LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — A trip to Arrowhead Stadium kept getting better for Lee’s Summit Firefighter Adam Greeno, who learned during a live ESPN broadcast that he is headed to Super Bowl LXI.
Greeno, who was recently named Firefighter of the Year, joined the “Monday Night Countdown” crew on the field before the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14.
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ESPN host Scott Van Pelt introduced Greeno while speaking about first responders and the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
“You think about the heroes among us, the best and the bravest in New York, the first responders, the folks that put themselves on the line on our behalf, folks like you, Adam Greeno,” Van Pelt said.
Greeno had already received several surprises leading up to the game. Former Chiefs players Bill Maas and Keith Cash visited Lee’s Summit Fire Station 3 and presented him with two tickets to the season opener, according to KSHB. Greeno was also selected to throw a ceremonial first pass to Maas.
The recognition honored Greeno’s work in the field and his involvement in health initiatives, KSHB reported.
Once at Arrowhead Stadium, Greeno’s seats were upgraded. He was then invited onto the field with the ESPN crew, another development he did not see coming.
“Surprise after surprise,” Greeno said when Van Pelt asked about the experience.
The ESPN panel then revealed it had one more surprise.
“Why would we stop there?” the broadcasters asked before telling Greeno he would receive tickets to Super Bowl LXI.
Greeno shouted and celebrated as the panel applauded.
“You deserve it, brother,” one of the broadcasters told him.
ESPN plans to give away additional Super Bowl tickets throughout the NFL season as part of its “Year of the Super Bowl” campaign. Super Bowl LXI will be played Feb. 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and broadcast on ESPN and ABC, according to ESPN.
“Thank you for your service,” Van Pelt told Greeno. “Congratulations.”