LAS VEGAS — Although the Cleveland Browns didn’t make it to Super Bowl LVIII, Northeast Ohio will be well represented.
While watching “The Big Game” between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sunday, Feb. 11, be sure to watch for these Northeast Ohio natives.
Let's take a look at those who will be representing Northeast Ohio in Super Bowl LVIII:
Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Kelce, tight end
The Cleveland Heights native is no stranger to playing in the Super Bowl. Kelce comes into this year’s game searching for his third ring. The University of Cincinnati product has evolved into one of the best to ever play the tight end position in NFL history.
This year, the 34-year-old has continued to be a force on the field, compiling 984 receiving yards and five touchdowns during the regular season. Throughout the 2023 NFL Playoffs, Kelce has dominated, recording 262 yards on 23 catches with three touchdowns in Kansas City's wins over Buffalo and Baltimore.
Aside from football, Kelce has been the talk of the internet after launching his relationship with pop music superstar Taylor Swift. We will have to see if Swift is Kelce's good luck charm this year.
Darian Kinnard, offensive tackle
The Northeast Ohio native was selected by the Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Throughout the 2023-24 season, the St. Ignatius graduate spent time on the Chiefs’ practice squad.
Prior to joining the Chiefs, Kinard was a three-year starter for the Kentucky Wildcats. Additionally, Kinard was a two-time All-American and earned "First-Team" honors as a senior at Kentucky.
Jalen Myrick, college and pro scout
The John Carroll University alum has made an impact behind the scenes working as a college and pro scout for the Chiefs. Myrick has been with the Chiefs for five years and is searching for his third ring with the organization.
San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Juszczyk, fullback
Juszczyk, a Medina native, is heading into Super Bowl Sunday looking for revenge after he and the 49ers lost to the Chiefs, 31-20, in Super Bowl LIV.
The Cloverleaf High School graduate is searching for his first Super Bowl ring in his 11-year NFL career. In the 2020 Super Bowl, Juszczyk caught the game-tying touchdown pass for San Francisco late in the first half. However, his efforts weren't enough against the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs.
His wife, Kristin, has also recently been in the spotlight after designing a puffy winter coat for Swift that she wore while supporting Kelce and the Chiefs in the first round of the NFL Playoffs.
Nick Zakelj, offensive tackle
The Brecksville–Broadview Heights alum joined the 49ers after being selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, Zakelj will not see the field during the Super Bowl as he tore his biceps during Week 10, which required season-ending surgery for the 24-year-old.
Prior to his injury, the backup offensive tackle appeared in four regular season games.
Cameron Brown, defensive quality control coach
The Westlake native is in his first season as the 49ers defensive quality control coach. Brown joined the 49ers after working as an assistant defensive line coach and outside linebackers coach at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
Brown graduated from CWRU in 2020 and holds the program's record for career (34.5) and single-season (15) sacks.
Denise DeBartolo York, co-chairman
The San Francisco 49ers are owned by the Youngstown-based DeBartolos. Denise's father, Ed Debartolo Senior, purchased the 49ers in 1977. The DeBartolo family has been a part of 50 playoff contests and five Super Bowl victories while owning the franchise.
