From Staff Reports
A tormenting defense and timely offense propelled the Philadelphia Eagles past the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX. It also gave an Apopka Blue Darter a Super Bowl ring.
Apopka's Jalen Carter was part of an Eagle defensive line that sacked Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes six times, pressured him on 16 other passing attempts, and forced a fumble on another.
“Togetherness,” Carter said of this team's most important facet. “We’re all together. We’re all one. It’s like a college atmosphere in here.”
Jalen Carter
Two weeks earlier, the Eagles defeated the Washington Redskins 55-23 in the National Football Conference finals to advance to its second Super Bowl appearance in three years and its second Super Bowl title in franchise history.
After leading Apopka High to the state playoffs, Carter took his talents to the University of Georgia, where he became a cornerstone of the Bulldog defense, culminating in a national championship that set the stage for his first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft by Philadelphia.
In Philadelphia, Carter has wasted no time making an impact.
Known for his explosive strength, agility, and relentless motor, he has been a game-changer for the Eagles, contributing to one of the league's top defenses. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and stuff the run has earned him accolades and the respect of his teammates and coaches. Although he had no sacks in the game, he fought through constant double-team blocks to aid his defensive line in getting to Mahomes throughout the game.
Carter is the fourth Blue Darter to make it to the Super Bowl, and the second to win.
Warren Sapp.
Warren Sapp, a defensive tackle who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was instrumental in winning Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003.
Brandon Meriweather, a safety who played for the New England Patriots, was part of the team that reached Super Bowl XLII in 2008.
Trey Hendrickson, a graduate of Apopka High School, made his mark in Super Bowl LVI as a key defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Brandon Meriweather.
Editor's Note: A previous edition of this article stated that Brandon Meriweather won a Super Bowl when he actually played in Super Bowl XLII, but did not win. It has been corrected.
