Hard work earns Las Vegans shot at Super Bowl title

SAN FRANCISCO — Brandon Marshall remembers the Wow Factor.

As in, it's New York … Wow.

It's the Super Bowl … Wow.

It's the biggest moment of his football life … Wow.

"This time," Marshall said, "there is none of that. This time, we just want to win."

In a town that produced the National League's Most Valuable Player (Bryce Harper) and Rookie of the Year (Kris Bryant) in Major League Baseball last season, Las Vegas also will feature a linebacker on the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers when Super Bowl 50 kicks off Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Marshall attended Cimarron-Memorial High School and has been there, not done that, a member of the Broncos side that was crushed by the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII two years ago.

Ben Jacobs is a product of Silverado High School and playing in a Super Bowl for the first time, signed by the Panthers in 2013 and sporting a fairly shaggy look this week.

"I kind of do a beard every year," Jacobs said. "Mostly because I'm lazy, and I don't want to shave it, and then half because I'm superstitious, I think it helps us win games. It has been about 14 weeks now, and I haven't had a haircut in 14 weeks. Just one more week, and then I'm shaving it off."

Each appreciates his place on football's grandest stage because each was made to work for it.

Marshall was a fifth-round draft pick of the Jaguars out of UNR in 2012 and spent most of his time in Jacksonville on the practice squad. Jacobs wasn't drafted out of Fresno State and signed as a free agent with Cleveland in 2011, also beginning his career on the Browns' practice squad.

Think of it as the NFL's version of working yourself up from the mail room.

Two years ago, Marshall was promoted to the 53-man roster in Denver at the end of the regular season when Von Miller was placed on injured reserve. Marshall played on special teams throughout the playoffs and was a starter the following season.

He is second on the team in tackles this season.

On Monday night, as the NFL staged its first media availability for the Super Bowl at SAP Arena and in prime time, Denver's leading players took their spots at selected podiums while the remainder of the team, including those on the practice squad, strolled around the arena floor.

"Those are my brothers out there," Marshall said. "That was me two years ago. Now, I'm at a podium. It's very surreal."

Jacobs, as a reserve player with 15 tackles this season, wasn't at a podium, but that didn't stop a few media members from requesting he first "Creedbomb" someone and then offer his best James Earl Jones impersonation from the movie "Field of Dreams."

Basically, "Creedbombing" is making someone really uncomfortable by singing Creed lyrics in his face. Jacobs favors "One Last Breath" and "Higher."

The stunt became popular around Carolina's locker room when players began talking about bands they listened to as kids but were no longer popular. Creed was one. So was Nickelback.

"I can't do it now, because "Creedbombing" has to come natural," Jacobs said. "And I'm not very good at impersonations beyond the (Creed lyrics).

"It's pretty crazy to think about, being here. When I was in high school, you're just playing the game because you love it and want to play as long as you can and you don't really think about what comes next. Then you get to college and get distracted with film and practice, and you don't think about much else. Then your senior year comes, and you think, 'I hope I make it. I hope I get a shot somewhere.' I'm blessed to have this shot. We're in the Super Bowl. You have to earn it. That's why it's very special for me, just being here."

It's also special for Marshall, whose experience two years ago has created more clarity this week. Denver was never in that Super Bowl against Seattle, and the opportunity to return so soon isn't lost on him or his teammates.

Marshall had three choices when released from Jacksonville in 2013, all of the practice squad variety. He could return to the Jaguars or sign with Denver or the Oakland Raiders. The Broncos seemed a nice fit, a professional organization, a needed change of pace.

It turned out to be a life-changing decision.

"I always knew my path was different than most," Marshall said. "I never questioned it. I just worked hard and tried to better my situation. It all happened for a reason. It hit me a couple days after the AFC championship a few weeks ago. We're here again. I just want to win."

No matter which side does, this is certain: Las Vegas on Sunday will have a Super Bowl champion to celebrate.

There is some Wow Factor to that.

Ed Graney can be reached at egraney@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4618. He can be a heard on "Seat and Ed" on Fox Sports 1340 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Twitter: @edgraney