Kalamazooans watched as a young Greg Jennings carried the football at Kalamazoo Central and Western Michigan University. And then there were 111 million viewers who watched his pivotal play in the 2011 Super Bowl as a Green Bay Packer.
Jennings, a wide receiever, had four catches for 64 yards and
two touchdowns in Green Bay's 31-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The community is recognizing its own NFL hero in a celebration from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 14, in WMU's University Arena. The event is open to the public free of charge. Doors open at 5 p.m. and seating is general admission.
Jennings has been touring the country and making television appearances
since the team's Superbowl win. He and his family live in Kalamazoo.
"The feeling of my hometown backing me up and supporting me throughout my career is unmatched," Jennings says. "I feel very lucky to come from such a special community and it feels good to be home!"
The celebration will include a pep rally led by WMU's Pep Band and Cheer and Dance Teams. Remarks by WMU Head Football Coach Bill Cubit, community leader Tim Terrentine and Jennings are planned.
A video salute also will be on the program.
State Rep. Sean McCann, state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton are expected to participate. The event concludes with a presentation by Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell.
At Western, Jennings finished with the school's all-time career records in number of receptions, 238, touchdowns, 39, and with 5,050 all-purpose yards.
Drafted in the second round in 2006, Jennings was No. 2 in the NFC and fourth overall during the 2010 regular season with 1,265 yards on 76 catches. He tied a career-high with 12 touchdown receptions. He was named to the 2010 Pro Bowl.
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Justine Griffin, Greg Jennings Foundation
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