The Cities That Raised Football Players
This year’s epic Super Bowl 60 showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots has us excited for so many reasons. This year’s matchup marks a massive return for two of the NFL’s most legendary franchises. If the matchup sounds familiar, it’s because the Seahawks and the Patriots met in the 2015 Super Bowl, when the Patriots intercepted a pass at the Seahawks ‘ 1-yard line in the final seconds and won. The Seahawks haven’t had a Super Bowl appearance since, and the Patriots haven’t played in one since 2019.
Super Bowl 60 promises to be one for the books after the Seahawks survived a nail-biter NFC Championship game and the Patriots had a major underdog run in the AFC. While we are personally most excited for the Bad Bunny concert and plenty of gameday snacks, we couldn’t help but think about what it takes to become a player of this caliber.
It requires more than discipline and dedication and countless hours of practice; it also requires the support of friends and family. These players are all hometown heroes, and today we’re celebrating the great cities they hail from – cities that no doubt will cheer louder than anyone on Sunday.
Seattle Seahawks
Rockwall, Texas
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, wide receiver
Why We Love Rockwall: Just miles north of downtown Dallas is the quintessentially Texan town of Rockwall. Situated along Lake Ray Hubbard, this waterfront area is the smallest county in the Lone Star State, but that doesn’t mean Rockwall is short on big talent, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Orange County, California
Sam Darnold, quarterback
Why We Love Orange County: Located between Los Angeles and San Diego is the ultimate coastal California region. Orange County is known for its 40+ miles of beaches, surfing and superstars like Sam Darnold. Darnold was born in Dana Point and attended high school in San Clemente, both of which are must-visit destinations on your California roadtrip.
Arlington, Tennessee
Nick Emmanwori, safety
Why We Love Arlington: It is a city of fewer than 12,000, just minutes from downtown Memphis. Memphis is known for being a hub for youth sports, so it’s no wonder superstar safety Nick Emmanwori has made such a name for himself. Historic Beale Street houses everything from blues and barbecue to museums and music. Flip through vintage Sun Records at Memphis Music, stroll by Overton Park Shell or visit Graceland while you’re in Memphis.
Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Drew Lock, quarterback
Why We Love Lee’s Summit: One of the best KC suburbs, Lee’s Summit is roughly 20 minutes southeast of Kansas City and offers a charming place to call home while still providing easy access to the big city. Outdoor enthusiasts will find 18 city parks, wildlife areas and several lakes, perfect for boating and fishing. But the real stars are hometown hero Drew Lock and Lee’s Summit’s award-winning downtown, featuring public art, shopping, entertainment and restaurants.
Yakima, Washington
Cooper Kupp, wide receiver
Why We Love Yakima: Talent is ripe for the picking in Yakima, WA. Not only does the state produce more than half of the apples in the nation, but stars like Cooper Kupp are also a product of this Pacific Northwest paradise. Washington is a great place to live thanks to its stunning views and booming business climate. The cherry on top for Kupp this season is playing for his homestate in the Super Bowl.
Pensacola Beach, Florida
Devon Witherspoon, cornerback
Why We Love Pensacola Beach: Gulf-front beach views, sunny days and close proximity to Pensacola make Pensacola Beach a great place to live. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for a historic hotspot, there is no shortage of fun things to do.
Phoenix, Arizona
Rashid Shaheed, wide receiver
Why We Love Phoenix: From its gorgeous green spaces and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, Phoenix is a great place to be. Whether you want to spend your days soaking up the sun at aunique park or exploring abotanical garden or enjoying the city’s lively calendar of events with activities and festivals designed to inspire and delight residents of all ages and walks of life, there is something for everyone in Rashid Shaheed’s hometown.
Aurora, Ohio
AJ Barner, tight end
Why We Love Aurora: Located between Akron and Cleveland, the suburban town of Aurora, OH, is home to AJ Barner. Rolling hills, broad rivers and four distinct seasons make Ohio a crown jewel of the Midwest. Visit any of the city’s numerous parks, spend a day at a local winery or take in a show at the Aurora Community Theatre.
Muskegon, Michigan
Anthony Bradford, guard
Why We Love Muskegon: The shimmering shores of Muskegon, MI, are calling. This waterfront city is home to four distinct seasons, a delicious dining scene, several unique neighborhoods and the Seahawks guard, Anthony Bradford. If you’re a sports enthusiast, try your hand at Olympic sports like luge at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex – one of only 4 luge tracks in the country!
Orlando, Florida
Elijah Arroyo, tight end
Why We Love Orlando: Known as the house of the mouse, Orlando is truly the happiest place on Earth – just ask native Elijah Arroyo. Residents here can enjoy year-round sunshine, diverse neighborhoods, and tons of arts and culture, as Orlando is home to premier museums, galleries and theaters, including theDr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and theOrlando Museum of Art. Plus, the city is pretty diverse, making it a cultural hub for those looking to celebrate a community with people from all walks of life.
