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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The journey from childhood football dreams to the Super Bowl is one shared by countless aspiring athletes. For three former University of Illinois players, this dream is on the verge of coming true.
Among them, Vederian Lowe, a native of Illinois who plays as an offensive lineman for the New England Patriots, is gearing up to hit the Super Bowl field this Sunday.
Lowe’s football journey began in Rockford, a city located roughly three hours north of Champaign.
“He’s been passionate about football since the age of 6,” recalled Jerry Lowe, Vederian’s grandfather. “His idol was Tom Brady.”
Jerry, who helped coach Vederian at Auburn High School, remained a steadfast supporter throughout his football career. He never missed a game during Vederian’s five-year tenure at the University of Illinois, even witnessing the memorable victory over Wisconsin in 2019 at Memorial Stadium.
“Wisconsin was ranked. They beat them on homecoming!” Jerry exclaimed.
Now, moments like that come flooding back just days before watching Vederian take the field for the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60.
WCIA asked Jerry what “words of wisdom” he’d like to share with Vederian ahead of the biggest moment of his career.
“Loving other people. That was one of the things I taught him,” Jerry said. “You’re gonna have ups and downs. Don’t let those downs bring you down.”
In Vederian’s four NFL seasons, he has persevered through injuries and a trade. This year, however, has been a complete “180” for him and his family.
“Getting this season after the last two of not having the best record, I’m like, ‘I’m so glad you are here to experience this. I’m so glad you’re on this team when they have this crazy winning record, and then make it to the Super Bowl,” Haylee Lowe, his wife, said. “I feel like everything you’ve been through was worth it to make it to this moment.”
A moment Vederian told WCIA 3 Sports about back in 2020.
“After getting my degree, my sole purpose will be to make it to the NFL, make a 53-man roster, and provide for my family,” he said at the time.
Six years after that interview, that determination has taken him, his wife, and his children on an incredible journey.
“When there are good moments like this, you have to truly enjoy it and be grateful for it,” Haylee added.
Vederian isn’t the only former Illini in the “big game.” Tommy DeVito, one of his teammates on the Patriots, as well as Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks, will also make the trip.
“We have a bunch of jerseys in our collection right now. I’m hoping we get to add those to it,” Haylee said.
Jerry knows it’s 60 minutes of football that the family will never forget. No matter the result, he knows getting to this moment is quite the accomplishment.
“I’m so excited for him. I can not emphasize it enough. I’m so excited for him. I’m so happy for him,” Haylee said.
This year will mark the fourth year in a row that a former Illini will lift the Lombardi Trophy. Last year, Sydney Brown won his first championship with the Philadelphia Eagles. Nick Allegretti won back-to-back titles with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023 and 2024.