier High/Buchanan High/Fresno State), and linebacker Eric Kendricks (Hoover High).

Bland led the NFL in interceptions with nine last season set the NFL record for most defensive touchdowns in a season by returning five picks for touchdowns. However, he suffered a stress fracture in his left foot and is expected to miss the first six weeks.

Valley Connections on Super Bowl Contenders

A look around the NFL reveals Valley connections with several other Super Bowl contenders. There are quarterback Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills (Firebaugh High/Reedley College) and rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy (Central High), as well as practice squad member Nikko Remigio (Fresno State) on the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Worthy, a first-round draft pick, showed the nation what he can do Thursday night, scoring twice in the Chiefs’ win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees (Kingsburg High) is with the Ravens, one of the few AFC teams that can contend with the Chiefs.

Former Fresno State tailback Ronnie Rivers is back with the Los Angeles Rams, who are thought of as potentially giving the San Francisco 49ers a fight for the NFC West title.

Rising Stars and Promising Teams

Analysts view the Green Bay Packers as a team on the rise. Defensive end Aaron Mosby (Sanger High/Fresno State) made the roster after an impressive exhibition season. And there’s another Valley connection. Quarterback Jordan Love starred at Bakersfield’s Liberty High before going on to Utah State. They’ll be joined by rookie defensive back Evan Williams (Fresno State).

In the NFL, fans start the season believing their team has a shot at the Super Bowl regardless of last season’s record.

For example, even though the New Orleans Saints didn’t make the playoffs last year, they’re counting on quarterback Derek Carr (Fresno State) to lead them to the promised land. The Saints also have two other players with Fresno State connections, rookie running back Jordan Mims, and backup quarterback Jake Haener. In addition, the Saints’ roster include fullback Adam Prentice (Clovis High).

Cornerback Jaylon Johnson (Central High) of the Chicago Bears is considered one of the premiere defensive backs in the league. With a recent contract extension and being named a team captain, he and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams are being looked at to lead the team back to prominence.

Players Seeking Championship Glory

Wide receiver Davantae Adams (Fresno State) signed with the Las Vegas Raiders to win the championship that has always alluded him. His time there has been clouded with mishaps and controversies. By not reaching playoff contention this can be a telling year on whether Adams decides to remain a Raider.

Other players are seeking opportunities to be on teams where they can rise and make a name for themselves. Linebacker Levelle Bailey (Fresno State) just signed with the Denver Broncos’ practice squad after an impressive showcase during the preseason. Run-stuffing linebacker Mykal Walker (Fresno State) has had stints with the Falcons, Bears, Raiders, Steelers, but is now with the Washington Commanders.

After an impressive season leading the Birmingham Stallions to a championship in the United Football League, quarterback Adrian Martinez (Clovis West High) signed to the New York Jets’ practice squad. He’ll compete to be a backup for Aaron Rodgers.

And, there are those on rosters who won’t see the field due to injuries. Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker David Perales (Fresno State) and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Netane Muti (Fresno State) are on the injured reserve list.

Rookies Looking to Standout

Wide receiver Jalen McMillan (Fresno’s Memorial High) was the No. 92 pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Running back Kendall Milton (Buchanan High) was an undrafted free agent who just signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.

It’s a prideful feeling knowing the Central Valley has turned out so much NFL talent. The anticipation will be great to see if a Valley product will hold up a Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season.

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

Trump Says Musk, Vivek Will Form Outside Group to Advise White House on Government Efficiency

DON'T MISS

Fate of Clovis Trustee Race Still Up in the Air. So Are Clovis, Sanger School Bond Measures.

DON'T MISS

Richardson Widens Lead Over Bonakdar in Nail-Biting Race for Fresno City Council

DON'T MISS

What to Know About John Ratcliffe, Trump’s Pick for CIA Director

DON'T MISS

Here Are the People Trump Has Picked for Key Positions So Far

DON'T MISS

Waymo’s Robotaxis Now Open to Anyone Who Wants a Driverless Ride in Los Angeles

DON'T MISS

Fresno County Man Accused of Filing Fake Disability Claims in $300K Fraud Scheme

DON'T MISS

Trump Nominates Fox News Host Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary

DON'T MISS

Economists Warn of Inflation and Debt Risks in Trump’s Second Term Plans

DON'T MISS

How Many Smoke Shops Is Too Many? Fresno Plan Would Allow Only 49

UP NEXT

Fate of Clovis Trustee Race Still Up in the Air. So Are Clovis, Sanger School Bond Measures.

