NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
January 21, 2015 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909)595-1261 ext. 31204
Diamond Bar High alumnus heading to Super Bowl XLIX
DIAMOND BAR, CA—Check out Diamond Bar High School 2004 graduate Ryan Wendell when the New England Patriots face off against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX on February 1 at the University of Phoenix Stadium.
Wendell’s #77 Brahma jersey is retired and he was named to the school's Hall of Fame.
The DBHS standout was an All-CIF Southern Section selection as a senior defensive lineman with more than 50 tackles, six sacks and caused three fumbles.
He earned the same honor as an offensive lineman his junior year. He was the Sierra League’s Most Valuable Player as a junior.
Wendell earned a scholarship to Fresno State, was a four-year starter, and earned numerous accolades.
He signed with the Patriots in 2008 as a free agent and played on the scout team before working his way onto the lineup, filling in for an injured lineman.
His work ethic and proven ability has earned a spot on the starting team with quarterback Tom Brady.
Wendell #62 is currently practicing as the starting center for the Super Bowl.
Wendell, a guard, shifted to center after rookie Bryan Stork suffered a knee injury in the first half of the AFC second-round playoff game against Baltimore.
“Ryan worked at all the positions, all the way through the spring — center and guard,” Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick said earlier this season.
“Ryan’s a really smart player. He’s one of the smartest players that we have, that we’ve had.” Belichick told to the Fresno Bee this week.
At 6-foot-2, Wendell may be the smallest offensive lineman in the NFL, but he doesn’t let size stop him.
He plays with superior technical skills and heart, according to his former DBHS coach Kurt Davies.
The pro football player stops by the high school every year to talk with the team.
This will be Wendell’s second Super Bowl appearance. And you can be sure Diamond Bar High will be cheering for this hometown hero on February 1!
Shown:
Diamond Bar High alumnus and New England Patriots offensive lineman Ryan Wendell will be playing in the 2015 Super Bowl on February 1.
Blast from the past - pro football player Ryan Wendell shown in 2004 signing to play college at Fresno State.
Diamond Bar High retired jersey #77 of football all-star Ryan Wendell in 2004. Shown with former head football coach Manny Saiz.
New England Patriots lineman Ryan Wendell stops by Diamond Bar High School every year to talk with the football team. Shown with his former coach Kurt Davies.