Football: Nike-hosted showcase brings elite talent to Soldier Field

Updated: December 21, 2011 6:11PM

It was a chance of a lifetime for over 100 of the top senior football players in the city of Chicago and suburbs who were selected to play in the first annual Nike Hyper Warm Bowl Tuesday at Soldier Field.

The seven-on-seven competition not only showcased some of the area’s top talent, but gave Nike an opportunity to introduce their new line of winter gear products. Not only did the players have the opportunity to play at Soldier Field, but on hand were Chicago Bear’s wide receiver/punt returner Devin Hester and wide receiver, Earl Bennett. Also on hand were running back Ryan Grant of the Green Bay Packers and wide receiver Jordy Nelson also of the Packers. Over 20 players from the Chicago Public League participated, along with teams from Montini, Bolingbrook, Homewood Flossmoor, WW South, Glenbard South, Lemont and Naperville North among others.

Nike made one surprising change in the format. Players came in to play with teams they had put together, but were surprised when they found out it was a random selection and all the teams were mixed together. After getting over the initial shock, everyone seemed to enjoy the competition. Quarterback John Rhode of state champion Montini said he was caught by surprise but it was a great event.

“We were all caught off guard and it did mess with the chemistry a bit, but it did give us a chance to meet other players, make some new friends, and a chance to play on a professional football field,” said Rhode.

Brooks defensive back Warren Gatewood said it is something that he will never forget.

“It’s an experience that I will always remember and it is a great way to end your high school career with your last game being at Soldier Field,” said Gatewood.

The players were not the only ones that enjoyed it. The NFL players seemed to enjoy watching as well.

“This reminds me of something that they would have down south. There is some crazy talent up here in Chicago,” said Bennett. Hester said that he enjoyed his time interacting with the players.

“Nike did a great job putting this together and you can see that they were all having fun, which is the main thing,” said Hester.

The annual championship was won by team Super Bad who defeated team Carbon 35-15.

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