It was 10am Eastern Standard Time, but 8am in Colorado where hometown hero, Brandon McManus, was calling in from. The Hatfield-native was no doubt exhausted after having attended the Super Bowl Ring ceremony at Denver’s Sports Authority Field the evening before.
“After a cocktail hour in the locker room, each of us received a gold box with a key. Then we opened up the boxes as the same time. It was pretty cool,” shared Brandon.
Despite what was no doubt quite the party in honor of the Denver Broncos’ victory over the Panthers in Super Bowl 50, Brandon made a point to connect first thing in the morning, before he was scheduled to attend a charity golf tournament later that morning. The champion kicker’s reputation around town as a down-to-earth, nice guy is well-deserved.
The 24-year old has had a stellar year – winning the Super Bowl, marrying his college sweetheart (Temple graduate and local girl Nadia Spencer), and just recently making headlines when President Obama wittingly described him as the “heart and soul” of the Broncos offense.
And it wasn’t always an easy road for Brandon, who went un-drafted in the 2013 NFL Draft before being signed to the Indianapolis Colts, only to be waived prior to the start of the season. In 2014, he played four preseason games for the New York Giants before being traded to the Denver Broncos. He was waived by the Broncos in 2014, but quickly re-signed after clearing waiver. Hard work and determination helped Brandon rise to an incredible 2015 season, including a tied NFL-postseason record of five field goals in a win over the Steelers and three field goals in Super Bowl 50.
Brandon could easily spend the off season relaxing by the pool, but instead, he will be dedicating time to his hometown, hosting the Brandon McManus Football Skills Camp at North Penn High School in Lansdale, where Brandon himself attended high school.
Brandon explained, “Last year we hosted the first one in New Jersey, but I really wanted to bring it to my hometown this year.” He was especially touched by a compilation video that teachers from his alma mater had sent him before the Super Bowl.
The camp is open to all skill sets, with session 1 running from 8am to noon for ages 8 to 11:30am, and then Session 2 from 1pm to 4:30pm for ages 13 to 18th. Kids will learn the basic skills of each position. Space is limited so reserve a spot for $25 per player as soon as possible at McManus Football Camp.
In addition to hosting the camp, McManus is the co-founder of the Anti-Bullying Squad, where he works to create a permanent solution to bullying through education, awareness and prevention. His work has already inspired kids in the community to stand up for themselves.
For anyone that follows @TheKidMcManus on Twitter, they quickly learn that Brandon is also a bit of a foodie, so there was just one question left to ask- “What is your favorite meal when you come home?”
“I have to say Cheesesteak. It’s the rolls. The rolls from Amoroso’s make it.”
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