UP NEXT

Richardson Widens Lead Over Bonakdar in Nail-Biting Race for Fresno City Council

UP NEXT

What to Know About John Ratcliffe, Trump’s Pick for CIA Director

UP NEXT

Here Are the People Trump Has Picked for Key Positions So Far

UP NEXT

Waymo’s Robotaxis Now Open to Anyone Who Wants a Driverless Ride in Los Angeles

UP NEXT

Fresno County Man Accused of Filing Fake Disability Claims in $300K Fraud Scheme

UP NEXT

Trump Nominates Fox News Host Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary

UP NEXT

Economists Warn of Inflation and Debt Risks in Trump’s Second Term Plans

UP NEXT

How Many Smoke Shops Is Too Many? Fresno Plan Would Allow Only 49

UP NEXT

US Says It Will Not Limit Israel Arms Transfers After Some Improvements in Flow of Aid to Gaza

Steven Sanchez,
Entertainment/Sports Writer
Steven Sanchez, a resident of Clovis, graduated from Buchanan High School in the class of 2007 and obtained his film degree from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Steven is a multifaceted artist, working as a filmmaker, writer, photographer, videographer, and published author. He has a profound passion for movies, comic books, and rock ā€˜nā€™ roll. A dedicated football enthusiast, he cheers for the Las Vegas Raiders. In his leisure time, he indulges in reading and collecting vinyl records. Steven is often found attending rock shows in town, a keen enthusiast of live music. He holds a special fondness for his grandma's homemade meals and spending time with his twin sister.

What to Know About John Ratcliffe, Trump’s Pick for CIA Director

8 hours ago

Here Are the People Trump Has Picked for Key Positions So Far

8 hours ago

Waymo’s Robotaxis Now Open to Anyone Who Wants a Driverless Ride in Los Angeles

9 hours ago

Fresno County Man Accused of Filing Fake Disability Claims in $300K Fraud Scheme

9 hours ago

Trump Nominates Fox News Host Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary

9 hours ago

Economists Warn of Inflation and Debt Risks in Trump’s Second Term Plans

9 hours ago

How Many Smoke Shops Is Too Many? Fresno Plan Would Allow Only 49

9 hours ago

US Says It Will Not Limit Israel Arms Transfers After Some Improvements in Flow of Aid to Gaza

9 hours ago

Who With Valley Ties Could Land Spots in the Trump Administration?

10 hours ago

Tulare Gang Member Gets Life Without Parole for 2022 Murders

11 hours ago

Trump Says Musk, Vivek Will Form Outside Group to Advise White House on Government Efficiency

WASHINGTON ā€” President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday said Elon Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new ā€œD...

8 hours ago

8 hours ago

Trump Says Musk, Vivek Will Form Outside Group to Advise White House on Government Efficiency

8 hours ago

Fate of Clovis Trustee Race Still Up in the Air. So Are Clovis, Sanger School Bond Measures.

8 hours ago

Richardson Widens Lead Over Bonakdar in Nail-Biting Race for Fresno City Council

8 hours ago

What to Know About John Ratcliffe, Trump’s Pick for CIA Director

8 hours ago

Here Are the People Trump Has Picked for Key Positions So Far

9 hours ago

Waymo’s Robotaxis Now Open to Anyone Who Wants a Driverless Ride in Los Angeles

A Fresno County man has been indicted on mail fraud charges for allegedly submitting over $300,000 in falsified disability claims using stolen identities. (GV Wire File)
9 hours ago

Fresno County Man Accused of Filing Fake Disability Claims in $300K Fraud Scheme

Pete Hegseth walks to an elevator for a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower in New York, Dec. 15, 2016. (AP File)
9 hours ago

Trump Nominates Fox News Host Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary

Search

Send this to a friend