‘Go, Spencer, go!’ Community unites to root for San Antonio’s Spencer Burford as he wins Super Bowl with 49ers

SAN ANTONIO — History was made Sunday as Spencer Burford of San Antonio became the first UTSA football alumnus to play in the Super Bowl. 

“This is something he’s wanted to do from the time he could pretty much walk and hold the ball,” said Neal Burford, Spencer’s uncle. “What he told me exactly was, uncle I’m going to the NFL, I’m going to buy a house for my mom and I’m going to win the Super Bowl.” 

The Kansas City Chiefs ultimately defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas 25-22 in overtime becoming the first team to win two consecutive Super Bowls in 19 years. 

A sea of red and gold packed Mt. Gilead Baptist Church as family and friends rooted for the 23-year-old offensive lineman whose roots run deep in the Alamo City.

“Kirby Middle School, Wagner High School, UTSA, 49ers,” Neal Burford said. “He did play drums in this church for us, he sung in the choir for us, he was a young usher, he grew up in this church.”

Win or lose, the spirit of support and fellowship was felt as some of Spencer’s biggest fans kept alive the positive vibes. 

Watch party-chants of “Go Spencer Go” accompanied the intense football finale as Spencer helped execute prominent plays early on in the game. 

Spencer’s mother, a teacher at Wagner High School where Spencer graduated from in 2018, cheered on her son in Las Vegas.

Anthony Dixon, pastor at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church was among the dozens of people at the watch party who’ve witnessed Spencer grow up into the man he is today. Dixon described him as a soft, giant gentleman. 

“The faith that he has, it all started at a very young age,” Dixon said. “I just want to say that we are so proud of Spencer the job that he is doing and the man that he has become. We’re loving every minute of what he’s doing and this is our way of saying ‘Go Spencer Go.”

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