If you need an excuse to cheer for the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV, we have one for you! Wylie has a connection to Kansas City Chief’s #56 linebacker and special team player Ben Niemann. Ben and his younger brother Nick attended Wylie ISD for three years from 2008 to 2010. Ben wore the Wylie purple and gold his 7th through 9th grade years before moving to Sycamore, Illinois. The family moved when their dad, Jay Niemann, took the defensive coordinator position at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. After graduating from Sycamore High School both Ben and Nick went on to play football at the University of Iowa.
Ricky Bacon was one of Ben’s Jr. High coaches and had the pleasure of meeting up with Ben in 2018 after the Denver Broncos played Kansas City. “Ben was a great kid when he was here. I remember him having a tremendous work ethic to get better each and every day. He was a leader on and off the field.” Coach Bacon told Wylie Growl.
“He was very active in FCA and was an FCA officer his 8th grade year. There is no doubt in my mind that he has worked for this moment ever since stepping on the football field his 7th grade year at Wylie Junior High.”
Ben shared his favorite memory from his time at Wylie. “Living in Abilene and attending Wylie are some of my best memories! I remember our Jr. High football team was undefeated in both 7th and 8th grade. My favorite memory, besides the great friendships, was the Sweetwater game in 8th grade. Wylie had been down 2 touchdowns and I was QB and threw a Hail Mary touchdown to Hunter Herrerra to win the game. I will FOREVER remember that game!”
Tune in on February 2nd to watch this former Bulldog compete at the highest level imaginable. With hard work and determination, dreams do come true.