Grand Prairie Native Craig Woodson Makes Super Bowl Appearance

Grand Prairie Native Craig Woodson Makes Super Bowl Appearance in Rookie NFL Season

Grand Prairie is used to Friday night lights, but this weekend, one of the city's own will shine on the NFL's biggest stage. Craig Woodson, Class of 2019 at South GP High School, will take the field in the Super Bowl on Sunday night during his rookie season with the New England Patriots - a moment he says still feels surreal.

"Coming from Grand Prairie, Texas to now playing in a Super Bowl is something I've always dreamed about growing up but never truly imagined that it would ever happen," Woodson said. "It's a blessing to be in this position and feels even better to know that I have the support of the whole city behind me. I know that I'm representing every student athlete in Grand Prairie aspiring to be on this stage and I take much pride in that."

At South Grand Prairie, Woodson made his mark as a standout student-athlete, earning district recognition and competing in track and field while laying the foundation for his future in football. He went on to the University of California, Berkeley, where he became a three-year starter and earned a degree in film and media in 2023, later adding a graduate certificate in business administration.

His path to the NFL wasn't without challenges, and that's part of the message he wants young athletes in Grand Prairie to hear.

"Some advice I'd give to student athletes is to trust the process and Trust God," Woodson said. "In this journey for me there were ups and downs, uncertainties, doubts, and trials but all of these things is what made me into the person I became. All of it has built the character and mindset that enabled me to make it as far as I have, and made me a better person in the process. Ultimately, keeping faith that God had a purpose and plan for me kept me going. Trust that He has a plan for you as well."

And just to add a little extra bragging rights, Woodson recently signed a four-year, $5.2 million contract with the Patriots, including a rookie salary of $840,000 and a signing bonus of over $266,000. Not bad for a hometown hero.

As for Grand Prairie residents, it might be time to temporarily swap those Cowboys jerseys for Patriots blue, at least for one weekend. No matter what happens on Sunday, Woodson's journey from local fields to the Super Bowl is a moment the whole city can cheer for.

Super Bowl (LX) between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will take place on Sunday, February 8, with kickoff shortly after 5:30 p.m. on NBC.