Jefferson County had at least one person representing it at the Super Bowl Sunday – as more than just a fan.
Andrew Brody, 21, a 2022 graduate of Hillsboro High, joined the flood of humanity pouring into downtown New Orleans for the big game at the Superdome, the 59th such extravaganza for the National Football League. He was there not primarily to see the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles but to learn from working at the pregame Fan Experience on the field, and other events surrounding the biggest show in sports.
It was all part of his education as the junior at the University of Missouri-St. Louis pursues a degree in sports management.
He and his classmates who came to New Orleans have the good fortune to study under Karen Boleska, director of sports management at UMSL. Boleska, who guided UMSL students to a national ranking in the 2023 National Collegiate Sports Sales Competition, believes in hands-on, immersive learning. She’s also taken groups of students to the NCAA men’s basketball final four, a USA Cycling competition and the NFL collegiate draft.
Brody said the students paid for the New Orleans trip but the cost was discounted enough to be affordable. They lodged outside the city and shuttled to the Superdome at 11 a.m. Sunday. That’s when Brody’s shift in the Fan Experience began.
“Our job is to make sure fans know where they need to go,” Brody said that morning. “We can see the field from where we are. We get to watch the halftime show. I’m excited about that.”
The day before the game, Brody woke up at 3 a.m. to travel to the Earnest N. Morial Convention Center, roughly a mile from the Superdome on the banks of the Mississippi River. He worked admissions at the breakfast for the Bart Starr Awards, which honor a player who has demonstrated outstanding character, integrity and leadership in his home, on the field and in the community. This year’s winner was New Orleans Saints All Pro and Pro Bowl defensive end Cameron Jordan. Starr played quarterback for the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s and was the MVP of the first two Super Bowls.
Brody said about 1,500 people, including current and former players, team executives and owners, attended the breakfast.
“There were some big names walking up, like (former Saints QB) Drew Brees).”
During his free time, Brody went to the NFL Experience, where players signed autographs and fans enjoyed interactive games. He also had time to explore the Crescent City while observing that drinking alcohol was prohibited and some places were off limits. They don’t call it “the Big Easy” for nothing.
“We could go out,” he said. “We’re expected to set a good example for the school.”
A Jefferson College graduate, Brody is enrolled in 18 hours this semester and comes to campus once a week, taking the bulk of his classes online at home. He plans to graduate in December or next spring.
Reinforced by his Super Bowl experience, Brody has a clear objective for putting his education to work in sports event operations.
“Make sure events run smoothly,” he said.
He’s got a good head start after experiencing the biggest show in sports, up close.