Homegrown talent in Super Bowl 46

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WWLP) - This Super Bowl is special in Western Massachusetts, not just because the Patriots and Giants are playing, but because three players with local ties will be on the field on Sunday.

Amherst's James Ihedigbo and Springfield's Ron Brace are on the Patriots.  Ihedigbo is also a UMass alum, as is Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz. 

Playing high school football is the glory days for some athletes, but Ihedigbo's high school coach told 22News a lot of hard work paid off for this local talent.

"James came from a place where he wasn't highly recruited, and everything that he's down has been a result of passion and hard work, setting goals and reaching those goals", says Ken Jacque who coached Ihedigbo at Amherst High School.

That next goal is winning the Super Bowl.  Ihedigbo is expected to start against the Giants on Sunday.

At halftime, Madonna is the headlining act and she promised no wardrobe malfunctions this year.  Kickoff is Sunday around 6:30pm and you can see the game right here on 22News.