Staley family prepping for Super Bowl

It's finally the big week, as we count down the days before either the San Francisco 49ers or the Baltimore Ravens take home the coveted Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLVII.

 

There is a big fan base in Rockford, Mich. that's hoping it's the 49ers and two-time All-Pro Joe Staley who bring it home.

 

Staley, the San Francisco left tackle, is a Rockford native. And while he is in business mode, concentrating on that ultimate prize, his family has been anxiously waiting for the days to tick away until kickoff. After a whirlwind week of preparation, the Staleys leave for the game in New Orleans on Tuesday. It's been a lifetime in the making.

 

Staley graduated from Rockford High School in 2003, before playing four years at Central Michigan University. He spent the first four years in San Francisco trying to bring back the tradition of the 49ers. His father, Butch Staley, has been there through the ups and downs of it all. His level of proudness is unmeasurable.

 

"It's good. It's all positive. First thing is you're relieved, that's the first emotion. Because disappointment is a tough thing to deal with, especially with your kids. Of course you do, you sit there and you go through their disappointment with them. And you're there for them. But I really wanted this, for him, this time, after the disappointment last year. So there was some relief there."

 

The Super Bowl is Feb. 3.