MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. — Willie Snead IV used to dominate under the Friday night lights in West Michigan with Muskegon Heights and Holland Christian.
"Those Muskegon Heights days were just different, man," Snead IV said.
Now, in his 10th season in the NFL on his sixth different team, the wide receiver has finally made it to the Super Bowl with the 49ers.
He is a member of the San Francisco practice squad. He appeared in two games this season catching two passes for a total of 14 yards.
Snead IV can't believe he is a part of the game's biggest stage.
"It's a dream come true.," Snead IV said. "This is something you think about as a kid since you were little. Just to be a part of the process. To be here right now is amazing. It's a blessing."
A blessing that was not given, but earned.
"I know he's been working hard," Willie's father Willie Snead III said. "He's been really valued around the 49ers organization. It is really cool to see him get that experience."
Snead IV has busted his tail since joining the league as an undrafted free agent. He only trains with his Dad to keep his body and mind in tip-top shape.
"The major key is to be a consistent player," Snead IV said. "You've got to keep your face card clean. Especially at my position, opportunities are limited and when you get those opportunities coming into the league, you have to take advantage."
Snead IV has taken full advantage, nearly hitting the 1,000 yards receiving mark in 2015 with the Saints and tallying over 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career.
The NFL lifestyle has certainly been exciting but it's an experience that is actually not too different from high school football with his Dad as his coach in West Michigan.
"He said, 'Dad it's pretty much the same stuff we did at high school,'" Snead III said. "They just have all day to do it. As a Dad, that makes you feel good that what are you teaching at that level of high school. It is just a transition in how things are interpreted."
Snead IV is no stranger to the bright lights on the big stage. He caught a touchdown in Holland Christian's state title win during his sophomore year in 2008.
"To be able to overcome, go 14-0 and beat Detroit Country Day in the Lions Stadium, I that was really a high moment in my career," Snead IV said.
However, some of his best times came at Muskegon Heights during his junior and senior seasons.
"Going out there being a kid and having fun," Snead IV said. "There was no pressure. These was no business mode. It was just us going out there and balling."
Snead IV especially has fond memories of his time with the Tigers, and it makes him proud to still be in the NFL for a decade.
"Heights made me realize coming from that type of situation is possible," Snead IV said. "I think it gave younger guys coming after me that hope to do that at Heights if they really wanted to. It just helped me appreciate where I come from and the people I grew up around."
While those days in high school are back in the rearview mirror and standing in from of him is the Lombardi Trophy, it does not stop Snead IV from appreciating his time in the Mitten.
"It's a blessing to just be able to come that far and look back and really think I did this, this and this and it helped me get to right here, right now," Snead IV said.
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