As if Super Bowl LII didn’t have enough of a homey feel being played in Minneapolis, one of the new co-owners of the Vince Lombardi Trophy has a Tracy connection.
Shortly after the Philadelphia Eagles defeated New England, 41-33, the celebration and partying began on the US Bank field. And somewhere in the chaos and pandemonium was Nathan Gerry, a former Nebraska Cornhusker with local ties.
Gerry’s mother is Kelli Strand, a 1981 graduate of Tracy Area High School. Strand was a standout for the Scrappers in volleyball, basketball, and track and field.
Gerry was selected by the Eagles in the 5th round (184th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, following his collegiate career as a safety at Nebraska. At Philadelphia, he was converted to a linebacker. In his young career with the Eagles, Gerry, a first-team All-American and All-Big Ten selection following his senior year at Nebraska, has played mostly on special teams. His first defensive action came in a December game against Dallas.