Chicago, IL
Eric Saubert, tight end
Why We Love Chicago: Opportunities are endless in the ‘Windy City.’ Eric Saubert’s hometown is the perfect spot for pizza lovers, bookworms and people crazy for the Christmas season. Whether it’s a walk along the shores of Lake Michigan, an afternoon exploring the more than 75 neighborhoods dotting the city or sipping on a cocktail, you’ll never run out of things to do here.
Anchorage, Alaska
Brandon Pili, defensive tackle
Why We Love Anchorage: For those of us in the Lower 48, it can be hard to imagine living in Alaska. But for the 300,000 people who call Anchorage home, it’s a daily reality – and one that offers superior quality of life. Anchorage has a small-town vibe with big-city amenities, from outdoor adventures right out the front door to an unparalleled foodie scene. Plus, residents here know all about staying cozy during the winter months!
Albuquerque, NM
Connor O’Toole, linebacker
Why We Love Albuquerque: There’s a reason that New Mexico is known as the ‘Land of Enchantment,’ and we certainly are enchanted with Albuquerque. The city is thriving and truly has something for everyone, from the arts to amazing local food. Albuquerque is abundant with adventures, too – from hiking to sleeping under the stars and plenty of amazing museums.
Connecticut
Josh Jobe, cornerback
Why We Love Connecticut: Connecticut is calling! This state is small but mighty and packs a major punch when it comes to talent, including Josh Jobe. The Constitution State boasts awe-inspiring geography and a classic four-season climate, with stunning autumn foliage and cold, snowy winters, making it a real-life playground for outdoor enthusiasts who can enjoy hiking through picturesque state parks, skiing in the Litchfield Hills, or sailing along the Connecticut River. Locals can also take advantage of the wealth of historical sites, including Mark Twain’s house and Mystic Seaport, or explore the regional arts and cultural scene.
Cleveland, Ohio
Coby Bryant, safety
Why We Love Cleveland: There are countless reasons people are making the move to Cleveland, including the area’s affordability, growing talent sector, and creative community. The city is also known for its serious commitment to sports and is home to three professional teams.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Dareke Young, wide receiver
Why We Love Raleigh: Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you that moving to Raleigh, NC, means living the good life. Here, you’ll find the perfect combination of arts and culture, outdoor recreation and a rocking music scene, all wrapped in a scenic bow. The city has two prolific nicknames. Raleigh is often thought of as the “Smithsonian of the South,” thanks to the dozens of galleries and museums that call Raleigh home, and as the “City of Oaks,” as residents enjoy dozens of oak trees that provide shade throughout the city.
New England Patriots
Charlotte, North Carolina
Drake Maye, quarterback and Garrett Bradbury, center
Why We Love Charlotte: Queen City means business. Charlotte is home to more than half a dozen Fortune 500 companies, is the nation’s second-largest banking center and is the city that both Drake Maye and Garrett Bradbury call their hometown. The fun is never done in this southern city, from its great bakery and brewery scenes to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Charlotte is also the biggest city in North Carolina and is one of the best places to live in the state. And the cherry on top of it all? Charlotte is working hard to be an inclusive city and has a reputation for being LGBTQ-friendly.
Virginia
TreVeyon Henderson, running back and Morgan Moses, offensive tackle
Why We Love Virginia: From mountain hideaways and communities along the water to vibrant university towns, Virginia is a perfect balance of amenities and beauty. Virginia boasts plenty of greenways and trails for cycling opportunities. And for those looking to go canoeing or kayaking, there are plenty of water trails to explore, from coastlines and fishing bays to more than 30 state parks with access points. The Old Dominion State has no short supply of talented residents, including Hopewell’s TreVeyon Henderson and Richmond’s Morgan Moses.
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Stefon Diggs, wide receiver
Why We Love Gaithersburg: Gaithersburg is a dynamic city with a booming economy and friendly residents, including hometown hero Stefon Diggs. You’ll find a diverse population, which lends itself to a dynamic arts and culture scene, as well as a thrilling display of cuisine at local restaurants and markets, and at annual festivals and events. Paired with its numerous parks and green spaces and its top-notch schools, it’s easy to see why families in particular are drawn to the community. Gaithersburg is also part of the broader Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and is considered one of the best D.C. suburbs.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Hunter Henry, tight end
Why We Love Little Rock: People like Hunter Henry grew up knowing that the Natural State is a natural fit. Little Rock is one of those cities that truly has something for everyone to enjoy, with excitement and adventure around every corner. Outdoor enthusiasts living in Little Rock have so much to explore around town – 1,200 miles of biking trails, plus waterways to kayak, canoe and paddleboard, 60 parks and lots of green space. Lovers of the arts can also find live music just about any night of the week at the city’s various venues, check out the local art galleries and find public art spread throughout the city. And after you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoying all Arkansas has to offer, don’t forget the top-notch food scene with dozens of restaurants and a booming brewery scene.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Rhamondre Stevenson, running back
Why We Love Las Vegas: Whether you’re just visiting, wanting a fresh start or looking to make a move, Las Vegas is much more than meets the eye. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson hails from this iconic city, which doesn’t skimp on sunny days and offers something for everyone, including four-legged friends.
