It took two years for the coaches at Lyons Township High School to convince Jake Elliott to trade in his tennis racket for a football helmet. Now, he is headed to this year’s Super Bowl.
Coach Jason Brauer said he saw his talent at a high school pep rally competition.
“He kept saying no and it wasn’t going to fit in the cards,” Brauer said.
Elliott’s father Bruce, said he remembers the decision that changed the path of his son’s sports career.
“We looked at each other and smirked,” Bruce Elliott said. “It’s been a fun ride.”
From star high school football player, to setting records in college and becoming rookie kicker for the Cincinnati Bengals, Elliott signed as the Philadelphia Eagles’ kicker.
“That’s what you hope and dream for your entire football career,” Elliott said. “That becoming a reality, is obviously pretty special.”
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The Western Springs native said everyone surrounding him “has had a small impact on this journey,” and he could not be more grateful for his support system.
