Youngstown's connection to Super Bowl LVII comes in the way of Donald D'Alesio.

The Cardinal Mooney & Youngstown State graduate is in his second season with Kansas City and first as their safeties coach.

"Starting at Mooney knowing that championships were the ultimate goal and then going to Youngstown State , both as a player and coach, all those experiences has helped me get where I am today," said D'Alesio prior to the Chiefs leaving for Arizona.

He was a player at YSU (2010-2014) and assistant coach (2016-19) before going to LSU for a season & then to Kansas City.

"We put in a lot of hours starting at 5:30 am," said a chuckling D'Alesio.  "This is what we work for, practicing and playing in February is the ultimate goal .

D' Alesio expects to have some family and friends in Arizona to watch the game and take it all in. "The NFL does a great job of that balance as far as family coming in and they allot some time for us to enjoy our families and the moment."

He knows through all of the hoopla & hype a game has to be played.

"I'm very blessed to be here and I know plenty of coaches and players that have been around a long time , that have never gotten here, and here I am, so I'm extremely blessed and excited to be here."

Kickoff for Super Bowl LVII between the Chiefs & Eagles is Sunday at 6:30 pm.