ATLANTA — When the Patriots and Rams take the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, the players and coaches will command the attention. But there are many people who have worked behind the scenes to help each team reach the Super Bowl.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Brandin Cooks understands this, and that’s why last week, before he and his teammates left California for Atlanta, he put the wheels in motion for one of those virtually anonymous members of the organization to be on hand for the game.
Through the Rams, Cooks arranged for day porter Alfonso Garcia and his son, Josh, to receive two tickets to the Super Bowl, as well as flight and hotel accommodations for the trip.
Cooks didn’t publicize the act of kindness, but fellow wide receiver Robert Woods shared the news with reporters when asked about what Cooks has meant to the Rams on and off the field after joining the team via a trade from New England last offseason.
“I walked by and just happened to see that encounter,” Woods said. “That’s the type of teammate he is, and a leader.”
Asked a short time later about the push for Garcia and his son to attend, Cooks said, “Oh, man, Alfonso – the guy is special, man. He keeps our locker room in tip-top shape. He has such a special soul. Someone that I found myself drawn to once I got there and I see him around the facility all the time. I just felt like it would be special for him to see that he is a part of this success as well, and I wanted him to be able to be at the Super Bowl with his son to enjoy that.”
