TAMPA, Fla. — The stage is set for the biggest game in football with the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars don't find themselves in Sunday's big game, Florida is still getting a spotlight on the field.
Amongst both teams, 12 players have ties to the Sunshine State, including three born in the Tampa Bay area.
49ers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud was born in Tampa, where he attended Sickles High School and played for the Gryphons as a running back.
Born in Sarasota is Chiefs wide receiver Richie James Jr. He attended Riverview High School, where he played both wide receiver and quarterback. James also ran and lettered in track, winning several state titles.
Another Chiefs wide receiver from Tampa Bay is Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Born in St. Petersburg, Scantling played for Lakewood High School. He would go on to play for USF after transferring from North Carolina State.
The Kansas City team features several alumni from the University of Florida, including:
- Running back La’Mical Perine
- Offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, who was born in Cocoa
- Wide receiver Kadarius Toney
- Punter Tommy Townsend, who was born in Orlando
The University of Miami is also getting two of its alumni featured in the game. Representing San Francisco is offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, who was born in Davie. Playing for Kansas City is safety Deon Brush, who also is originally from the Magic City.
Other Florida talent from the 49ers is wide receiver Willie Snead, born in Winter Park, and defensive lineman Nick Bosa, born in Fort Lauderdale.
Also playing for the Chiefs is defensive back Chamarri Conner, born in Jacksonville.
Super Bowl LVIII airs Sunday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. on CBS/10 Tampa Bay.