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10-Year-Old To Go Behind The Scenes At Super Bowl In Tampa

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By JESSICA BALANZA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 10, 2008

Updated: 12/11/2008 01:22 pm

NORTHDALE - Tyler Smith will not only go to Super Bowl XLIII, he will also get to meet players and write a story.

The 10-year-old Claywell Elementary student was selected recently to write a story on the big event for the Weekly Reader.

Richard Smith, Tyler's dad, said the Weekly Reader contacted the school since the Super Bowl is coming to Tampa.

The fifth-grader was nominated for the job by his teachers. Tyler said the nomination was based on his writing and reading skills and his love of the sport.

"He has over 2,500 football collector cards, plays football and is a Boy Scout," said Deborah Kline, media specialist at Claywell. "He is just an all-around good kid."

Tyler will get the same access as professional reporters do during the Super Bowl. He will attend media day, and after the game he will get to go into the locker room and ask questions.

"I hope the Steelers go," Tyler said.

But even if the Steelers don't make it that far, Tyler has his questions ready.

Smith said once Tyler learned of his reporting assignment, he got a new journal book and in about half an hour, he had more than 30 questions written down.

His questions include "Does football take a lot of time away from your family?" and "Do you have any pets?"

Smith said the Weekly Reader, a monthly magazine aimed at students, should have Tyler's story posted on its Web site the day after the game, which will be played Feb. 1.

"It's a tremendous opportunity, and I am just upset I don't get to go," Smith said. "When most kids are watching Nickelodeon in the morning, he is watching the NFL network."

Reporter Jessica Balanza can be reached at (813) 865-1518.

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