Special honor sends local student to Super Bowl for a chance to bring home national award

PAINESVILLE (WJW) -- For Edson Pacheco, football isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The Harvey High School senior embodies the sport as if he was born on the gridiron. But on this particular day, Edson isn’t on the field; he’s commanding attention at marching band practice, trumpet in hand.

Yes, this standout offensive lineman is also a talented musician, balancing the demands of football and band with ease.

“You can be connected fundamentally to other people through the efforts you do every day,” Edson says. “It’s just something I wanted to do.”

Unlike many young athletes who grow up dreaming of touchdowns, Edson’s love for football began just four years ago. His spark was ignited unexpectedly while watching an NFL playoff game.

“The first game that got me into it was the divisional round, Browns versus Chiefs,” Edson recalls. “That’s the first game I really sat down and watched.”

It was love at first sight.

By the summer after his freshman year, Edson joined the Harvey Red Raiders football team. The decision came as a surprise to his parents, immigrants from Mexico and devoted soccer fans.

“You go to your dad and say, ‘I’m not going to play soccer, I’m going to play football,’” Edson laughs. “The first time he heard me say it, he was like, ‘Hmm?’”

But as his father witnessed Edson’s commitment to fútbol americano, he quickly became his son’s biggest supporter.

“As soon as he saw I was serious about it, he was all for it,” Edson says.

Edson’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. In October, during a Harvey football practice, the Cleveland Browns surprised him with a life-changing announcement: Edson had been named their nominee for the NFL Latino Youth Honors.

This recognition, awarded to just 64 students nationwide, includes a chance to win a scholarship and mentorship opportunities.

Edson will soon attend the Super Bowl, where the national winner will be announced during the big game.

“What would it mean to win that award?” he reflects. “Everything.”

For Edson, the journey is about more than accolades. Representing his Mexican heritage in a sport dominated by other cultures is a profound source of pride.

“Seeing Mexican flags on the back of players’ helmets brings pride to me,” he says. “It brings so many more people to the sport.”

Edson’s mother, who had been living in Mexico and hadn’t seen her son in six months, was flown in to witness his big moment—an emotional reunion that underscores the depth of his family’s support.

Whether or not Edson takes home the NFL Latino Youth Honors award, his story is a testament to the transformative power of sports and the pursuit of dreams.

From watching his first NFL game to earning recognition from the Cleveland Browns, Edson’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to dream big.

As he prepares to take the next step, the world will be watching this rising star from Painesville.

Best of luck, Edson—we’re all rooting for you!