While numerous storylines exist heading into Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, one narrative in particular will stand out to many fans. Sure, much of the talk will focus on Peyton Manning’s quest for a second championship and the Denver offense -- one of the best the NFL has ever seen -- going straight up against the top-ranked defense in the league, but for a trio of Denver Broncos players, team camaraderie, unity and family lineage will be a big-time part of their inaugural Super Bowl experiences.
Loyal fans of the National Football League will mostly chat about the offensive capability Peyton Manning’s passing game possesses. After watching Manning connect with his core group of wide receivers in Wes Welker, Julius Thomas, Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker for 47 touchdowns and over 4,200 yards during the 2013-2014 regular season, it’s easy to favor the Broncos passing game as the reason why the team will be playing for the third championship in franchise history. Unsung heroes in running back Knowshon Moreno and offensive lineman Louis Vásquez and Manny Ramírez however, have undoubtedly been key pieces in Denver’s 13-3 regular season and recent AFC Championship Game victory over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
The aforementioned trio will start at their respective positions Sunday in New Jersey, with many believing the three make up what will become the first group of Latino players to start a Super Bowl, even though the NFL does not keep those statistical figures. Ramirez -- who played his college ball at Texas Tech and was cut by the Detroit Lions in 2010 -- is thrilled about participating in the 2014 Super Bowl. A rising role model and ambassador for football in the Hispanic community, Ramirez said recently that he’s very blessed to be with an organization that gave him another chance to excel at his craft.
“It was hard, because it put everything in perspective,” he said about losing his job in Detroit. “Am I really capable of playing at this level? You start thinking of other options you might have to take as far as providing for your family. At the same time, I was like, if God is giving me another opportunity to play, I'm going to take full advantage of it. Once I started taking my first snaps with Peyton, I said, 'I'm in there, this is my job.’ That's how I looked at it. It's been a blessing to say I've been able to hold that position the entire year.”
Fellow offensive lineman Louis Vásquez, who played alongside Ramírez at Texas Tech for two seasons, hopes to cap off a magical campaign with a championship. Named as a 2013 NFL All-Pro alongside Peyton Manning, the Broncos guard has been a big reason why running backs Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball rushed for over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns during the regular season. Through 15 games this season, Vasquez has not allowed one sack of Manning, solidifying himself as one of the premier players at his position.
Looking forward to taking on the Seattle Seahawks Sunday evening, the 26-year-old noted recently that he and Ramirez take tremendous pride in being Hispanic and they hope to continue to be role models for many youngsters hoping to one day follow in their footsteps.
“We take great pride in being Hispanic, showing the younger Hispanic generation that it is possible to play in the NFL," said Vasquez. "We're just showing them that the door is open, regardless of what the outside world says. We're living proof that we can make it.”
Veteran running back Knowshon Moreno -- whose father is of Puerto Rican descent -- hopes to cap off a 1,000-yard campaign with a win at the home of the New York Giants and Jets. Known for his strong passion and high-energy level of play, the former Middletown South High School and University of Georgia standout wants nothing more than to celebrate a championship with Ramirez, Vasquez and the entire Broncos organization.
“Listening to other guys who have been in this position before playing in the Super Bowl, it’s a lot going on,” he said. “They say you have to hold your emotions down. I think that will be my toughest battle, just being able to stay composed until the fires start burning down. It’s just everything is running through my head from when I was younger to now. Just, the journey. Everyone has their own journey, everyone has been through different situations in my life. For me, it’s just everything that’s running through my head and enjoying the moment.”
Moreno and company will certainly have a well-earned opportunity to complete their journey Sunday in Super Bowl XLVIII against the NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks.
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