ENGLAND, Ark. — As we inch closer to the Super Bowl, Chiefs and 49ers fans are getting more excited to cheer on their favorite teams and players.
Some of those players once called Arkansas home, and one is from England.
BJ Thompson got his start playing for the England Lions. After high school, he suited up for Baylor and Stephen F. Austin before playing professionally for the Kansas City Chiefs.
People in his hometown said they're celebrating this week as BJ Thompson and the Chiefs battle the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
"You just knew that he was going to go to the next level," England Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Josh Anderson said.
Anderson, who coached BJ Thompson in 2016, has always seen his exceptional talent.
"He was very long, athletic, physical [and] explosive off the ball," Anderson said. "That's just continued to grow as he's gotten older and moved up."
BJ Thompson graduated from England High School in 2017 and played college football at Baylor and Stephen F. Austin. Now, he's a defensive end for the AFC champion Chiefs.
Although BJ Thompson has made a career out of playing football, Anderson said it's not the only thing he can do.
"BJ was a multi-sport athlete," Anderson said. "He played football, basketball and ran track."
Brandon Thompson, BJ's dad, said he's always been a hard worker, and words can't describe his excitement.
"I'm so happy for him," Brandon Thompson said. "He's worked so hard to get to where he is now. Words can't describe how proud of him I am."
And as a dad, Brandon Thompson is soaking it all in as Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas inches closer.
"He's a great kid," Brandon Thompson said. "A little stubborn at times... a great person, good friend... just a good person overall. If he weren't my son, maybe I would be his friend."
As BJ Thompson gets ready to leave for Las Vegas, he has a message for everyone cheering him on.
"We thank everybody for the support," BJ Thompson said. "San Francisco has three players from Arkansas, so the state is kind of divided... it's going to be a good game."
For all the Taylor Swift fans wondering... yes, BJ Thompson has met the 14-time Grammy winner.
"I asked him," Brandon Thompson said. "I said, 'Have you met her?' I was like, 'Yes, she's cool too.'"
England High School will have a pep rally to celebrate BJ Thompson going to the big game at 3:00 p.m. on Feb. 9.
Coverage of Super Bowl LVIII from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas begins Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on THV11.