BBBS SHOWED UP BIG FOR SUPER BOWL LIX

What. A. Week. New Orleans brought the energy for Super Bowl LIX, and Big Brothers Big Sisters was right in the heart of it—celebrating mentorship, making meaningful connections, and creating experiences that will stay with our Bigs & Littles forever.

I’m home today, feeling incredibly grateful and inspired by everything we experienced. The opportunities, access, and life-changing moments young people had through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the NFL, and so many others was truly extraordinary.

From powerful panels and once-in-a-lifetime interviews to unforgettable on-field moments and inspiring conversations, this week was a testament to the impact of mentorship. Here are just a few highlights from our incredible Super Bowl LIX experience:

(If you’re here for the casual name-dropping, you’re in the right place )

🔥 History in the making! The first Big & Little match in NOLA, Angie & Skye, kicked off the week at the Opening Ceremonies—a huge milestone for mentorship in the city!

🎤 I joined Deb Barge, Chief Development Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, for a Fireside Chat at the PVBLIC Foundation’s Content Studio at Gallier Hall. This event highlighted the power of media, storytelling, and cross-sector collaboration in driving meaningful change. Little Tyla stole the spotlight as she introduced us and the panels throughout the event!

🎙️ Our Littles—Brooklyn, Kayden, Skye, Kaymarie, Ja’Mia, Dajon, and Alvin (and some of their Bigs) —took over Radio Row, shadowing Bryan Bresee (Saints), Solomon Thomas (Jets), and Bijan Robinson (Falcons) while meeting players, media pros, and experiencing the excitement of Super Bowl media week firsthand!

🎬 Little Jaicey got an exclusive interview with Amy Schumer and the cast of her new movie, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the world of film and storytelling!

🎤 Little Jeffery had the chance to interview Anthony Mackie, diving into his journey as the new Captain America in "Captain America: Brave New World!"

🏈 NFL Play60 – Littles on the Field!

Our Littles hit the field for a day of fun, movement, and inspiration with NFL stars—running drills, making plays, and soaking in the magic of the game!

👮Two incredible Centene & Pro Football Hall of Fame Salute to Service events at the Governor’s Lounge and McMain High School:

The Governor’s event honored first responders, with Littles Jaicey and Kaleb (and Kaleb’s Big in Blue, Royce) in attendance.

Salute to Youth at McMain brought together 100 student leaders with Centene, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Hall of Famers, and InspireNOLA for a powerful conversation.

🏆Little Ja’Mia took the mic as a reporter and had the honor of presenting the Alan Page Award at the NFLPA press conference in New Orleans. This year’s recipient, Giants WR Darius Slayton, was recognized for his leadership and community impact.

☀️ We gathered at NFL House for the Changemakers Breakfast, where Ryan Detert, Artis Stevens, Michael Kassan, and Joel Lunenfeld led an inspiring discussion on the Changemakers Challenge—a bold initiative to raise $5 million and secure $100 million in donated media to connect young people with life-changing mentorship. Joining us were matches Angie & Skye, Erica & Kaymarie, —a full-circle moment as Zabeth, Angie’s Big Sister since she was 9, was also there! A powerful reminder of how mentorship can span generations and create lasting impact.

🏆 Little Skye took over the red carpet at NFL Honors, interviewing some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and business!

She had incredible conversations about mentorship with Terry Crews, Damar Hamlin, Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, Raising Cane’s Todd Graves and SO MANY MORE! From NFL greats to Hollywood stars, the interviews kept coming, and Skye handled them like a pro.

The celebrity sightings made the night even more fun, but the real highlight was watching Skye step into the spotlight with confidence, curiosity, and poise.

Little Jaicey took the mic and hit the runway at the Off the Field NFL Wives Fashion Show, owning the moment with confidence and grace! This event, bringing together NFL wives and community leaders, was all about style, empowerment, and giving back—and Jaicey embodied it all.

 Impact59 Legacy Grant recipients came together for a Day of Service, proving that giving back is the ultimate game-changer! And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, Roger Goodell, Gayle Benson, and Demario Davis made a surprise visit!

💃🏾 We took a break for lunch at Gus’ Fried Chicken and got an unexpected treat—running into Alvin Kamara! He was incredibly kind, took the time to visit with our group, and made the moment one for the books!

🌟 We wrapped up an incredible evening at Mrs. Benson’s Private Reception at the Cabildo, followed by the launch of the St. Louis Cathedral laser light show—part of a $75M restoration campaign. The stunning projections featuring artwork by Becky Fos, James Michalopoulos, Terrance Osborne, George Rodrigue, and Hunt Slonem were a breathtaking tribute to New Orleans’ art, history, and resilience.

🏈 At the Dove Body Confidence Sports Bowl, kids took the field for a day of empowerment and confidence-building through sports, thanks to 18th Ward, Walmart, and Dove.

Rachaad White led drills, reinforcing that self-belief is just as important as physical strength.

Venus Williams led the cool-down, sharing her journey of perseverance and inspiring young athletes to stay confident on and off the field.

Dove’s Keep Her Confident campaign is a game-changer, proving that sports build resilience, self-esteem, and limitless potential.

🏈The Celebrity Flag Football Showdown, hosted by NFL and YouTube, was an all-star event! Little Brother Alvin took the role of a Little Reporter, interviewing players and capturing all the action.

Then came the biggest surprise of all—Alvin and his Big were gifted tickets to the Super Bowl!

 🏆And finally… the BIG GAME!

Today, Bigs & Littles Angie & Skye and Alvin & Sheldon will experience the ultimate moment—attending the SUPER BOWL!🏈🎟️

While you’re watching tonight’s game, don’t miss the NFL’s “I AM SOMEBODY” commercial, featuring Big Brothers Big Sisters and our Littles! A powerful reminder that every young person deserves a champion in their corner.

BBBS showed up BIG for Super Bowl LIX, and we are beyond grateful for every person who made this week unforgettable. Because when we invest in mentorship, we’re not just shaping futures—we’re building champions.  🏆💚