By Rachel Terrill, Player Engagement Insider
In honor of Super Bowl 50 former Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Craig Terrill returned to Lebanon, Indiana to present an NFL Golden Football to his alma mater. Lebanon High School welcomed Terrill, the school’s first Super Bowl participant, at a special Friday evening presentation.
With the lights dimmed a highlight reel of Terrill’s seven-year NFL career excited fans in the school’s packed gymnasium. Terrill is one of five generations to attend LHS and is the school’s only athlete to play in NFL. “I could not be prouder to have represented Lebanon High School in the NFL and to help our school land on the Super Bowl High School Honor Roll,” he said.
Terrill encouraged current LHS students to set goals and work to achieve them. “I hope that this football might serve as a symbol and a reminder that is important to dream big and to work hard,” he said.
The Seahawks drafted Terrill out of Purdue University in 2004 and he played for them until his retirement following the 2010 season. He was a key component in the team’s four division championships, the 2005 NFC Championship game, and Super Bowl XL. Terrill amassed more than 100 career tackles and tied the all-time Seahawks record for most blocked field goals in a season and in a career.
Several former and current high school coaches joined Terrill on stage for the presentation. “The night before Super Bowl XL, I could hardly sleep,” he said. “I was about to play in the biggest game of my life. As I sat in my hotel room, I thought about the amazing coaches from right here in Lebanon who helped me get there.
“This golden football is a symbol of what Lebanon High School has been, what it is today, and what it will be in the future. To the coaches and athletes who were around when I was a student, and to those who followed, and to those who are yet to come. I am so proud to be a part of this school’s rich tradition -- and to present this golden football to LHS. Go Tigers!”
Upon receiving the NFL Golden Football, the high school had a surprise for Terrill. Former Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck presented a video message congratulating him and LHS for the role they played in Terrill’s career. As the video ended, Lebanon Tigers, old and new, chanted Terrill’s name.
The school presented Terrill with a plaque and a display case with Terrill’s jerseys, pictures from his NFL career, and the commemorative Super Bowl 50 golden football. The display will remain at the high school to remind students of what can be accomplished by working hard and making the right choices.
LHS Athletic Director, Phil Levine said, “We look at Craig Terrill as a wonderful role model not only for the LHS athletes but all students. Having Craig directly involved with our school and students, and being able to display his achievements, will continue to have a positive impact on all of our students and ultimately provide them with the character development and skills they need to be successful in life.”