Detroit, Michigan
Mike Onwenu, guard
Why We Love Detroit: There is more to Detroit than meets the eye when it comes to spending time in Detroit. Motor City has an incredible arts scene, delicious pizza (obviously!) and is the perfect place for up-and-coming artists and remote workers alike. Recently, Detroit has undergone a major revitalization and is one of the best places to live in Michigan. And if you’re planning a move to Mike Onwenu’s hometown, there are plenty of people who are willing to help you get plugged into the community.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Marcus Jones, cornerback
Why We Love Baton Rouge: One of the best tailgating cities and home to Marcus Jones, it’s easy to understand that deep love of football runs in Baton Rouge’s blood. There are countless reasons to move to Baton Rouge, but the city’s mix of historical appreciation, modern-day amenities and a robust economy make it the perfect place to settle down. Just visiting for the weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Thayer Munford Jr., offensive tackle
Why We Love Cincinnati: Thayer Munford Jr.’s hometown of Cincinnati is dripping with an east-coast-meets-midwest charm that can’t be beaten. With all of the amenities of a major city at a fraction of the cost, Cincinnati is one of the best places to live in America, thanks to its foodie scene, appreciation for the arts and entrepreneurial spirit.
St. Augustine, Florida
DeMario Douglas, wide receiver
Why We Love St. Augustine: Tucked away in the northeast coast of Florida is the historically significant St. Augustine. You might feel like you’re traveling abroad when visiting St. Augustine, and for good reason – it’s the oldest continuously occupied European city in the country! Spanish-style architecture reigns supreme in DeMario Douglas’ birthplace. Whether you walk around the Colonial Quarter or take a horse-drawn carriage, you can admire the Moorish Revival–style architecture and be drawn inside the many fine restaurants and antique shops. The city is historically significant for its role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Santa Monica, California
Kyle Williams, wide receiver
Why We Love Santa Monica: Located just west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica is stunning. Santa Monica feels like California’s quintessential playground – hugged by the ocean with a pedestrian pathway that follows the beach past eclectic eateries, artists’ galleries, clothing stores and, of course, the occasional surf shop. The city is surprisingly bike-friendly, a great way to get out and enjoy all of that California sunshine. While in town, visit Santa Monica State Beach, which includes the city’s popular pier, a 26-mile bike path that stretches from the pier to Venice Beach, plus the Third Street Promenade, an alfresco attraction in the downtown area with shops and eateries galore.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Christian Barmore, defensive tackle
Why We Love Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love may be diehard Eagles fans, but they will undoubtedly be cheering for Christian Barmore, who grew up in Philly. Philadelphia appeals to the masses for many reasons, including its arts and culture, historical sites and a surprising number of recreational and dining destinations. You can even spend a leisurely morning exploring more than 300 neighborhood parks, 166 miles of trails and innumerable farms and orchards that call this historic city home. If you’re just visiting, here’s how to experience Philly like a local!
Houston, TX
K’Lavon Chaisson, linebacker
Why We Love Houston: Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the crop of football legends that come from the Lone Star State. K’Lavon Chaisson hails from Houston, which is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. It’s easy to eat like a Texan in this foodie-forward city. Houston residents have access to high-quality healthcare options, diverse neighborhoods and more than 370 parks, giving them plenty of places to play, which are just a few of the reasons to live here. Don’t know where to begin? Pay a visit to M-K-T, a 22,00-square-foot mixed-use space that houses restaurants, retailers and other businesses and is one of the country’s most impressive adaptive reuse projects.
Miami, Florida
Carlton Davis III, cornerback
Why We Love Miami: While the Miami Dolphins may not be appearing in this year’s Super Bowl showdown, the city is well represented with Carlton Davis III. Miami is known for many things, including its easy access to wildlife, hidden beaches, a fashion-forward aesthetic and gourmet food offerings.
Dallas, Texas
Charles Woods, cornerback
Why We Love Dallas: Dog-friendly? Check. Plenty of sports bars to watch theSuper Bowl? Check.Remote worker friendly? Check. What’s not to love aboutDallas? Everything is bigger in Texas, including Dallas’ generous calendar of events for locals, as well as more restaurants per capita than any other major metro area in the country. Whether you’re craving Mediterranean, Mexican or a good, old-fashioned smoked brisket, you’ll have no trouble finding it here.
Atlanta, Georgia
Julian Ashby, snapper
Why We Love Atlanta: Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend or one of the best places to live, Atlanta is the place to be. The city is known as a southern epicenter and is a great place to live for remote workers, artists and entertainers and foodies alike. History is important to Atlanta’s cultural context, too, as it was a major player in the Civil Rights Movement.
Kirkland, Washington
Efton Chism III, wide receiver
Why We Love Kirkland: There are plenty of things to love about living in the Pacific Northwest. Just 11 miles outside of Seattle is Kirkland, a thriving suburban area where Efton Chism III was born. Google is a major player in town, with a huge campus. But it isn’t all work and no play! Kirkland’s downtown area is full of restaurants and shops, as well as Marina Park, a lakeside destination that hosts many of the community’s annual events. There are dozens of places to experience the magic of Oregon’s great outdoors, including the lake, hiking and cycling, and access to Oregon’s wonderful wine scene.
Map of the Cities that Raised Super Bowl Players
